Each map layer has a set of properties associated with it. The properties define the characteristics of the selected layer. Using the Map Style Property Sheet you can customize the kind of map data selected (vector, raster, or elevation), define whether the map outline is shown or not, what colors are used to fill the terrestrial and marine areas, define the transparency level, and so on. The Map Style Property Sheet gives access to a number of editors that enable you to carry out these operations.

For example, for the Labeling property, a choice of label types is displayed that depends on the content of the data source. This enables you to display labels, for example, as the name of the country, or at a more detailed level such as the name of a street. You can change any property value at any time. The properties defined for each map layer constitute a layer style and each layer style contributes to the overall map theme.

Note that some properties are not displayed in the Map Style Property Sheet by default. To display all the properties you must select Options>Show Advanced Properties.

Sublayer Properties

When a sublayer is selected in the Map Layers pane, the Map Style Property Sheet displays the properties for that layer prefixed with either an Up Arrow or a Right Arrow. The Up Arrow indicates that the sublayer property value is inherited from the parent layer and must be changed in the parent layer style sheet. The Right Arrow indicates that the property has its own, independent value that can be set at any time.

Inheritance is applied as follows: