Map Layers
You can use 'Map Layers' to add information to the map. As you add layers, grid squares are added to an Ordnance Survey map background to indicate various features.
Categories
Map layers are organised into various categories. Select a category to reveal a list of associated map layers. For example, clicking on 'Mining History' will allow you to see all of the layers with this theme, such as the 'Collieries Grid'.
Adding Map Layers
To add a layer to the map, click the 'Add' checkbox that appears next to your chosen layer. The grid will be added to the map to indicate your chosen features.
Please note that a maximum of two layers can be added to the map at any one time.
Removing Map Layers
To remove a layer from the map, simply uncheck the box next to your chosen map layer. This will remove the grid. To remove all layers click the
'Clear Map' tool, which is located in the toolbar below the map.
Searching
You can use the 'Search' function to find a specific location on the map. Simply choose a 'Type of Search' from the list, i.e. postcode, town, road number, or street and enter a
keyword before clicking the 'Search' button. For example, you could choose a 'Town' search and enter the keyword 'Durham'.
Search results which match your criteria will be presented as a clickable list of features. Simply click on the feature name to place it in the centre of the map. In some cases, where two features are similar, you will be asked to confirm the location which best suits your search: simply scroll through the list to find the feature which is most relevant to you. Again, clicking on a feature name will place it in the centre of the map.
If you have previously added layers to the map, the loaded layers will appear in the 'Type of Search' list. This function allows you to search an individual layer by keyword. For example, you may use this function to search the 'Collieries Grid' layer for features that include the keyword 'Spennymoor'.
My Nearest
Use the 'My Nearest' function to search for features that are near to a particular postcode, town or street.
Please Note: In order to use the 'my nearest' function, you must have added at least one layer to the map.
Searching loaded layers - Once map layers have been added to the map, the 'My Nearest' function will display 'loaded layers' as a list. Start by selecting one of the loaded layers in which you would like to find your nearest feature. Next, choose the 'type of search' you require, i.e. postcode, town or street. Finally, enter a keyword and click the 'Search' button. In some cases, where two locations are similar, you will be asked to confirm the location which best suits your search, simply click on the postcode, town or street name which is most relevant to you.
The results of the search will be displayed as a list of features. Click on the name of the feature which interests you, to place it in the centre of the map. The GIS will indicate the distance of the feature from the search criteria you have entered.
If you require further information about a particular feature, you need to select the 'Identify' tool and then click on the feature that is showing on the map. Click on the 'more info' link to take you back to the relevant information on the Record Office website, (where available).
My Layers
You can use the 'My Layers' function to show a 'key' or table of all loaded layers that you have selected from various categories.
Please Note: In order to use the 'My Layers' function, you must have added at least one layer to the map. Up to two loaded layers can be shown in 'My Layers' at any one time. The colour of the grid lines on the map correspond to those found in the table, so that you can identify which layer you are using. Loaded layers can be removed from the map by simply unchecking each box in the table. Removing layers in this way will cause the layer to disappear from the list.
