Introduction to Maps

A guide through the basics of the SPARC Portal Maps interface

In this guide we will step you through the basics of the Maps interface:

Let’s start by looking at the controls available.

Controls

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Maps interface controls

A. The dropdown in the top left corner displays the name of the currently viewed map/scaffold. If more than one view has been loaded then you can use the dropdown to change what is displayed. To find out more about working with different views see the “Working with multiple views in Maps” tutorial.

B. This dropdown allows you to change the Species on the default “MultiFlatmap.” When viewing other maps/scaffolds this dropdown will not appear.

C. The controls in this area allow you to choose what is displayed in the main view. Depending on the type of map/scaffold displayed this could be either Pathways or Regions. By using the tick boxes, parts of the map will be hidden allowing you to view other areas that may be obscured. If desired, this section can be collapsed using the chevron icon on the side. Also there is an option to change the background color to allow for easier viewing of maps and scaffolds that are in different colors.

D. There are four controls in the top right hand corner:

  • Split Screen - Allows you to view maps and scaffolds next to each other. This button is only enabled when more than one map/scaffold has been loaded. To find out more about working with different views see the “Working with multiple views in Maps” tutorial.
  • Help - Allows you to show all the tooltips relating to controls at the same time
  • Full Screen - Allows you to toggle between a Full Screen view and a browser window view
  • Permalink - Allows you to create a link that retains the state of your current working environment. This includes which maps/scaffolds are open and any display settings.

E. The overview panel shows you where in relation to the full view of the current map/scaffold. As you zoom in and out, a blue box will appear in the overview panel showing you how much of the map/scaffold is currently being displayed. NOTE: This control is not available on all maps/scaffolds.

F. The chevron on the right hand side of the screen allows the maps sidebar to be viewed. The sidebar allows you to find datasets, maps, and scaffolds. To find out more about working with the sidebar see the “How to use the sidebar in Maps” tutorial.

G. These controls allow you to control the zoom level of the map. You can zoom in and out and also select to fit all of the current map/scaffold into the current display window.

Interacting with the display

There are many ways that you can change the level of zoom on the main display. You can:

  • Use the zoom buttons in the bottom right corner (See G)
  • Use your mouse or trackpad to perform a pinch or spread gesture
  • Use your mouse or trackpad to perform a double finger drag

If you are viewing a 2D map then performing a single click drag will allow you to move the position of the map. If you are viewing a 3D scaffold then performing a single click drag will allow you to rotate the view.

When working with the multiflatmap there are different ways to interact with the anatomical structure.

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Maps interface - select an organ

Clicking on an anatomical structure other than marker point will select the anatomical structure. This may be the whole of the structure, or if the structure has been split into subparts then it will select the specific part of the structure. In the example above you can see that the lung has been selected and the whole organ has been highlighted.

Clicking on the marker for an anatomical structure will highlight the whole of the anatomical structure, as well as opening the sidebar with a filter automatically applied. To find out more about working with the sidebar see the “How to use the sidebar in Maps” tutorial.