Groups (Buildings) & Layers (Floors) — MapBoot Documentation¶

This page explains Groups & Layers in MapBoot and how they structure your maps for multi‑building, multi‑floor venues.

Overview¶

A map can contain one or more Groups; in most projects, each Group represents a building.
Each Group (building) contains one or more Layers, where each Layer corresponds to a floor.
Groups can also represent non‑building transition areas (e.g., Outside) used to connect buildings.

Terminology¶

Group — a top‑level entity inside a map. Typically a building, but can also be a transition area (Outside, Courtyard, Plaza).
Layer — a child of a Group; each Layer represents a floor of that building (or a logical layer of a transition area).

Structure¶

Text Only

Map
└── Group A (Building)
    ├── Layer 1 (First Floor)
    └── Layer 2 (Second Floor)
└── Group B (Building)
    ├── Layer 1 (First Floor)
    └── Layer 2 (Second Floor)
└── Group: Outside (Transition)
    └── Layer(s) for paths/courtyards/plazas

Groups have names. Use clear labels (e.g., “Main Library”, “Science Building”, “North Annex”).
Layers are floors. Add floors up to your plan’s limits.

Subscription Limits¶

The number of Layers (floors) per Group (building) and total Groups is controlled by your subscription.

Free plan (example): 1 map with 1 building and up to 2 floors.
Paid tiers allow more buildings and floors—see limits in your dashboard.

If you exceed limits, the editor prevents adding additional buildings/floors.

Transition Groups (Non‑building)¶

Use a transition Group (commonly named Outside) to model outdoor context and inter‑building connectivity:

Sidewalks, plazas, courtyards
Paths linking entrances between buildings
Any geometry that bridges Groups so A→B routing can cross buildings

Routing across a campus requires continuous connectivity. Transition Groups hold the geometry that bridges buildings, enabling multi‑building wayfinding.

Best Practices¶

Create one Group per building; name it clearly.
Keep each floor as its own Layer under that Group.
Add a dedicated Outside (Transition) Group for inter‑building paths.
Ensure paths intersect at entrances so routing can hop between Groups.
When tracing from blueprints, set scale and opacity per Layer before drawing corridors.

FAQs¶

Q: Can a map have multiple buildings?
Yes. Add a Group for each building. Connect them with paths in a transition Group.

Q: Do all Groups have to be buildings?
No. Use a transition Group (e.g., Outside) for outdoor pathways and shared spaces.

Q: How do limits work?
Your subscription controls the number of maps, Groups (buildings), and Layers (floors). The Free plan example: 1 map, 1 building, up to 2 floors.

Questions about structuring your site? Email contact@mapboot.com.