Introduction to linked views

One of the main advantages of working with multiple views is to see spatially related content side by side. Your maps and scenes can be synchronized to work together via the use of view linking. This means that you can simultaneously use multiple maps to complete a GIS workflow. Multiple maps can include a mix of 2D and 3D or just multiple views of the same map.

Key points to know

When you enable view linking, all views in your display will automatically link (according to your chosen link option) to the currently highlighted, or active, view. This includes any newly opened views to the project even after linking has already been turned on. The linked state is denoted by the chain symbol overlapping each views icon.

The 3D view on the right, is linked with the active map view on the left as indicated by the chain link symbol.

Additionally, it is important to be aware of the following list of expected link behavior:

• Layer visibility is always synchronized when viewing the same map across multiple views.
• Selected features will be shown as selected for all views of the same map regardless of the link state. If you have different maps that contain the same data then the selection will only be displayed in the view the selection was made, even if the views are linked.

Link options

The different spatial linking options include:

Spatial linking: Center

• Each view is centered on the same location. In 3D, this would mean the same height is maintained in the views.
• Works best when having the same map open at different scales or the same scene open with different view directions. For example, north facing and west facing views of a 3D building.
• This is the default mode for spatial view linking.

Spatial linking: Center and Scale

• Each open view is centered on the same location, with the same rotation angle and the same scale.
• Works best with maps or scenes that contain different content. For example, an electrical map and a water pipeline map.

Enable linking and saving the link state

You enable view linking from the View tab by clicking the Link Views drop-down menu. When enabled, the control is highlighted and the icon reflects the current linking mode—Center, or Center and Scale.

The view linking's state is saved with the project, so when you reopen the project, it will continue working as before.

Choose the link option from the drop-down menu.

Linking is enabled when icon is highlighted.