Introduction to map layer labels

You may want to turn on map layer labels for a variety of reasons. They can provide useful reference information while realigning territories. They are also quite useful when creating printed maps to be used for presentations and other purposes.

For most map layers, AlignStar gives you the option of labeling map objects with the object's code, name or any linked data variable.

As a general rule of thumb, map layers have a numeric code or identifier (code label) as well as a descriptive identifier (name label). Most code labels are not familiar; however, they are useful for other purposes such as matching or linking data. One example of a familiar code label is a 5-digit ZIP Code (e.g. "01801"). Luckily, most AlignStar map layers also have a more familiar name label that can be used for labeling map objects. Some map layers do not allow you to choose between codes and names such as the U.S. Detailed Roads or the U.S. Detailed Cities since the code labels are not familiar and are not required for data linking purposes.