Layers and Viewports

Layers and viewports let add-ons show their own information inside Tacview.

A viewport is a view inside Tacview, such as a 3D view or an analysis view.

A layer is add-on content displayed inside a viewport. It can show controls, draw text and graphics, and react to the user.

Use this section when your add-on needs its own view, chart, overlay, or analysis panel.

What layers are for

Layers are useful when an add-on needs to present information in a visual way.

For example, an add-on can use a layer to show a dogfight chart, draw a timeline, display labels, or offer tools related to the current telemetry.

Each layer can keep its own settings and data. This means the same add-on can be opened more than once, with each view showing something different.

Controls and drawing

There are two main ways to show content in a layer.

Use Tacview controls for normal interface elements: toolbars, buttons, labels, lists, and fields. Controls should usually be placed with layout functions, so Tacview can move and resize them automatically when the view changes.

Use drawing functions for custom visuals: charts, timelines, overlays, diagrams, and other graphics which are specific to your add-on.

Many add-ons use both. A layer can have a toolbar at the top and a custom chart below it.

Typical use cases

Layers and viewports are useful for add-ons that need to:

• show custom charts;

• draw telemetry overlays;

• build review and analysis tools;

• display add-on panels;

• keep separate settings for each open view;

• update custom visuals when telemetry or selection changes.

Relationship with other sections

Use User Interface for standard controls such as toolbars and buttons.

Use this section for creating and managing the views where add-ons display their content.

Use drawing functions when your add-on needs to draw its own text, shapes, charts, or overlays.