# Layers

A project is composed of an ordered list of layers. Layers are used to display data extracted from spatial data sources. Each layer is related to a specific spatial data source. Vector layers are related to vector data sources and display vector data while raster layers are related to raster data sources. The layer configuration determines the appearance of the data (style of the layer), the visibility thresholds, what information is associated with the spatial data (attributes), etc. Each layer has its own configuration parameters for labelling, reports, thematics, etc.

Layers are created in the project they belong to. Specific permissions can be configured for each layer. Thus, some layers can be accessed only by a subset of users authorized to open the project.

The layers of a project can be organized into a logical tree-like structure or hierarchy. This feature is useful to better organize information when working with projects that have a high number of layers. In client applications, users are able to control the visibility of the layers belonging to the same group in one click. Refer to the section [Organizing layers](/en2/administrator/jmap-server-administrator-manual/projects/configuring-projects/organizing-layers.md) for more information on this subject.

Layers can be copied from one project to another or even shared between various projects located on the same JMap Server or on separate JMap Servers. From the Kathmandu version, it is also possible to share layers from JMap with the cloud-based platform **JMap Cloud**, developed by K2 Geospatial. Refer to the section titled [Sharing Layers](/en2/administrator/jmap-server-administrator-manual/layers/sharing-layers.md) for more information on this topic.

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