New Feature: Add Custom Map Layers to Your Property
Use custom overlays in FutureLot to view surveys, site plans, septic layouts, and grading plans on the lot and ask better questions during early planning.
FutureLot now lets you upload your own maps and drawings directly onto a property. Whether you're working with a survey, septic plan, grading plan, or other site drawing, you can overlay it on the map to see how existing conditions relate to your proposed project.
This makes it easier to evaluate potential constraints, test different layouts, and share your plans with homeowners and other professionals.
How to Add a Custom Layer
- Upload your drawing. Open the Layers panel, select Add Custom Layers, and upload your image or PDF.
- Edit the image. You can crop it, remove the background (useful for eliminating white space from a survey), and give the layer a name.
- Align it with the property. Move, rotate, and resize the drawing to match the map. We recommend using satellite or HD aerial imagery to help with alignment. You can also use Snap Points for more precise positioning.
- Adjust the display. Change the layer's opacity to see the underlying map, or turn the layer on and off as needed.
- Make changes anytime. Return to the Layers panel to rename the layer, adjust its placement, edit or replace the image, or delete it.
Using Your Custom Layers
Once your drawing is aligned, you can use FutureLot's design tools to test how a proposed ADU, home addition, swimming pool, or other project fits alongside existing site features.
For example, you can overlay a septic plan to see where the system is located relative to a proposed addition, or use a survey to check whether the lot boundaries in FutureLot are accurate.
If the lot boundaries need correction, go to Edit > Edit Lot Borders to adjust them based on the survey. This is separate from positioning the overlay. FutureLot will then use your corrected lot boundaries for measurements and setback calculations.
You can also include your custom layers in generated site plans, making it easier to share your proposed project alongside the reference drawings.
Watch the Custom Layers Tutorial to see the feature in action.