One key capability of enhanced rendering is the ability to apply translucency to a map layer so that the layer underneath is partially visible. This feature can be a very powerful analytical tool. For example, translucency on a ranged theme provides two levels of information in a single view-the distribution of data that matches some criteria, and the view below the ranged theme that offers a reference map to that data.
MapInfo Pro supports translucency for a wide variety of layer types, including vector objects, labels, themes, raster and grid images, and annotations (cosmetic layer and graphic objects added to layouts).
Translucency is controlled on a per layer basis. Each layer has its own translucency setting. Translucency for map layers and themes is set in Layer window using a slider control on the Layer Properties dialog. Translucency for labels is set in the Layer Properties dialog. All objects in the same layer are drawn at the same translucency level. Labels, themes and map objects in the same layer have independent translucency settings. You can have multiple translucent layers in a Map window, each with its own translucency value.
In order to use translucency in a Map or Layout window, you must enable enhanced rendering in the appropriate window's Options dialog. Enhanced rendering can also be set as a Style preference for new windows you create. For more information, see Setting your Style Preferences.
Keep in mind, when translucency is on (value > 0 percent), enhanced rendering is automatically enabled. However, the reverse is not true. If translucency is turned off (value = 0 percent), enhanced rendering will not be turned off. You can turn it off manually, if desired, by clearing the Enable Enhanced Rendering check box in the Options dialog.
Translucency is also available for the Cosmetic Layer. Set translucency for the Cosmetic Layer just like you would for another layer type, in Layers window's Layer Properties dialog box. The translucency setting will be applied to the entire Cosmetic Layer.
Translucent Raster and Grid Images
Images can be drawn translucently with or without enhanced rendering enabled. The advantage of using enhanced rendering is seen when a translucent raster or grid image is printed. Enhanced rendering enabled forces MapInfo Pro to print to offscreen bitmaps, which typically yields better looking results than if printed without enhanced rendering.
For raster images, there is no change to how you set translucency through the user interface or via MapBasic commands. Set the translucency in the Adjust Image Styles dialog box (On the HOME tab, in the Windows group, click Tool Windows, and click Layers from the list, to open the Layers window.; in the Layers window, double-click the layer name; in the Layer Properties dialog box, check the Style Override check box and click the Style button).
Raster display options can also be controlled on a per table basis so that the image will open using those particular settings by default. These are found on the TABLE tab, in the Maintenance group, by clicking Raster, and Adjust Image Styles.
For grid images, the translucency slider is an option in the Grid Appearance dialog. This dialog is reachable from the Styles button in the Create Thematic Map - Step 3 of 3 or the Modify Thematic Map dialog boxes.