Create a Mask

The Masking tool allows you to focus on a specific map area by removing data from all the surrounding areas. Data will be shown only inside the masked area, and the rest will be grayed out. 

1. In the Change data menu, click the menu button menu button , and select Mask map data.
2. In the Masking tool panel, select the geography level you wish to use to create your mask.
3. You may also choose to include sub-geographies. These will show up as we zoom into the map. If none of the sub-geographies are checked, you will only see the geographies you selected.
4. In the popup next to the masking tool panel, click the selection tool you want to use and select the areas of interest.

Note: There are six selection tools available:  point selection,rectangle selection,circle selection, polygon selection, line selection, and layers selection tool. Learn more about using our selection toolbox.

     5. Click Done.

Tip: To edit your currently masked areas of interest, click the button in the upper-right corner of your screen, which allows you quick access to the masking tool. To remove a mask, click the X symbol next to the mask button.

Tip: To learn more about the masking tool, click here. This guide provides more information on our interactive map legend.