How to make layer only visible over certain shape layers?

[PastaRhymes]

Hi there,

I'm creating a range map with 2 overlays that are supposed to be only visible over certain layers, in this case states. How do I make the invisible over areas that are not US states? Thanks in advance!

 

[nishu_kush]

Hi PastaRhymes,

Thanks for writing in.

Have you considered using Track Matt? It'll work pretty well if you have the map layers separated. Here's an example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgbXGqYMxq4&ab_channel=BOLT

Let us know if it helps.

Thanks,

Nishu

[PastaRhymes]

Hi Nishu,

thank you so much for your help.

Yes, that would work with an alpha inverted mask if the the states were all on one layer but I can only put one state underneath the range map.

[PastaRhymes]

Another problem is that I have 2 range map overlays. A 1-day and a 2-day drive time overlay.

[Andrew Yoole]

If all your states are seperate layers, duplicate whichever states you need in the Track Matte, then precompose all the duplicate layers.  Use the precomp as your Track Matte.

If your states are all on one layer, duplicate the layer, mask out the states you want in the matte, then use that layer as your Track Matte.

[Mylenium]

As @Andrew Yoole already wrote, you need to work with duplicate layers and pre-comps. Trying to do everything in a single sweep rarely ever yields the results you want.

Mylenium

[PastaRhymes]

Thank you all. When I try to precompose all the states, they disappear and the composition turns black. Any idea as to why that is?

Sorry, I'm an absolute beginner in AE.

[PastaRhymes]

I should mention I'm using GeoLayers for this and get an expression error when precomposing.

//GEOlayers 3 expression
var shapeAnchorName = "World Mapcomp Anchor";var val = 100/thisComp.layer(shapeAnchorName).transform.scale[1]*value*0.15349902212887;val