--- title: Understanding Layers and Modes description: Podaris provides powerful tools for parametric modelling of infrastructure systems. --- [Skip to content](https://support.podaris.com/understanding-layers#main-content) English Show submenu for translations ![podaris\_logo\_png.png\]](https://support.podaris.com/hs-fs/hubfs/podaris_logo_png.png?height=50&name=podaris_logo_png.png) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - [Go to podaris.com](https://podaris.com/) [Go to podaris.com](https://podaris.com/) Podaris Support Centre - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help Center](https://support.podaris.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Welcome](https://support.podaris.com/welcome?hsLang=en) 3. [Key Concepts](https://support.podaris.com/welcome?hsLang=en#key-concepts) # Understanding Layers and Modes ## Podaris provides powerful tools for parametric modelling of infrastructure systems. All drawing is done on a [Layer](https://support.podaris.com/layers-panel?hsLang=en), and every layer has a [mode](https://support.podaris.com/layertypes?hsLang=en) that defines its physical and operational characteristics. Different modes will generate different curve radii, right-of-way footprints, velocities and accelerations, etc. Currently-available modes include: - [Bus](https://support.podaris.com/bus?hsLang=en) - [Cycle path](https://support.podaris.com/cycle-path?hsLang=en) - [Hyperloop](https://support.podaris.com/hyperloop?hsLang=en) - [Metro](https://support.podaris.com/metro-rail?hsLang=en) - [PRT](https://support.podaris.com/personal-rapid-transit?hsLang=en) (Personal Rapid Transit) - [Rail](https://support.podaris.com/rail?hsLang=en) - [Tram](https://support.podaris.com/tram?hsLang=en) To represent different phases or scenarios within a project, layers can be hidden or made visible.   - [Welcome](https://support.podaris.com/welcome?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Introduction](https://support.podaris.com/welcome?hsLang=en#introduction) - [Getting Started](https://support.podaris.com/welcome?hsLang=en#getting-started) - [Key Concepts](https://support.podaris.com/welcome?hsLang=en#key-concepts) - 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