A proof-of concept prototype of an interface for the browsing of vector layers.
Layers are represented as stacked transparent slides. Each slide can be in one of three different position: on the leftmost layer, on the central one, or on the rightmost one. Only the first two stacks actually display their content, while the third one is used as a place to hold hidden layers. Layers can be dragged from each stack to the adjacent ones.
This type of interaction, similar to the behavior of an accordion widget, should let users compare layers by both superimposition and justaxposition in a (hopefully) natural way, reminiscent of physical transparent slides. It should also play well with touch-enabled devices.
One possible shortcoming could be the inability to rearrange the order of layers. It could also be solvable by implementing a drag-to-reorder behavior.