Tier 0 — Informational

0 Blue · Information added about the subject

The photograph still represents the subject as it actually exists. The overlay is annotation, not modification.

Boundary Overlay

Property lines, parcel boundaries, easement markers, or other geographic boundary indicators drawn on aerial or site photography.

Focus Enhanced

Selective desaturation, vignetting, or dimming applied to areas outside the subject to direct visual attention. The subject itself is unaltered.

Annotated

Arrows, callouts, labels, measurements, dimension lines, or other explanatory markings added to the image.

Compass Added

Directional indicators, scale bars, or orientation markers added for geographic or spatial reference.

Tier 1 — Atmospheric

1 Green · Atmospheric and cosmetic edits

Edits that modify atmospheric conditions or cosmetic qualities of the scene without altering physical elements of the subject.

Sky Enhanced

Sky replacement, sky color substitution, or cloud manipulation.

Virtual Twilight

Conversion of daylight imagery to dusk, night, or golden-hour appearance.

Window Balanced

Window masking beyond standard exposure balance — interior and exterior lighting merged beyond sensor dynamic range.

Lawn Enhanced

Grass or vegetation color correction beyond standard saturation adjustment — seasonal conversion or browning-to-green.

Lighting Enhanced

Ambient lighting character altered — overcast to sunny, dramatic lighting added, etc.

Tier 2 — Additive

2 Amber · Elements added that weren't there

Edits that add elements not physically present in the photographed scene.

Virtually Staged

Furniture, decor, or accessories added to an unfurnished or differently-furnished space.

Virtual Landscaping

Plants, flowers, mulch, hardscape, or other landscape elements added.

Virtual Renovation

Finishes, paint, flooring, or fixtures digitally updated to show potential condition. Best accompanied by a "RENOVATION CONCEPT" label.

Decor Added

Smaller accent additions — artwork, textiles, or styling elements not rising to full staging.

Tier 3 — Subtractive

3 Red · Elements removed or substituted

Strongly discouraged. When used, disclosed with maximum prominence and accompanied by written acknowledgment from the commissioning party.

Element Removed

Infrastructure, neighboring structures, permanent features, or environmental elements edited out.

Defect Corrected

Damage, wear, stains, or condition issues digitally repaired.

Feature Substituted

Physical elements replaced with alternative elements not actually present.

Stacking order

Most serious on top. Least serious on the bottom.

When multiple edits apply to one image, each gets its own pill. The stack reads from most to least serious so the most consequential disclosure is encountered first.

Example stack
Defect Corrected Virtually Staged Sky Enhanced Focus Enhanced
Reading order
  1. Tier 3 (Red) — Subtractive or substitutive edits, top of stack
  2. Tier 2 (Amber) — Additive edits
  3. Tier 1 (Green) — Atmospheric and cosmetic edits
  4. Tier 0 (Blue) — Informational overlays, bottom of stack