PURPOSE: To attain the thoughtful graphic retrieval, display, operation and edit processing different from a conventional fixed and definite graphic management system in which setting of layers of the same graphic is implemented as a layer group for plural groups.

CONSTITUTION: A layer group setting means 1 sets plural layers as to the same graphic to a graphic management table together with graphic data based on the management unit of the graphic in each application system. A layer group management memory storage means 2 stores the graphic subjected to layer setting in a layer group management memory in the unit of layer groups. A layer group management memory retrieval means 3 extracts the graphic belonging to the relevant layer group from the layer group management memory through the designation in each application system. A display memory storage means 4 allocates the extracted graphic to the display memory. Thus, the graphic is displayed on a picture display device.