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VirtualGIS

O N - L I N E M A N U A L
Copyright  1982 - 1999 by ERDAS, Inc. All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of America.

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Copying and disclosure prohibited without express written permission from ERDAS, Inc.

ERDAS, Inc.
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Warning
All information in this document, as well as the software to which it pertains, is proprietary material of ERDAS, Inc., and is
subject to an ERDAS license and non-disclosure agreement. Neither the software nor the documentation may be reproduced in
any manner without the prior written permission of ERDAS, Inc.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Trademarks
ERDAS is a trade name of ERDAS, Inc. ERDAS and ERDAS IMAGINE are registered trademarks of ERDAS, Inc. Model
Maker, CellArray, ERDAS Field Guide, and ERDAS Tour Guides are trademarks of ERDAS, Inc. Other brands and product
names are trademarks of their respective owners.
VirtualGIS On-Line Manual

VirtualGIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

VirtualGIS Viewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Raster Options (from VirtualGIS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Vector Options (from VirtualGIS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Choose Vector Drape File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Choose New Vector Drape File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Choose Symbology (from VirtualGIS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Annotation Options (from VirtualGIS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Choose Existing Annotation Drape File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Choose New Annotation Drape File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Virtual World File Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

VirtualGIS Project File Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

DXF Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Image Model Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Import Model Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Save VRML . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

View to .IMG Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

VirtualGIS Quick View Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

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VirtualGIS On-Line Manual

Print (from VirtualGIS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Movie Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

VirtualGIS Image Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45


Moving an Inquire Cursor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Inquire Cursor Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Shape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

VirtualGIS Dashboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Inquire Color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Window Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

DEM Extent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

VirtualGIS Arrange Layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Layer Offsets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Viewer Blend/Fade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Scene Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Sun Positioning (from VirtualGIS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Sun Angle From Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Level Of Detail (from VirtualGIS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Position Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Position Recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

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Load Positions (from VirtualGIS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Load Flight Path As Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Save Positions (from VirtualGIS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Positions Scale/Color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Flight Path Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Load Flight Path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Load Positions As Flight Path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Save Flight Path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Flight Path Elevation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Flight Line Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Look Direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

HUD Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Band Combinations (from VirtualGIS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

VirtualGIS Vector Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Intervisibility Layer Plugin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Create Intervisibility Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Intervisibility Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

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VirtualGIS On-Line Manual

Generate Viewshed Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Import Coverage/ShapeFile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Observer Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Observer Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Display Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Lens Flare Layer Plugin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Model Layer Plugin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Create Model Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Model Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Import Model Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Model Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Model Display Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Model Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Water Layer Plugin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Create Water Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Fill Area Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Area Fill Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Water Display Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

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Water Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Water Elevation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Create Movie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Open or Create a Virtual World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Virtual World Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Change Map Info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

DEM Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

Set DEM Pixel Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

Set Raster Computed Pixel Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

Open Raster Options (from Virtual World Editor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

Editor Vector Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150

Vector Height Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

Annotation Options (from Virtual World Editor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153

Choose Symbology (from Virtual World Editor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

Vector Symbology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

Interpret Height Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

Virtual World Editor Sector View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157

Sector View Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

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Virtual World Arrange Layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

Viewshed Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162

Save Viewshed Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

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VirtualGIS

VirtualGIS
This dialog allows you to access features of VirtualGIS. This menu dialog is reached by clicking
the VirtualGIS icon (shown below) on the IMAGINE icon panel.

VirtualGIS Viewer... Select this option to open a VirtualGIS window for rendering DEMs,
raster overlays, and vector or/and annotation feature layers in 3D. A VirtualGIS window is
opened.

Virtual World Editor... Select this option to start the Virtual World Editor for building 3D
virtual worlds of DEMs, raster overlays, and vector or/and annotation feature layers. The
virtual world will display in the VirtualGIS window. The Virtual World Editor is opened.

Create Movie... Select this option to create a movie with a VirtualGIS project file. The
project file (.vwp) must contain a flight path file (.flt). The Create Movie dialog is opened.

Create Viewshed Layer... Select this option to set up the necessary parameters for
performing Viewshed analysis. You must have a DEM in an IMAGINE 2D Viewer to create a
Viewshed layer. The Viewshed dialog is opened.

Close Click to close the VirtualGIS menu.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.


➲ Read the ERDAS white paper Optimizing IMAGINE VirtualGIS Performance for tips on
how to get the most from your system. Also refer to the IMAGINE VirtualGIS Tour Guide for
step-by-step tutorials.

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VirtualGIS Viewer

VirtualGIS Viewer
A VirtualGIS window is started when you click the VirtualGIS Viewer... button on the VirtualGIS
menu dialog. This menu dialog is reached by clicking the VirtualGIS icon (shown below) on the
IMAGINE icon panel.

The VirtualGIS window is the screen for rendering 3-dimensional DEMs, raster overlays, and
vector and/or annotation feature layers. Most of the functions in VirtualGIS are available via the
VirtualGIS menu bar, across the top of the window. The menu bar is dynamic: some menu
options are always available, while others are only available when specific types of files are
displayed in VirtualGIS.

Many commonly used VirtualGIS functions are also accessible from the Quick View menu that
appears when you right-hold in a VirtualGIS window.

File This option is always present on the VirtualGIS menu bar.


New

VirtualGIS Select this option to start another VirtualGIS window.

Water Layer... Select this option to add a new water layer to your VirtualGIS scene.
The create water layer dialog opens for you to name the new layer.

You must give new water layers a name before the Water menu is added to the
VirtualGIS menu bar.

Intervisibility Layer... Select this option to add a new intervisibility layer to your
VirtualGIS scene. The Create Intervisibility Layer dialog opens for you to name the
new layer.
You must give new intervisibility layers a name before the Intervisibility menu is
added to the VirtualGIS menu bar.

Model Layer... Select this option to add a new model layer to your VirtualGIS scene.
The Create Model Layer dialog opens for you to name the new layer.

You must give new model layers a name before the 3D Models menu is added to the
VirtualGIS menu bar.

Open

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VirtualGIS Viewer

i Windows users can open files in VirtualGIS by dragging them from Windows Explorer to the
VirtualGIS window. A DEM must either already be displayed in VirtualGIS, or be the first file
you add to the scene in this manner.

DEM... Select this option to open a digital elevation model (DEM). The File Selector
dialog opens. Use the Raster Options tab to control how the DEM is rendered.

☞ A DEM must be opened before any overlay layers can be added. More than one DEM can be
used in a scene. The last elevation model loaded into VirtualGIS is the current DEM. Overlay
layers will be overlaid this DEM.

☞ When displaying multiple surfaces (elevation models) that overlap, the VirtualGIS Viewer
may display the two surfaces intersecting with one another. If this occurs, increase the
distance between the elevation values of the two images by modifying the values in one or
both images ina 2D ERDAS IMAGINE Viewer using raster editing tools, or the IMAGINE
Model Maker.

Raster Layer... Select this option to overlay a raster layer on the current DEM. The
File Selector dialog opens. Use the Raster Options tab to control how the layer is
rendered.

Vector Layer... Select this option to overlay a vector layer on the current DEM, top
raster layer, or annotation layer. The File Selector dialog opens. Use the Vector
Options tab to control how the coverage is displayed.

Annotation Layer... Select this option to overlay an annotation layer on the current
DEM, top raster layer, or vector layer. The File Selector dialog opens. Use the
Annotation Options tab to control how the layer is displayed.

i Annotation text may not display properly in the VirtualGIS Viewer if it contains underlines or
shadows.
Virtual World... Select this option to open a Virtual World file. The File Selector
dialog opens. Use the Options tab to control how to display the selected Virtual World.

VirtualGIS Project... Select this option to open a VirtualGIS Project file. The File
Selector dialog opens. Use the Options tab to control how to render the selected
Project file.

Intervisibility Layer... Select this option to open an existing .ivs file. The File
Selector dialog opens. Use the Intervisibility Options tab to clear all overlay layers
before display.

Model Layer... Select this option to open an existing .vml file. The File Selector
dialog opens. Use the Model Options tab to clear all overlay layers before display.

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VirtualGIS Viewer

Water Layer... Select this option to open an existing .fld file. The File Selector dialog
opens.

Lens Flare... Select this option to open an existing .len file. The File Selector dialog
opens. A default lens flare file is distributed with the Lens Flare plugin; however, it may
be modified using a simple text editor to achieve various effects. There are no menus
associated with the Lens Flare layer. After opening the .len file the images
representing the sun will be displayed at the current sun position. Use the View | Sun
Positioning... option to modify the location of the sun in the VirtualGIS scene.

Save

Top Layer Select to save the top layer displayed in the VirtualGIS Viewer.

☞ You cannot save annotation or vector layers with this option.


All Layers Select to save all the layers displayed in the VirtualGIS Viewer.
Top Layer As... Select to save the top intervisibility or model layer displayed in
VirtualGIS with a different name. The File Selector dialog opens.

Project... Select to save the VirtualGIS project currently rendered in the VirtualGIS
window.

Project As... Select to save the scene currently rendered in the VirtualGIS window
as a VirtualGIS Project file. The File Selector dialog opens. Simply enter the name of
the Project in the text field, and use the .vwp extension. You can also rename an
existing VirtualGIS Project file with this option.

VRML... Select to save the scene currently rendered in the VirtualGIS window as a
VRML (.wrl) file for viewing within an internet browser window. The Save VRML dialog
opens.

View to Image File... Select to save the scene currently rendered in VirtualGIS as an
.img file. The File Selector dialog opens. Use the View to IMG Options tab to select how
the file is stored.

Movie

Start Recording... Select this option to start recording a movie file. The Movie
Options dialog opens.

Stop Recording Select this option to stop recording a movie file.

Print... Select this option to print the contents of the VirtualGIS window to a file or
configured printer. The Print dialog opens.

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VirtualGIS Viewer

Close Top Layer Select this option to close the top layer of data rendered in VirtualGIS.
This will not remove a DEM.

Clear Scene Select this option to clear the VirtualGIS window of all data layers. DEMs
will also be removed, and the window will be empty.

Close VirtualGIS Select this option to close the VirtualGIS window.

Utility This option is always present on the VirtualGIS menu bar.


Inquire Cursor... Select this option to start the Inquire Cursor. It is placed in the center
of the window. The navigation mode will be set to Select. The Inquire Cursor dialog
opens.

Inquire Color... Select this option to change the color of the Inquire Cursor. The Inquire
Color dialog opens.

Inquire Home Select this option to position the Inquire Cursor to the center of the
VirtualGIS window.

Layer Info... Select this option to view information about the top layer displayed in
VirtualGIS. When the top layer is an .img file, the ImageInfo dialog opens. When the top
layer is a vector coverage, the VectorInfo dialog opens. When an annotation layer is the
top layer, the AnnotationInfo dialog opens.

HFA Info... Select this option to view the IMAGINE hierarchal data structure of the top
layer of .img data displayed in VirtualGIS. The Hierarchical File Viewer dialog opens.

View This option is always present on the VirtualGIS menu bar.


Update Display Select this option to update the scene displayed in VirtualGIS to full
resolution. The scene must be updated when using the On Demand Fallback mode for
navigation.

Set Window Size... Select this option to set the VirtualGIS window to a specific size. The
Window Size dialog opens.
DEM Extent... Select this option to set the parameters of the DEM image you want
displayed in your VirtualGIS scene. The Set DEM Extent dialog opens.

Arrange Layers... Select this option to arrange raster overlay layers and feature layers
over the current DEM independently. The VirtualGIS Arrange Layers dialog opens.

Layer Offsets... Select this option to vertically separate the layers displayed in
VirtualGIS. The Layer Offsets dialog opens.

5
VirtualGIS Viewer

Blend... Select this option to blend together the two top-most raster layers displayed in
VirtualGIS. The Blend/Fade dialog opens.

Scene Properties... Select this option to adjust or change various aspects of the scene
displayed in VirtualGIS. The Scene Properties dialog opens.

Sun Positioning... Select this option to reposition the angle of sunlight used in the scene
displayed in VirtualGIS. This allows shadows also to be cast in different angles. The Sun
Positioning dialog opens.

Headlight Click this checkbox to view all models present in your scene without the
shadows of sun shading. This option allows you to see the model from all angles, while
still using the sun position and shading angles when viewing the terrain.

Level of Detail Control... Select this option to adjust the level of detail used to render
the scene displayed in VirtualGIS. The resolution of individual layers can be adjusted
when displaying in single-resolution mode. The overall quality of an entire scene can be
adjusted when displaying in multi-resolution mode.

The Level of Detail dialog opens.

Fallback Mode Select the level of rendering a scene while in motion.

Off Select this option to fully render a scene using texture mapping in real-time
while navigating through it.

On Motion Select this option to display the scene as colored polygons while
navigating through it. The full scene is rendered when you come to a stop.

On Demand Select this option to display the scene as colored polygons. The full
scene is rendered when you update the display.

Fallback Quality Select the level of display when using the On Motion and On Demand
modes.

Wire Frame Select this option to render the entire scene with a line model.

☞ When using Wire Frame fallback quality in On Demand fallback mode, Target mode
navigation does not operate properly.

☞ When the elevation model is displayed as Wire Frame, the Target mode of navigation will not
work properly.

Solid Shaded Select this option to display only the terrain of the DEM in a single
color.

6
VirtualGIS Viewer

Shaded Color Select this option to use color shaded polygons with interpolated
shading. This quality will give the image a blurred appearance during flight.

Fit Scene to Window Select this option to reset the size of the scene displayed in
VirtualGIS so it is almost entirely visible within that window.

Create Overview Viewer Select this option to start an IMAGINE Viewer displaying in
two-dimensions the scene rendered in VirtualGIS. Select whether the Viewer is Linked or
Unlinked with the VirtualGIS window.

Link/Unlink Viewers Select this option to link or unlink VirtualGIS to an existing


IMAGINE Viewer.

Show Viewable Area in Viewer Select this option to show the field of view in a linked
IMAGINE Viewer that displays the ground area visible in VirtualGIS.

i When you select View | Show Viewable Area in Viewer in the 3D IMAGINE VirtualGIS
Viewer, the field of view displayed in the linked 2D IMAGINE Viewer may not display correctly
if the observer is not over the image.

Navigation This option is always present on the VirtualGIS menu bar.


☞ The cursor will not update properly when changing Navigation modes while using the Select
Intervisibility Point option. Turn off the Select Intervisibility Point option to regain the
correct cursor for the appropriate Navigation mode.

Position Editor... Select this option to view and adjust the current position of the
observer in a VirtualGIS scene. The Position Editor dialog opens.

Position Recorder... Select this option to save, retrieve, and/or move between multiple
observer positions. The Position Recorder dialog opens.

Flight Path Editor... Select this option to create or edit a flight path. The Flight Path
Editor opens.

Set Look Direction... Select this option to set a viewing direction that can be different
from your motion direction while moving through a scene in VirtualGIS. The Look
Direction dialog opens.

Navigation Mode Select how you want to move through the scene displayed in
VirtualGIS.

Position This mode of navigation allows you to adjust your viewing angle as well
as move forward or backward within a scene.

7
VirtualGIS Viewer

Under Windows use only the left mouse button to change viewing direction. Under
UNIX use the middle mouse. Under Windows press Control + the left mouse button
to move forward or backward.

Under UNIX to fly through a scene, use the Shift key with either mouse button.
Under Windows to fly forward, use the Shift key with the left mouse button; to fly
backward, press Shift + Control with the left mouse button. When using the Shift

key, you must click the icon in the tool bar to stop flight.

Target This mode of navigation allows you to pivot around a specific point using
your mouse.

To place this target point in your window, double-click the left mouse button on the
point you want to use as the target. The image will rotate so that point is in the
visible target marker that stays at the center of your VirtualGIS window.

Under Windows use only the left mouse button to rotate around the target. Under
UNIX use the middle mouse. Under Windows press Control + the left mouse button
to move closer toward or away from the target.

☞ When using Wire Frame fallback quality in On Demand fallback mode, Target mode
navigation does not operate properly.

☞ The color of the target marker displayed in the center of the VirtualGIS Viewer when in Target
mode can be changed using the HUD Properties dialog.

i When using the Eye/Target selector in the linked 2D Viewer to control movement in the Vir-
tualGIS Viewer, the target location may automatically change if the terrain intersects the line
between the eye point and the original target location.

i When linking the Image Drape or VirtualGIS Viewer to the IMAGINE Viewer, the IMAGINE
Viewer sometimes reduces the imagery to appear very small. This is done to preserve the
actual locations of the eye/target pair.

To restore the imagery to a viewable scale, move the target point over the imagery, then
press the default zoom button on the IMAGINE Viewer toolbar. Once the image is restored,
press the Fit Image to Window option in the IMAGINE Viewer to locate the eye/target pair.

Dashboard This mode of navigation allows you to use joystick buttons to control
viewing and flight direction. The Dashboard dialog opens.

Terrain This mode of navigation allows you to move along the terrain displayed in
VirtualGIS as though you were driving a car.

8
VirtualGIS Viewer

Under Windows use only the left mouse button to change viewing direction. Under
UNIX use the middle mouse. Under Windows press Control + the left mouse button
to move forward or backward. Under UNIX to fly forward or backward in a scene,
use the Shift key with either mouse button.Under Windows to fly forward, use the
Shift key with the left mouse button; to fly backward, press Shift + Control with the
left mouse button.

Selection This mode allows you to query raster, vector, and annotation layers by
selecting the arrow cursor. The Selection mode cursor is also used to move the
Inquire Cursor.

Heads-Up-Display Select this option to view the pitch and azimuth information of your
point of observation as you move through a scene in VirtualGIS.

The point of observation is indicated with an “X”, while the labeled ticks continuously
update pitch and azimuth.

i Before creating View to IMG files, be sure the Heads-Up-Display is turned off, and that you
are not in Target navigation mode because the target will be included in each frame.

HUD Properties... Select this option to adjust the data displayed when using Heads-Up-
Display. The HUD Properties dialog opens.

Raster This option is only available when a raster overlay layer is open in the VirtualGIS
Viewer.

Undo Select this option to undo raster contrast and filtering changes. Click multiple times
to undo a series of edits (back to the last saved version of the raster layer).

Band Combinations... Select this option to set the band combinations for the top-most
raster layer displayed in VirtualGIS. The Band Combinations dialog opens.
Attributes... Select this option to edit the attributes for the top-most pseudocolor raster
layer displayed in VirtualGIS. The Raster Attribute Editor dialog opens.

Toggle Pixel Transparency Select this option to enable and disable the rendering of
raster background transparency.

☞ The Toggle Pixel Transparency option does not apply to images displayed in color shaded
fallback mode.

Contrast These contrast options are applied to the top-most raster layer displayed in
VirtualGIS.

Histogram Equalize Select this option to equalize the histogram using 256 bins.

9
VirtualGIS Viewer

Standard Deviation Stretch Select this option to apply a standard deviation stretch
of 2 to the histogram.

General Contrast Adjustment... Select this option to edit the lookup tables for the
current raster layer. The Contrast Adjustment dialog opens.

Brightness/Contrast... Select this option to adjust the brightness and contrast of the
current raster layer. The Brightness/Contrast Tool dialog opens.

Piecewise Contrast... Select this option to adjust the brightness and contrast of a
specified range of the current raster layer. The Piecewise Contrast Tool dialog
opens.

Breakpoints... Select this option to view, edit, and rescale the histogram and lookup
table graphs for true color raster layers. The Breakpoint Editor opens.

Load Breakpoints... Select this option to load breakpoints from a file. The File
Selector dialog opens.

Save Breakpoints... Select this option to save breakpoints to a file. The File
Selector dialog opens.

Filtering These filtering options are applied to the top-most raster layer displayed in
VirtualGIS.

Smooth Select this option to apply a 3X3 low-pass filter to current raster layer.

Sharpen Select this option to apply a 3X3 edge-enhance filter to the current raster
layer.

Find Edges Select this option to apply a 3X3 edge-detect filter to the current raster
layer.

Convolution Filtering... Select this option to set the filter kernel for the current raster
layer. The Convolution dialog opens.

Vector This option is only available when a vector layer is open in the VirtualGIS Viewer.
Attributes... Select this option to view the attributes of the top-most vector coverage
displayed in VirtualGIS. The Vector Attribute Table dialog opens.

☞ These attributes cannot be edited in VirtualGIS.


Viewing Properties... Select this option to view or edit vector properties for the top-most
vector coverage displayed in VirtualGIS. The Properties dialog opens.
Symbology... Select this option to view and define vector symbology for the top-most
vector coverage displayed in VirtualGIS. The Symbology dialog opens.

10
VirtualGIS Viewer

View Selected Objects Select this option to move within sight of a selected vector object
in the top-most vector layer displayed in a VirtualGIS scene. To determine or change the
current vector layer, use the VirtualGIS Arrange Layers dialog.

The object can be selected in the VirtualGIS window or in the Vector Attributes CellArray.

Jump Select this option to move immediately within sight of the selected object.

Fly Select this option to fly through the scene until the selected object is within sight.

Move to Selected Objects Select this option to move toward a selected vector object in
the top-most vector layer displayed in a VirtualGIS scene. To determine or change the
current vector layer, use the VirtualGIS Arrange Layers dialog.

The object can be selected in the VirtualGIS window or in the Vector Attributes CellArray.
The proximity to the object is determined in the VirtualGIS preferences.

Jump Select this option to move immediately to the selected object.

Fly Select this option to fly through the scene to the selected object.

Annotation This option is only available when an annotation layer is open in the
VirtualGIS Viewer.

Attributes... Select this option to view the attributes of the top-most annotation layer
displayed in VirtualGIS. The Annotation Attributes dialog opens.

☞ These attributes cannot be edited in VirtualGIS.


View Selected Objects Select this option to move within sight of a selected annotation
object in the top-most annotation layer displayed in a VirtualGIS scene. To determine or
change the current annotation layer, use the VirtualGIS Arrange Layers dialog.

The object can be selected in the VirtualGIS window or in the Annotation Attributes
CellArray.
Jump Select this option to move immediately within sight of the selected object.

Fly Select this option to fly through the scene until the selected object is within sight.

Move to Selected Objects Select this option to move toward a selected annotation
object in the top-most annotation layer displayed in a VirtualGIS scene. To determine or
change the current annotation layer, use the VirtualGIS Arrange Layers dialog.

The object can be selected in the VirtualGIS window or in the Annotation Attributes
CellArray. The proximity to the object is determined in the VirtualGIS preferences.

Jump Select this option to move immediately to the selected object.

11
VirtualGIS Viewer

Fly Select this option to fly through the scene to the selected object.

Intervisibility This option is only available when an intervisibility layer is present in the
VirtualGIS Viewer.

Add Observer... Select this option to add a new observer to the intervisibility layer. The
Observer Properties dialog opens.

Place Observer... Select this option to place new observers on the terrain in a
VirtualGIS scene.

You may place as many observers as you want by clicking your left mouse button in the
scene. Once you have added the desired number of observers, click the OK button in the
Observer Placement Instructions dialog.

Import Observers... Select this option to use an ASCII file, an Arc coverage, or a
shapefile as observers for a VirtualGIS scene. The properties associated with the points
in these files are applied to the observers when displayed in VirtualGIS.

If using a shapefile or Arc coverage, the Import Coverage/Shapefile dialog opens. If


using an ASCII file, the Import Options dialog opens.

Create/Update View Select this option to create intervisibility domes over new
observers, or update the scene with other changes made to the Intervisibility layer. This
option is enabled once an observer has been added to the scene.

Observer Attributes... Select this option to view or edit the properties of all observers
present in the top-most intervisibility layer displayed in the VirtualGIS Viewer. The
Observer Attributes dialog opens. This option is enabled when an observer has been
added to the scene.

Observer Properties... Select this option to set the position and viewing parameters of
a selected observer. The Observer Properties dialog opens. This option is enabled only
when an observer is selected.

Display Styles... Select this option to change the appearance of selected observers and
their domes. The Display Styles dialog opens. This option is enabled only when an
observer is selected.

Drop To Ground Select this option to place all selected observers on the terrain of the
displayed VirtualGIS scene. This option is enabled only when an observer is selected.

i The observer’s location is determined by the coordinate position of its center; placing the
observer on the ground may cause the observer object to appear imbedded in the terrain.

12
VirtualGIS Viewer

View Selected Observer Select this option to move within sight of a selected observer
in the top-most intervisibility layer displayed in a VirtualGIS scene. To determine or
change the current intervisibility layer, use the VirtualGIS Arrange Layers dialog.

The observer can be selected in the VirtualGIS window or in the Observer Attributes
CellArray. This option is enabled only when an observer is selected.

Jump Select this option to move immediately within sight of the selected observer.

Fly Select this option to fly through the scene until the selected observer is within
sight.

Move to Selected Observer Select this option to move toward a selected observer in
the top-most intervisibility layer displayed in a VirtualGIS scene. To determine or change
the current intervisibility layer, use the VirtualGIS Arrange Layers dialog.

The observer can be selected in the VirtualGIS window or in the Observer Attributes
CellArray. The proximity to the object is determined in the VirtualGIS preferences. This
option is enabled only when an observer is selected.

Jump Select this option to move immediately to the selected observer.

Fly Select this option to fly through the scene to the selected observer.

Select Intervisibility Point Select this option to find the number observers that can view
any chosen point in a VirtualGIS scene. If within sight of the point, the observer and its
dome highlights.

☞ The cursor will not update properly when changing Navigation modes while using the Select
Intervisibility Point option. Turn off the Select Intervisibility Point option to regain the correct
cursor for the appropriate Navigation mode.

i Some graphics cards with inaccurate Z-buffering may not work well when selecting models
with the mouse cursor or when using the Select Intervisibility Point option.

Create 2D Viewshed... Select this option to create a viewshed thematic layer, using
intervisibility observers as viewshed observers. The Generate Viewshed Image dialog
opens.

Depending upon the number of observers, a single or multiple observer viewshed image
is created. This option is enabled only when the observers you want to use to create the
viewshed layer are selected.

Model This option is only available when a model layer is present in the VirtualGIS Viewer.
Import Model... Select this option to add a model to the displayed VirtualGIS scene.
The File Selector dialog opens.

13
VirtualGIS Viewer

Model Properties... Select this option to set the position parameters and size of a
selected model. The Model Properties dialog opens. This option is enabled only when a
model is selected.

Display Styles... Select this option to change the color and/or shading of selected
models. The Display Styles dialog opens. This option is enabled only when a model is
selected.

Model Attributes... Select this option to view or edit the properties of all models present
in the top-most 3D model layer displayed in the VirtualGIS Viewer. The Model Attributes
dialog opens. This option is enabled only when a model has been added to the scene.

Copy Model Select this option to make copies of a selected model. Once a model is
copied, it can be pasted multiple times. This option is enabled only when a model is
selected.

Paste Model Select this option to paste a copy of the selected model. The model will be
pasted partially on top of the originally imported model. This option is enabled only when
a model is selected.

Paste Model At... Select this option to paste a copy of the selected model in a specific
location in a VirtualGIS scene. Click in the desired location in the VirtualGIS scene to
place the copied model. This option is enabled only when a model is selected.

Drop To Ground Select this option to place all selected models on the terrain of the
displayed VirtualGIS scene. This option is enabled only when a model is selected.

View Selected Model Select this option to move within sight of a selected model in the
top-most model layer displayed in a VirtualGIS scene. To determine or change the current
model layer, use the VirtualGIS Arrange Layers dialog.

The model can be selected in the VirtualGIS window or in the Model Attributes CellArray.
This option is enabled only when a model is selected.

Jump Select this option to move immediately within sight of the selected model.

Fly Select this option to fly through the scene until the selected model is within sight.

Move to Selected Model Select this option to move toward a selected model in the top-
most model layer displayed in a VirtualGIS scene. To determine or change the current
model layer, use the VirtualGIS Arrange Layers dialog.

The model can be selected in the VirtualGIS window or in the Model Attributes CellArray.
The proximity to the object is determined in the VirtualGIS preferences. This option is
enabled only when a model is selected.

14
VirtualGIS Viewer

i Using the Collision Detection option may prevent you from moving to a selected model when
using the Model | Move to Selected Model option. You can disable Collision Detection in
the VirtualGIS category of the Preference Editor or on the Motion tab of the Scene Properties
dialog.

Jump Select this option to move immediately to the selected model.

Fly Select this option to fly through the scene to the selected model.

Delete Model Select this option to remove a selected model from your VirtualGIS scene
and the Model Attributes CellArray. This option is enabled only when a model is selected.

Water This option is only available when a Water layer is present in the VirtualGIS Viewer.
Fill Entire Scene Select this option to fill the entire scene with water at an elevation that
is specified in the Water Elevation Tool.

Water Elevation Tool... Select this option to set the elevation of the water surface when
the Fill Entire Scene option is set. This option is enabled only when the Fill Entire Scene
mode is on.

Display Styles... Select this option to change the color and surface properties of the
water surface displayed in the VirtualGIS scene.

Create Fill Areas... Select this option to create individual areas within the elevation
model that are flooded up to a specified elevation. This option is only available when the
Fill Entire Scene option is off.

Fill Attributes... Select this option to display the list of areas created using the Create
Fill Areas dialog. The user can change the display properties and view the surface area
and volume of each individual area.

View Selected Areas Select this option to move within sight of the selected areas
displayed in a VirtualGIS scene.

The area can be selected in the VirtualGIS window or in the Fill Attributes CellArray.

Jump Select this option to move immediately within sight of the selected area.

Fly Select this option to fly through the scene until the selected area is within sight.

Move to Selected Areas Select this option to move toward a selected area in the
displayed in a VirtualGIS scene.

The area can be selected in the VirtualGIS window or in the Fill Attributes CellArray.

Jump Select this option to move immediately to the selected area.

15
VirtualGIS Viewer

Fly Select this option to fly through the scene to the selected area.

Help This option is always present on the VirtualGIS menu bar.


Help for VirtualGIS Select this option to open this On-line Help document.

Click to open an elevation model, raster overlay, or feature layers. The File Selector
dialog opens.

Click to close the top-most raster overlay or feature layer displayed in VirtualGIS.

Click to view information about the top layer displayed in VirtualGIS. When the top layer
is an .img file, the ImageInfo dialog opens. When the top layer is a vector coverage, the
VectorInfo dialog opens. When an annotation layer is the top layer, the AnnotationInfo
dialog opens.

Click to save the scene currently rendered in the VirtualGIS window as a VirtualGIS
Project file. The File Selector dialog opens. Simply enter the name of the Project in the text
field, and use the .vwp extension.

Click to print the contents of the VirtualGIS window to a file or configured printer. The
Print dialog opens.

Click to clear the VirtualGIS window of all data layers. DEMs will also be removed, and
the window will be empty.

Click to reset the size of the scene displayed in VirtualGIS so it is entirely visible within
that window.

Click to update the scene displayed in VirtualGIS to full resolution. The scene must be
updated when using the On Demand Fallback mode for navigation.

16
VirtualGIS Viewer

Click to adjust or change various aspects of the scene displayed in VirtualGIS. The
Scene Properties dialog opens.

Click to start the Inquire Cursor. It will be placed in the center of the window. The
navigation mode will be set to Select. The Inquire Cursor dialog opens.

Click to start an IMAGINE Viewer displaying in two-dimensions the scene rendered in


VirtualGIS. The Viewer will not be linked with VirtualGIS.

Click to start recording to a movie file. The Movie Options dialog opens. Click again
to stop recording.

Click to stop your motion when navigating through a scene in Position, Target, or Terrain
mode.

Click to start your motion when navigating through a scene in Position, Target, or Terrain
mode.

Click to Set Navigation to Position mode. This mode of navigation allows you to
adjust your viewing angle as well as move forward or backward within a scene.

Under Windows use only the left mouse button to change viewing direction. Under UNIX use
the middle mouse. Under Windows press Control + the left mouse button to move forward or
backward.

Under UNIX to fly forward or backward in a scene, use the Shift key with either mouse button.

Under Windows to fly forward, use the Shift key with the left mouse button; to fly backward,
press Shift + Control with the left mouse button.

Click to Set Navigation to Target Mode. This mode of navigation allows you to pivot
around a specific point using your mouse.

To place this target point in your window, double-click the left mouse button on the point you
want to use as the target. The image rotates so that the point is in the visible target marker
that stays at the center of your VirtualGIS window.

17
VirtualGIS Viewer

Under Windows use only the left mouse button to rotate around the target. Under UNIX use
the middle mouse. Under Windows press Control + the left mouse button to move closer
toward or away from the target.

Click to Set Navigation to Dashboard Mode. This mode of navigation allows you to
use joystick buttons to control viewing and flight direction. The Dashboard dialog opens.

Click to Set Navigation to Terrain Mode. This mode of navigation allows you to move
along the terrain displayed in VirtualGIS as though you were driving a car.

Under Windows use only the left mouse button to change viewing direction. Under UNIX use
the middle mouse. Under Windows press Control + the left mouse button to move forward or
backward. Under UNIX to fly forward or backward in a scene, use the Shift key with either
mouse button. Under Windows to fly forward, use the Shift key with the left mouse button; to
fly backward, press Shift + Control with the left mouse button.

Click to Set Navigation to Selection Mode. This mode allows you to query raster,
vector, and annotation layers by selecting the arrow cursor. The Set Navigation to Selection
Mode cursor is also used to move the Inquire Cursor.

➲ The Inquire Cursor in a VirtualGIS viewer can only be moved with the mouse when you are
in Set Navigation to Selection Mode.

18
Raster Options (from VirtualGIS)

Raster Options (from VirtualGIS)


This tab allows you to control how raster data is displayed in the VirtualGIS window. It is reached
by selecting File | Open | DEM... or File | Open | Raster Layer... from the VirtualGIS menu bar.

It can also be reached when you click on the icon on the VirtualGIS toolbar and select
IMAGINE Image (*.img) from the File Type popup list in the File Selector dialog.

Raster Options
DEM Click this checkbox if you want to render a DEM into a scene. The options will
change to DEM options. This checkbox is automatically be activated if a DEM has not
already been loaded into VirtualGIS.
Band #: Allows you to select which band will be rendered in the VirtualGIS window.
This number can be changed in the number field or by using the increment nudgers to
the right of the field. The number cannot exceed the number of bands in the image.

Level of Detail (%): Allows you to select the resolution of the digital elevation model
rendered in the VirtualGIS window. The higher the level of detail, the slower the
rendering.

The percentage of resolution can be changed in the number field or by using the
increment nudgers to the right of the field.
Clear Display Click this checkbox to clear the VirtualGIS window of all images,
including other DEMs, before displaying the selected DEM.

Orient To Map Click this checkbox to resample the DEM when it is displayed in the
VirtualGIS window.

If the check box is not activated (gray), the image is displayed in the image's file coordinate
system with file coordinate 0, 0 at the upper left of the view. The X coordinate increases
from right to left; the Y coordinate increases from top to bottom of the view. Map
coordinates may still be read in the VirtualGIS status bar, or with the Inquire Cursor.

If the check box is activated, the image displays in the map coordinate system associated
with the image layers in the file. In this case, the map coordinate map-min-x, map-max-y
will be placed at the upper-left of the view. The X map coordinate increases from right to
left; the Y map coordinate decreases from top to bottom of the view. Map-min-x and map-
max-y are obtained from the map bounding box of the image. The pixel size selected for
viewing the image is specified in the MapInfo section of the ImageInfo dialog.

DEM Extent: This section allows you to subset the portion of the DEM you want to
display in VirtualGIS.

19
Raster Options (from VirtualGIS)

ULX: Allows you to enter the upper-left X coordinate of the area you want to display.
This position can also be adjusted using the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

ULY: Allows you to enter the upper-left Ycoordinate of the area you want to display.
This position can also be adjusted using the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

LRX: Allows you to enter the lower-right X coordinate of the area you want to display.
This position can also be adjusted using the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

LRY: Allows you to enter the lower-right Y coordinate of the area you want to display.
This position can also be adjusted using the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

Show Coordinates As: Click this popup list to select the coordinate type. Use either
Map or File.

From Inquire Box Click this button to use the coordinates displayed in the Inquire
Box dialog as the subset of your image. The DEM must be displayed in a 2D Viewer,
and subsetted with an Inquire Box to use this option.

Raster Overlay Click this checkbox if you want to render a raster layer over a DEM in a
scene. This checkbox is automatically be activated if a DEM has already been loaded into
VirtualGIS. The raster layer will be overlaid the DEM already displayed in VirtualGIS.

Display as: Click on the popup list to select True Color, Pseudo Color, or Gray
Scale as the type of raster overlay to display in VirtualGIS. The layer options will vary
according to your image choice.

True Color Select this option to display the raster overlay as a True Color layer.

The color to which each layer in the image corresponds is adjustable. This number
can be adjusted in the number field or using the increment nudgers to the right of
the field. The number used cannot exceed the number of layers in the image.

Red: Displays the which layer is used for the Red band in the raster overlay.

Green: Displays the which layer is used for the Green band in the raster overlay.

Blue: Displays the which layer is used for the Blue band in the raster overlay.

Pseudo Color Select this option to display the raster overlay as a Pseudo Color
layer.

Gray Scale Select this option to display the raster overlay as a Gray Scale layer.

Layer: Select which layer to display in the image. The number used cannot exceed
the number of layers in the image. This number can be adjusted in the number field or
using the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

20
Raster Options (from VirtualGIS)

Clear Overlays Click this checkbox to clear all raster overlays and feature layers from
the current DEM before displaying this raster overlay. The DEM will not be cleared from
the display.

No Stretch Click this checkbox if you do not want a standard deviation stretch used
in the raster overlay. A linear stretch will be used to display the image.

Background Transparent Click this checkbox if you do not want to display


background values in the image.

Level of Detail (%): Allows you to select the resolution of the raster overlay rendered
in the VirtualGIS window. The higher the level of detail, the slower the rendering.

The percentage of resolution can be changed in the number field or by using the
increment nudgers to the right of the field.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

21
Vector Options (from VirtualGIS)

Vector Options (from VirtualGIS)


This tab allows you to control how vector data is displayed in the VirtualGIS window. It is reached
by selecting File | Open | Vector Layer... from the VirtualGIS menu bar. It can also be opened

when you click the icon on the VirtualGIS toolbar and select Arc Coverage from the File
Type popup list.

i When opening a new vector layer, the file must be processed for use in VirtualGIS. This can
take several moments, but only the first time it is opened.

Vector Options
Drape Polygons/Arcs Click this radiobutton to drape the vector layer over the terrain
displayed in the VirtualGIS window. This option is useful for displaying roads or streams.
It will automatically deactivate the Extend Vertically radiobutton.

Compute a New Drape File Click this radio button to create a new drape file in the
directory where the vector layer already exists. If one does not already exist, this radio
button is automatically activated.

Use an Existing Drape File Click this radio button to use a drape file you have
already created. If one does not already exist in the directory where the selected vector
layer exists, the Choose Existing Vector Drape File dialog is opened.

Drape File: This displays the directory where your drape file will be created or already
exists.
Set Drape File... Click this button to change the directory where the drape file will be
built. The Choose New Vector Drape File dialog is opened.

Extend Vertically Click this radio button to display vectors as 3-dimensional lines or
polygons. This option is useful for displaying buildings and fences. It automatically
deactivates the Drape Polygons/Arcs radiobutton.

Arc Height Attribute: Click this popup list to select which attribute to use for the
height of the arcs in the vector coverage. If the selected coverage has no attributes,
none will be the only option in the list.

Polygon Height Attribute: Click this popup list to select which attribute to use for the
height of the polygons in the vector coverage. If the selected coverage has no
attributes, none will be the only option in the list.

Interpret Height As: Click this popup list to select how you want the height attribute
interpreted when displayed in your VirtualGIS scene.

22
Vector Options (from VirtualGIS)

Above Ground Level Select this option to interpret the height attribute as above the
ground level beneath each portion of the vector coverage.

AGL From Lowest Select this option to interpret the height attribute beneath the
vector coverage. The height is interpreted as the lowest elevation point beneath each
element of the vector coverage.

AGL From Highest Select this option to interpret the height attribute beneath the
vector coverage. The height is interpreted as the highest elevation point beneath each
element of the vector coverage.

AGL From Average Select this option to interpret the height attribute beneath the
vector coverage. The height is interpreted as the average elevation height beneath
each element of the vector coverage.

Above Sea Level Select this option to interpret the height attribute as above sea
level.

Use Symbology Click this checkbox to use Symbology files. Turning it on enables the
Symbology options below.

Symbology File: Displays the name of the symbology file associated with the vector
coverage. This file will have an .evs extension.

Set Symbology Click to select the symbology file to use with the vector coverage.
The Choose Symbology dialog is opened.

Clear Overlays Click to clear all raster overlays and feature layers before displaying this
vector layer. The DEM will remain in the VirtualGIS window.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

23
Choose Vector Drape File

Choose Vector Drape File


This dialog allows you to select a vector drape file that has already been created for display in
VirtualGIS. It is opened when you activate the Use Existing Drape File radio button on the
Vector Options tab of the Select Layer to Add File Selector dialog.

i Rendering extremely large vector coverages (e.g., ~400,000 segments) in draped mode may
not function without a large amount of swap-space.

i Rendering extremely large vector coverages (i.e., ~400,000 segments) in extended vertically
mode may take a long time to display.

Vector Drape File: Enter the name of the existing vector drape file to use for the vector

layer. Click the icon to open a new File Selector dialog.

OK Click to confirm file selection and close the Choose Vector Drape File dialog.

Cancel Click to cancel file selection and close the Choose Vector Drape File dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

24
Choose New Vector Drape File

Choose New Vector Drape File


This dialog allows you to select the directory for building a new vector drape file for display in
VirtualGIS. It is opened when you click the Set Drape File... button on the Vector Options tab
of the Select Layer to Add File Selector dialog.

i Rendering extremely large vector coverages (e.g., ~400,000 segments) in draped mode may
not function without a large amount of swap-space.

i Rendering extremely large vector coverages (e.g., ~400,000 segments) in extended verti-
cally mode may take a long time to diaplay.

Vector Drape File: Enter the name of the drape file to use for the vector layer. Click the

icon to open a new File Selector dialog.

OK Click to confirm file selection and close the Choose Vector Drape File dialog.

Cancel Click to cancel file selection and close the Choose Vector Drape File dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

25
Choose Symbology (from VirtualGIS)

Choose Symbology (from VirtualGIS)


This dialog allows you to select the symbology file to use when adding a vector layer to a
VirtualGIS scene. It is opened when you click the Set Symbology button on the Vector Options
tab of the File Selector.

☞ The symbology of lines in vector layers is limited to solid colors. If the symbology is set in the
IMAGINE Viewer to more than a single color, then only the interior color of the line is used for
displaying in VirtualGIS.

Vector Layer: Enter the name of the symbology file you want to use, or click the icon.
The File Selector dialog is opened.

OK Click to close the Choose Symbology dialog after selecting a symbology file.

Cancel Click to close the Choose Symbology dialog without selecting a symbology file.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

26
Annotation Options (from VirtualGIS)

Annotation Options (from VirtualGIS)


This tab allows you to control how annotation data is displayed in the VirtualGIS window. It is
reached by selecting File | Open | Annotation Layer... from the VirtualGIS menu bar. It can

also be opened when you click on the icon in the VirtualGIS toolbar and select Annotation
from the File Type popup list in the File Selector dialog.

Annotation Options
Drape Polygons/Polylines Click this radiobutton to drape the annotation layer over the
terrain displayed in the VirtualGIS window. This option is useful for displaying roads or
streams. It will automatically deactivate the Extend Vertically radiobutton.
Compute a New Drape File Click this radio button to create a new drape file in the
directory where the annotation (.ovr) layer already exists. If one does not already exist,
this radio button is automatically activated.

Use an Existing Drape File Click this radio button to use a drape file you have
already created. If one does not already exist in the directory where the selected
annotation (.ovr) layer exists, the Choose Existing Annotation Drape File dialog is
opened.

Drape File: This displays the directory where your drape file will be created or already
exists.

Set Drape File... Click this button to change the directory where the drape file will be
built. The Choose New Annotation Drape File dialog is opened.

Extend Vertically Click this radiobutton to display annotation as 3-dimensional polygons


or polylines. This option is useful for displaying buildings and fences. It automatically
deactivates the Drape Polygons/Polylines radiobutton. The Annotation Attributes dialog
defines the elevation for each element of the layer in the Description column of the
CellArray.

Interpret Height As: Click this popup list to select how you want the height attribute
interpreted when annotation displays in your VirtualGIS scene. This option is not available
for symbols or text.

Above Ground Level Select this option to interpret the height attribute as above the
ground level beneath each portion of the annotation coverage.

AGL From Lowest Select this option to interpret the height attribute beneath the
annotation layer. The height is interpreted as the lowest elevation point beneath each
element of the annotation layer.

27
Annotation Options (from VirtualGIS)

AGL From Highest Select this option to interpret the height attribute beneath the
annotation layer. The height is interpreted as the highest elevation point beneath each
element of the annotation layer.

AGL From Average Select this option to interpret the height attribute beneath the
annotation layer. The height is interpreted as the average elevation height beneath
each element of the annotation layer.

Above Sea Level Select this option to interpret the height attribute as above sea
level.

Clear Overlays Click this checkbox to clear all feature layers before displaying the
annotation layer.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

28
Choose Existing Annotation Drape File

Choose Existing Annotation Drape File


This dialog allows you to select an annotation drape file that has already been created for display
in VirtualGIS. It is opened when you activate the Use Existing Drape File radio button on the
Annotation Options tab in the Select Layer to Add File Selector dialog.

Annotation Drape File: Enter the name of the existing annotation drape file to use for

the annotation layer. Click the icon to open a new File Selector dialog.

OK Click to confirm file selection and close the Choose Annotation Drape File dialog.

Cancel Click to cancel file selection and close the Choose Annotation Drape File dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

29
Choose New Annotation Drape File

Choose New Annotation Drape File


This dialog allows you to select the directory for building a new annotation drape file to display
in VirtualGIS. It is opened when you click the Set Drape File... button on the Annotation
Options tab in the Select Layer to Add File Selector dialog.

Annotation Drape File: Enter the name of the drape file to use for the annotation layer.

Click the icon to open a new File Selector dialog.

OK Click to confirm file selection and close the Choose Annotation Drape File dialog.

Cancel Click to cancel file selection and close the Choose Annotation Drape File dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

30
Virtual World File Options

Virtual World File Options


This tab allows you to select which raster overlays and feature layers from a Virtual World to
display in the VirtualGIS window. It is reached by selecting File | Open | Virtual World... from

the VirtualGIS menu bar, or clicking the icon and selecting Virtual World (*vwf) from the
File Type popup list in the File Selector dialog.

i All DEMs in the selected Virtual World will be displayed.

Options
Display Raster Layers Click this checkbox to overlay the raster layers from the Virtual
World file on the DEM(s). The default is on.

Display Vector Layers Click this checkbox to render the vector coverages from the
Virtual World file on the DEM(s). The default is on.

Display Annotation Layers Click this checkbox to display the annotation layers from the
Virtual World file on the DEM(s). The default is on.

Clear Display Click to clear the current display in the VirtualGIS window before
displaying the selected Virtual World. The default is off.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

31
VirtualGIS Project File Options

VirtualGIS Project File Options


This tab contains options for displaying a VirtualGIS Project File in the VirtualGIS window. It is
reached by selecting File | Open | VirtualGIS Project... from the VirtualGIS menu bar or by

clicking the icon in the VirtualGIS toolbar, and selecting VirtualGIS Project from the File
Type popup list in the File Selector dialog.

Options
Clear Display Click to clear all layers, including DEM(s), from the VirtualGIS window
before rendering the selected VirtualGIS Project file.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

32
DXF Options

DXF Options
This tab contains options for importing a DXF model into a VirtualGIS scene. It is reached by
selecting Model | Import Model... from the VirtualGIS menu bar, then selecting 3D DXF (*.dxf)
from the File Type: popup list in the File Selector dialog.

Options
Position Model Using: Select how to place the model in the VirtualGIS scene.

ModelsGeographicCoordinates Click this checkbox to place the model according


to its geographic coordinates.

☞ Most models do not have geographic coordinates associated with them. If your model has no
geographic coordinates, VirtualGIS will place the model in front of your current viewing
position.

Current Viewing Position Click this checkbox to place the model immediately in
front of your viewing position.

Load Models As: Select how to import the entire model into the VirtualGIS scene.

Group Click this checkbox to import all pieces of the model as one entity. This option
is recommended if your model consists of various parts placed together, or if you do
not know how your model has been constructed.

Separate Objects Click this checkbox to import all pieces of the model as separate
entities. Selecting this option makes each part of your model an individual, editable,
movable model.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

33
Image Model Options

Image Model Options


This tab contains options for importing a raster image to display as a model into a VirtualGIS
scene. It is reached by selecting Model | Import Model... from the VirtualGIS menu bar, then
selecting any of the raster image options from the File Type: popup list in the File Selector
dialog.

Options
Display as: Click this popup list to select how to display the image as a model in
VirtualGIS.

True Color Select this option to display the raster overlay as a True Color layer.

The color to which each layer in the image corresponds is adjustable. This number can
be adjusted in the number field or using the increment nudgers to the right of the field.
The number used cannot exceed the number of layers in the image.

Red: Displays the which layer is used for the Red band in the raster overlay.

Green: Displays the which layer is used for the Green band in the raster overlay.

Blue: Displays the which layer is used for the Blue band in the raster overlay.

Gray Scale Select this option to display the raster overlay as a Gray Scale layer.

Layer: Select which layer to display in the image. The number used cannot
exceed the number of layers in the image. This number can be adjusted in the
number field or using the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

Background Transparent Click this checkbox if you do not want to display the
background values of the image in VirtualGIS.

Billboard: BillBoard Image when displaying it in the 3D Scene.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

34
Import Model Options

Import Model Options


This tab allows you to control how a model is imported into a VirtualGIS scene. It is reached by
selecting Model | Import Model... from the VirtualGIS menu bar, or select Edit | Import Model...
from the Model Attributes menu bar.

Options
Position Model Using: Select how you want to place the model when it is first imported
into the VirtualGIS scene.

ModelsGeographicCoordinates' Click this radio button to use the geographic


coordinates associated with the model. If your model has no coordinates, the model is
placed in front of your current viewing position.

Current Viewing Position Click this radio button to place the model in front of your
current viewing position. The model will appear in the center of the VirtualGIS window.

Load Models As: Select how you want the model loaded into VirtualGIS.

Group Click this radiobutton to import all pieces of the model as one piece. Some
models are actually several small models placed together. This option allows you to
keep them in one piece while using them in your VirtualGIS scene.

Separate Objects Click this radio button to import all pieces of the model as
separate models. If the model is created from several small models placed together,
moving the model will require individually selecting and moving each piece while using
the model in your VirtualGIS scene.

Help Click to open this On-Line Help document.

35
Save VRML

Save VRML
This dialog allows you to save a VirtualGIS scene as a VRML file that can be viewed in a web
browser. VirtualGIS currently supports VRML version 2.0. Multiple files may be created. It opens
when you select File | Save | VRML... from the VirtualGIS menu bar.

☞ Virtual Worlds cannot be saved as VRML files. See below for other important aspects of
saving a VirtualGIS scene as a VRML file.

VRML File: Enter the name to use for the VRML file. Click the icon to open a new
File Selector dialog.

OK Click to close this dialog and save the VRML file with the name you entered.

Cancel Click to close this dialog without saving the scene as VRML file.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.


i When saving a VirtualGIS scene as a VRML (*.wrl) file, you should be aware of the following
attributes of the saved file(s).

DEM
Elevation models are saved with your selected terrain color.

Raster Layers
TrueColor, PseudoColor, and Grayscale images are saved as JPEG files within the VRML
output.

Vector Layers and Annotation Layers


All polylines and polygons are saved with their selected colors. Text and symbols are also
saved with their selected colors, but will not contain any transparent areas, nor will they
remain billboarded as they are in VirtualGIS. Text and symbols displayed in VRML
browsers always face South.

Intervisibility Layers
Domes generated in VirtualGIS will be saved with all their attributes except their
observers.

3D Model Layers
Models will be saved with their selected colors, but without textures.

Backgrounds
Only solid and faded color background options can be saved. If saved with an image
background, a solid color will display in the VRML browser. This attribute is set in the

36
Save VRML

Scene Properties dialog.

Sun Position
Sun shading must be used when saving a VRML file in order to display properly in a VRML
browser. Both sun positioning and the shading are saved. Use the Sun Positioning
dialog to set this parameter.

Fog
Both linear and exponential fog settings are saved. This attribute is set in the Scene
Properties dialog.

Position Recorder
Positions saved in the Position Recorder dialog are saved. To label the points in the
VRML browser, use the Notes column of the Position Recorder CellArray. Points without
labels will be numbered.

Flight Paths
No flight paths in the VirtualGIS scene will be saved as part of the VRML file.

37
View to .IMG Options

View to .IMG Options


This tab in the View to IMG File Selector dialog allows you to choose how to save the scene in
the VirtualGIS window as an .img file. It is reached by selecting File | View to .IMG File... from
the VirtualGIS menu bar.

☞ Windows or dialogs overlapping the VirtualGIS window when using the View to .IMG option
may corrupt the final output.

☞ When creating a View to .IMG that is larger than the IMAGINE VirtualGIS Viewer,
intervisibility domes in the output will have unexpected intersecting lines.

i (Solaris Creator 3D and HP Only) Images may appear brighter when displayed in IMAGINE
VirtualGIS. To preserve the contrast when using the File | View to .IMG File option, apply a
Gamma LUT in the 2D IMAGINE Viewer displaying the image and use a value of 1.0 for the
scale and 1.0/2.20 for the Gamma.

Options
Output Image Type: This section allows you to select how to save the new .img file.

Color Image Click this radiobutton to save a scene with perspective as a static 2-
dimensional image. This is the default setting.

Separate Stereo Images Click this radiobutton to save a scene with two stereo
images in two separate .img files. Options for stereo images can be adjusted on the
Stereo tab of the Scene Properties dialog.

i When using the VirtualGIS View to .IMG option while either Full Screen stereo or Stereo-
in-a-Window is enabled, only the left image will be saved to the .img file. When the Anag-
lyph stereo option is enabled, the anaglyph image will be saved in the .img file.

Clicking this radio button enables the Depth Exaggeration option.

Depth Exaggeration Allows you to set the amount of exaggeration to use when
saving the DEM. The higher the number, the closer objects appear.
The units are the same as the ones used for the DEM. Enter the exaggeration value,
or use the increment nudgers to the right of the number field.

Output Image Size: This section allows you to select the size of the new .img file. The
default image size is the current size of the VirtualGIS window.

Width at: <number field> % is <number field> Pixels In the Width number field,
enter the desired percentage of the VirtualGIS window size for printing in the number
field, or adjust the percentage using the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

38
View to .IMG Options

The Pixels amount can be changed in the number field or by using its increment
nudgers to the right of the field.

Height at: <number field> % is <number field> Pixels In the Height number
field, enter the desired percentage of the VirtualGIS window size for printing in the
number field, or adjust the percentage using the increment nudgers to the right of the
field.

The Pixels amount can be changed in the number field or by using its increment
nudgers to the right of the field.

Maintain Aspect Ratio Click this checkbox if you want the Pixel number to change in
proportion to changes made to the Width and Height percentages.

Output Size: Displays how large the output .img file will be in MB.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

39
VirtualGIS Quick View Menu

VirtualGIS Quick View Menu


This menu is opened whenever you right-hold in a VirtualGIS window.

i The Quick View menu is sometimes not visible in Full Screen stereo if the cursor is placed
in the bottom portion of the screen. When the cursor is in the bottom portion of the screen,
the right mouse menu appears ghosted and is unreadable. This happens because the screen
is duplicated in two portions (top and bottom) to give the stereo effect. To ensure that the
Quick View menu is visible, move the cursor to the top portion of the screen.

Navigate

Position This mode of navigation allows you to adjust your viewing angle as well
as move forward or backward within a scene.

Under Windows use only the left mouse button to change viewing direction. Under
UNIX use the middle mouse. Under Windows press Control + the left mouse button
to move forward or backward.

Under UNIX to fly forward or backward in a scene, use the Shift key with either
mouse button.

Under Windows to fly forward, use the Shift key with the left mouse button; to fly
backward, press Shift + Control with the left mouse button.

Target This mode of navigation allows you to pivot around a specific point using
your mouse.

To place this target point in your window, double-click the left mouse button on the
point you want to use as the target. The image will rotate so that point is in the
visible target marker that stays at the center of your VirtualGIS window.

Under Windows use only the left mouse button to rotate around the target. Under
UNIX use the middle mouse. Under Windows press Control + the left mouse button
to move closer toward or away from the target.

Dashboard This mode of navigation allows you to use joystick buttons to control
viewing and flight direction. The Dashboard dialog is opened.

Terrain This mode of navigation allows you to move along the terrain displayed
in VirtualGIS as though you were driving a car.

40
VirtualGIS Quick View Menu

Under Windows use only the left mouse button to change viewing direction. Under
UNIX use the middle mouse. Under Windows press Control + the left mouse button
to move forward or backward. Under UNIX to fly forward or backward in a scene,
use the Shift key with either mouse button. Under Windows to fly forward, use the
Shift key with the left mouse button; to fly backward, press Shift + Control with the
left mouse button.

Selection This mode of navigation allows you to query raster, vector, and
annotation layers with an arrow which appears in the VirtualGIS window. It is also
used to move the Inquire Cursor.

➲ The Inquire Cursor in a VirtualGIS viewer can only be moved with the mouse when you are
in Set Navigation to Selection Mode.
Fallback Mode Select the level of rendering a scene while in motion.

Off Select this option to fully render a scene using texture mapping in real-time
while navigating through it.

On Motion Select this option to display the scene as colored polygons while
navigating through it. The full scene is rendered when you come to a stop.

On Demand Select this option to display the scene as colored polygons. The full
scene is rendered when you update the display.

Fallback Quality Select the level of display when using the On Motion and On Demand
modes.

Wire Frame Select this option to render the entire scene with a line model.

Solid Shaded Select this option to display only the terrain of the DEM in a single
color.

Shaded Color Select this option to use color shaded polygons with interpolated
shading. This quality will give the image a blurred appearance during flight.

Scene Properties... Select this option to adjust or change various aspects of the scene
displayed in VirtualGIS. The Scene Properties dialog is opened.

Inquire Cursor... Select this option to start the Inquire Cursor. It is placed in the center
of the window. The navigation mode is set to Select. The Inquire Cursor dialog opens.

➲ The Inquire Cursor in a VirtualGIS viewer can only be moved with the mouse when you are
in Set Navigation to Selection Mode.

41
VirtualGIS Quick View Menu

Position Editor... Select this option to view and adjust the current position of the
observer in a VirtualGIS scene. The Position Editor dialog is opened.

Movie

Start Recording... Select this option to start recording a movie file. The Movie
Options dialog is opened.

Stop Recording Select this option to stop recording a movie file.

Link/Unlink with Viewer Select this option to link or unlink VirtualGIS to an existing
IMAGINE Viewer.

Stereo Click this checkbox to turn on and off stereo mode.

Status Bar Click this checkbox to show and hide the status bar at the bottom of the
VirtualGIS window.

Menu Bar Click this checkbox to show and hide the VirtualGIS menu bar.

Tool Bar Click this checkbox to show and hide the VirtualGIS tool bar.

Borders Click this checkbox to show and hide the borders of the VirtualGIS window.

42
Print (from VirtualGIS)

Print (from VirtualGIS)


This dialog allows you to print the contents of a VirtualGIS window. It can be reached by clicking

the icon on the VirtualGIS toolbar, or selecting File | Print... from the VirtualGIS menu bar.

Map Template:
Landscape Click this radiobutton to print with the landscape template.

Portrait Click this radiobutton to print with the portrait template.

Other Click this radiobutton to select another .map template. This enables the filename
text field and the Open File icon.

You may enter the name of a different template or click the icon to open the File
Selector dialog.

Output Image Size: This section allows you to select the size of the printed file. The
default image size is the current size of the VirtualGIS window.

Width at: <number field>% is <number field> Pixels In the Width number field,
enter the desired percentage of the VirtualGIS window size for printing in the number field,
or adjust the percentage using the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

The Pixels amount can be changed in its number field or by using the increment nudgers
to the right of the field.

Height at: <number field>% is <number field> Pixels In the Height number field,
enter the desired percentage of the VirtualGIS window size for printing, or adjust the
percentage using the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

The Pixels amount can be changed in its number field or by using the increment nudgers
to the right of the field.

Maintain Aspect Ratio Click this checkbox if you want the Pixel number to change in
proportion to changes made to the Width and Height percentages.

OK Click to approve the selected template and begin printing.

Cancel Click to cancel the printing process and close the Print dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

43
Movie Options

Movie Options

This tab allows you to set up the display of your movie file. It is reached by clicking the icon
in the VirtualGIS tool bar, selecting or entering an output file name, and then clicking the
Options tab in the File Selector dialog.

i You can select the type of movie on the front tab of the File Selector dialog, in the File Type:
popup list.

☞ AVI and SGI movies run at 15 frames per second; YUV and IMAGINE movies store frames
as individual files, and display speed is dependent upon the player you use.

☞ (PC Only) When creating an AVI format movie from VirtualGIS, use only the Full Frames,
Microsoft Video 1, or Cinepak Codec compressors.

Options
Max Frame Count Click this radio button to define the maximum number of frames to
use in the movie. Enter the maximum number of frames in the number field or use the
increment nudgers to the right of the field.

Entire Flight Path Click this radio button if you want to use the entire flight path for your
movie file.

Skip Factor: Allows you to select which frames will be saved for the movie file. Enter the
number of frames to skip between saved frames in the number field or use the increment
nudgers to the right of the field.

i For example, if your flight path uses a total of 50 frames, and you only want to save every fifth
frame for the movie file, enter the number 5 in the number field. Your total number of movie
frames will be 10.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

44
VirtualGIS Image Information

VirtualGIS Image Information


This dialog displays individual pixel information from a VirtualGIS scene using a cross hair in the
VirtualGIS window. This dialog can be opened by selecting Utility | Inquire Cursor... from the
VirtualGIS window or selecting Inquire Cursor... from the VirtualGIS Quick View menu.

i An image must be displayed in VirtualGIS before starting the Inquire Cursor. The top raster
layer or DEM displayed in VirtualGIS is displayed at the top of the Inquire Cursor image infor-
mation dialog (e.g. Viewer #1: XS_truecolor_sub.img). The Inquire
Cursor in a VirtualGIS viewer can only be moved with the mouse when you are in Set
Navigation to Selection Mode.

(coordinates) Click this popup list to select the type of coordinates for displaying
information in this dialog.

Map Select this option to use map coordinates. Coordinates are displayed if the data are
georeferenced.

File Select this option to use file coordinates, i.e. pixels, starting with 0, 0 in the upper
left corner of the image.

Lat/Lon Select this option to use Latitude/Longitude coordinates. Use this option only if
the data are geocoded.

X: Allows you to change the X coordinate of the Inquire Cursor’s position in VirtualGIS.
Enter the new coordinate in the number field.

Y: Allows you to change the Y coordinate of the Inquire Cursor’s position in VirtualGIS.
Enter the new coordinate in the number field.

Z: Displays the Z coordinate of the Inquire Cursor’s position in VirtualGIS. This number
cannot be manually edited.

Click this icon to link Inquire Cursors with a 2D IMAGINE Viewer. A dialog prompts you
to click in the Viewer with which you want to link VirtualGIS. The Inquire Cursor for the 2D
Viewer is in the same location as in VirtualGIS. Either cursor can be manipulated to change
its location in both windows.

Projection: Displays the type of projection used for the top raster layer displayed in
VirtualGIS. It also displays the spheroid to which the data are rectified. This information
cannot be manually edited.

(CellArray) This CellArray shows information for each layer in the file.

45
VirtualGIS Image Information

Right-hold in the Row column for the Row Selection popup list. Right-hold in any column
heading for the Column Options popup list.

The information displayed for continuous and thematic data is slightly different:

Continuous Data

Band - Displays which layers are assigned the red, green, and blue color guns (the
layers that are displayed in VirtualGIS).

FILE PIXEL - Displays the actual pixel value from the image file.

LUT VALUE - Displays the lookup table value for the pixel.

HISTOGRAM - Displays the number of pixels (histogram) in the image that have this
pixel value.

Thematic Data

Pixel Value - Displays the actual pixel value from the layer displayed in VirtualGIS.

CLASS NAMES - Displays the name of the pixel classification.

RED, GREEN, and BLUE - Displays the actual lookup table values for the pixel.

(increment) Allows you to set the increment of movement to be made with each click on
the direction buttons at the bottom of the dialog. The amount can be entered manually, or by
using the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

(units) Click this popup list to select either Map or File units to use for the increment
amount set in the number field.

Click to move cursor up by increment amount displayed to the right of these icons.

Click to move cursor down by increment amount displayed to the right of these icons.

Click to move cursor back to the center of the displayed scene.

Click to move cursor left by increment amount displayed to the right of these icons.

Click to move cursor right by increment amount displayed to the right of these icons.

46
VirtualGIS Image Information

When this icon is displayed, the CellArray information is updated only when you release
the mouse button after moving the Inquire Cursor in the scene. Click this icon to change it to
the next icon.

When this icon is displayed, the CellArray information is updated as you move the
Inquire Cursor in the scene. Click this icon to change it to the previous icon.

Close Click to close this image information dialog. The Inquire Cursor disappears from the
scene.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

47
VirtualGIS Image Information

Moving an Inquire Cursor


To move an Inquire Cursor, do any of the following:

♦ Hold the intersection of the cross hairs and drag it to the desired location. Although you may
click on any part of the cross hairs or Z-value post to begin movement, the mouse cursor
automatically moves to the Z-value/terrain intersection from your original starting point.
Movement of the Inquire Cursor is therefore controlled from the Z-value/terrain intersection.

♦ Enter the desired coordinates in the Inquire Cursor dialog.


♦ Use the four arrows in the Inquire Cursor dialog to move the cursor by map or file units in any
direction.

♦ To increase the height of an Inquire Cursor in VirtualGIS, press the Shift key on your
keyboard while using your left mouse button to drag the intersection of the cross hairs to the
desired height.

➲ The Inquire Cursor in a VirtualGIS viewer can only be moved with the mouse when you are
in Set Navigation to Selection Mode.

Inquire Cursor Attributes


The color and shape of the Inquire Cursor can be changed for easier viewing.

Color

The color can be changed by left-holding Utility | Inquire Color... from the Viewer menu bar.
The Inquire Color dialog is opened.

Shape

The shape of the Inquire Cursor can also be changed by selecting Utility | Inquire Shape... from
the Viewer menu bar. The Inquire Shape dialog is opened.

➲ For information on using the ERDAS IMAGINE graphical interface, see the on-line IMAGINE
Interface manual.

➲ See the ERDAS IMAGINE Tour Guides manual for step-by-step instructions on using the
Inquire Cursor.

48
VirtualGIS Dashboard

VirtualGIS Dashboard
This dialog allows you to navigate through a VirtualGIS scene using joystick buttons to control
flight and direction. It is reached by selecting Navigation | Navigation Mode | Dashboard from

the VirtualGIS menu bar, or clicking the icon on the VirtualGIS toolbar.

Flight Left-hold and drag the joystick button in the direction you want to fly. The button can
move in all directions.

Under Windows to reverse flight, press Control on your keyboard while grabing the joystick
with the left mouse button and drag it in the direction you want to fly. The button can still move
in all directions.

Under UNIX to reverse flight, grab the joystick button with the middle mouse button and drag
it in the direction you want to fly. The button can still move in all directions

Pitch This dial shows the pitch as you move through the scene with the Flight button. It
is continuously updated as you navigate the scene.

Azimuth This dial shows the azimuth as you move through the scene with the Flight
button. It is continuously updated as you navigate the scene.

View Left-hold and drag the joystick button in the angle you want to view the scene. The
button can move in all directions. The direction of the motion is not affected.

Under UNIX the middle mouse button will not reverse the viewing angle.

Pitch This dial shows the pitch as you move through the scene with the View button. It
is continuously updated as you navigate the scene.

Azimuth This dial shows the azimuth as you move through the scene with the View
button. It is continuously updated as you navigate the scene.

Map X: Displays your X position in the VirtualGIS scene using map coordinates. It is
continuously updated as you navigate the scene.

Map Y: Displays your Y position in the VirtualGIS scene using map coordinates. It is
continuously updated as you navigate the scene.

Elevation: Displays your elevation above sea level in the VirtualGIS scene. It is continuously
updated as you navigate the scene.

Close Click to close the Dashboard dialog and change to Position navigation mode.

49
VirtualGIS Dashboard

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

50
Inquire Color

Inquire Color
This dialog allows you to select the color to be used for the Inquire Cursor. It is opened when
you select Utility | Inquire Color... from the VirtualGIS menu bar.

Inquire Color: Click and hold the color patch to select a color for the cursor. Selecting
Other... brings up the colorwheel dialog.

Ok Click to set the color of the Inquire Cursor and close the Inquire Color dialog.

Cancel Click to close Inquire Color dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

51
Window Size

Window Size
This dialog allows you to set the exact width and height of the VirtualGIS window. It is opened
when you select View | Set Window Size... from the VirtualGIS menu bar.

The window size can also be adjusted by dragging any corner.

Width (pixels): Allows you to set the width of the VirtualGIS window. This number can be
changed in the number field or by using the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

Height (pixels): Allows you to set the height of the VirtualGIS window. This number can
be changed in the number field or by using the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

Apply Click to apply any changes to the width and height to the VirtualGIS window.

Close Click to close the Set Window Size dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

52
DEM Extent

DEM Extent
This dialog allows you to subset the DEM currently displayed in a VirtualGIS window. It is
reached by selecting View | Set DEM Extent... from the VirtualGIS menu bar.

ULX: Allows you to enter the upper-left X coordinate of the area you want to display. This
position can also be adjusted using the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

ULY: Allows you to enter the upper-left Ycoordinate of the area you want to display. This
position can also be adjusted using the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

LRX: Allows you to enter the lower-right X coordinate of the area you want to display. This
position can also be adjusted using the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

LRY: Allows you to enter the lower-right Y coordinate of the area you want to display. This
position can also be adjusted using the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

Show Coordinates As: Click this popup list to select the coordinate type. Use either
Map or File.

From Inquire Box Click this button to use the coordinates displayed in the Inquire Box
dialog as the subset of your image. The DEM must be displayed in a 2D Viewer, and
subsetted with an Inquire Box to use this option.

Apply Click to apply these changes to the DEM displayed in the VirtualGIS scene.

Close Click to close the Set DEM Extent dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

53
VirtualGIS Arrange Layers

VirtualGIS Arrange Layers


This dialog allows you to arrange DEMs, raster layers, and feature layers independently. Each
opened layer is represented by a bar in a scrolling list. You can rearrange these layers by left-
holding any bar in the stack and dragging it to a new location in that stack.

Feature layers and raster layers cannot be intermixed.The top of each stack represents the top
layers displayed in VirtualGIS. When more than one DEM is displayed, the current DEM has the
raster and feature layers overlaid. The current DEM can be changed with the Previous DEM and
Next DEM buttons.

☞ The last elevation model loaded into VirtualGIS is the current DEM.
i Only the overlay layers of the current DEM or sector are displayed in the VirtualGIS Arrange
Layers tool. When using the Arrange Layers tool with a displayed Virtual World, each sector
of the Virtual World is considered a separate DEM. To select a specific sector, use the Pre-
vious DEM and Next DEM buttons in the Arrange Layers tool, or, in Selection mode, hold
down the Shift key on the keyboard while left-clicking the desired sector.

This dialog is reached by selecting View | Arrange Layers... from the VirtualGIS menu bar.

Feature Layers: Displays the annotation and vector layers overlaid the raster layer(s)
displayed in VirtualGIS. For each layer type, there is a menu of specific options accessed
through the right mouse button.

Annotation Options The following options appear when you right-hold on a bar
representing an annotation layer.

Raise to Top Select this option to place this annotation layer on top of the feature
layers displayed in VirtualGIS.

Lower to Bottom Select this option to place this annotation layer on the bottom of
the feature layers displayed in VirtualGIS.

Layer Visibility Select this option to hide this annotation layer in the VirtualGIS
window. The layer is remains part of your 3D scene without being visible.

Delete Layer Select this option to remove this annotation layer from the VirtualGIS
window.

Show Attributes Select this option to view the attributes of this annotation layer. The
Annotation Attributes dialog is opened.

Vector Options: The following options appear when you right-hold on a bar representing
an vector layer.

54
VirtualGIS Arrange Layers

Raise to Top Select this option to place this vector layer on top of the feature layers
displayed in VirtualGIS.

Lower to Bottom Select this option to place this vector layer on the bottom of the
feature layers displayed in VirtualGIS.

Layer Visibility Select this option to hide this vector layer in the VirtualGIS window.
The layer is remains part of your 3D scene without being visible.

Delete Layer Select this option to remove this vector layer from the VirtualGIS
window.

Show Attributes Select this option to view the attributes of this vector layer. The
Vector Attribute Table dialog is opened.

Viewing Properties Select this option to view or edit the properties of this vector
layer. The Properties dialog is opened.

Show Symbology Select this option to view and define symbology for this vector
layer. The Symbology dialog is opened.

Intervis Options The following options appear when you right-hold on a bar
representing an intervisibility layer.

i When using an Intervisibility Layer in a VirtualGIS scene, it should always be positioned as


the topmost layer.

Raise to Top Select this option to place this intervisibility layer on top of the feature
layers displayed in VirtualGIS.

Lower to Bottom Select this option to place this intervisibility layer on the bottom of
the feature layers displayed in VirtualGIS.
Layer Visibility Select this option to hide this intervisibility layer in the VirtualGIS
window. The layer is remains part of your 3D scene without being visible.

Delete Layer Select this option to remove this intervisibility layer from the VirtualGIS
window.

Model Options The following options appear when you right-hold on a bar representing
a model layer.

Raise to Top Select this option to place this model layer on top of the feature layers
displayed in VirtualGIS.

Lower to Bottom Select this option to place this model layer on the bottom of the
feature layers displayed in VirtualGIS.

55
VirtualGIS Arrange Layers

Layer Visibility Select this option to hide this model layer in the VirtualGIS window.
The layer is remains part of your 3D scene without being visible.

Delete Layer Select this option to remove this model layer from the VirtualGIS
window.

Raster Layers: Displays the raster layers overlaid the current DEM in VirtualGIS.
Truecolor Options The following options appear when you right-hold on a bar
representing a true color raster layer.

Raise to Top Select this option to place this raster layer on top of the raster layers
that are overlaid the current DEM.

Lower to Bottom Select this option to place this raster layer on the bottom of the
raster layers that are overlaid the current DEM.

Layer Visibility Select this option to hide this raster layer in the VirtualGIS window.
The layer is remains part of your 3D scene without being visible.

Delete Layer Select this option to remove this raster layer from the current DEM.

Simple Contrast Select this option to adjust the brightness and contrast of this raster
layer. The Brightness/Contrast Tool is opened.

Piecewise Contrast Select this option to adjust the brightness and contrast of a
specified range of this raster layer. The Piecewise Contrast Tool is opened.

Histogram Contrast Select this option to view, edit, and rescale the histogram and
lookup table for this raster layer. The Breakpoint Editor is opened.

General Contrast Select this option to edit the lookup tables for this raster layer. The
Contrast Adjustment dialog is opened.

Band Combinations Select this option to set the band combinations for this raster
layer. The Band Combinations dialog is opened.

Pseudocolor Options The following options appear when you right-hold a bar
representing a psuedocolor raster layer.

Raise to Top Select this option to place this raster layer on top of the raster layers
that are overlaid the current DEM.

Lower to Bottom Select this option to place this raster layer on the bottom of the
raster layers that are overlaid the current DEM.

Layer Visibility Select this option to hide this raster layer in the VirtualGIS window.
The layer is remains part of your 3D scene without being visible.

56
VirtualGIS Arrange Layers

Delete Layer Select this option to remove this raster layer from the current DEM.

Attribute Editor Select this option to view the attributes of this raster layer. The
Raster Attribute Editor dialog is opened.

Grayscale Options The following options appear when you right-hold a bar representing
a gray scale raster layer.

Raise to Top Select this option to place this raster layer on top of the raster layers
that are overlaid the current DEM.

Lower to Bottom Select this option to place this raster layer on the bottom of the
raster layers that are overlaid the current DEM.

Layer Visibility Select this option to hide this raster layer in the VirtualGIS window.
The layer is remains part of your 3D scene without being visible.

Delete Layer Select this option to remove this raster layer from the current DEM.

Simple Contrast Select this option to adjust the brightness and contrast of this raster
layer. The Brightness/Contrast Tool is opened.

Piecewise Contrast Select this option to adjust the brightness and contrast of a
specified range of this raster layer. The Piecewise Contrast Tool is opened.

Histogram Contrast Select this option to view, edit, and rescale the histogram and
lookup table for this raster layer. The Breakpoint Editor is opened.

General Contrast Select this option to edit the lookup tables for this raster layer. The
Contrast Adjustment dialog is opened.

Show Bounding Boxes Click this checkbox to create a bounding box around the
current DEM.

Apply Click this button to apply any changes made in the Arrange Layers tool to the layers
displayed in VirtualGIS.

Previous DEM Click this button to change the current DEM. It will select the DEM loaded
beneath the current DEM as the new current DEM.

i When displaying a Virtual World, this button changes the current sector of the scene. To
select the current sector, left-click in the portion of the scene you want to make current while
pressing Shift on your keyboard.

Next DEM Click this button to change the current DEM. It will select the DEM loaded over
the current DEM as the new current DEM.

57
VirtualGIS Arrange Layers

i When displaying a Virtual World, this button changes the current sector of the scene. To
select the current sector, left-click in the portion of the scene you want to make current while
pressing Shift on your keyboard.

Remove DEM Click to delete the current DEM and all its overlay layers from the scene in
VirtualGIS.

Reset Click to place layers in the last arrangement since you clicked Apply. Deleted layers
will not be recovered.

Close Click to close the Arrange Layers dialog.

Help Click to open this On-Line Help document.

58
Layer Offsets

Layer Offsets
This dialog allows you to separate all raster, vector, and annotation layers displayed in the
VirtualGIS window. It is reached by selecting View | Layer Offsets... from the VirtualGIS menu
bar.

☞ An offset applied with the Layer Offset tool may cause problems when selecting vector or
annotation data.

Separation Units for separation will match the elevation units used by the DEM displayed
in the VirtualGIS window.

Offset: Allows you to set the offset distance between the layers displayed in the VirtualGIS
window. This number can be changed in the number field or by using the increment nudgers
to the right of the field.

Delta: Click this popup list to select the delta value to use when adjusting the dial to the
left. Select from this list of values:

10000 Delta value to use when adjusting Dial

1000 Delta value to use when adjusting Dial

100 Delta value to use when adjusting Dial

10 Delta value to use when adjusting Dial

1 Delta value to use when adjusting Dial

.1 Delta value to use when adjusting Dial

.01 Delta value to use when adjusting Dial

.001 Delta value to use when adjusting Dial

.0001 Delta value to use when adjusting Dial

Once a value is selected, use your mouse to adjust the dial by dragging downward.

Auto Apply: Click this checkbox to automatically apply any changes made in offset or
delta value to the image displayed in the VirtualGIS window.

Apply Click to apply a new offset to the image displayed in the VirtualGIS window. It is not
necessary to use this button when Auto Apply is on.

Close Click to close the Layer Offsets dialog.

59
Layer Offsets

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

60
Viewer Blend/Fade

Viewer Blend/Fade
This dialog allows you to blend together the two top-most raster layers displayed in VirtualGIS.
This dialog is opened by selecting View | Blend... from the VirtualGIS menu bar.

Blend/Fade (%): Use this meter to set the percentage of blending to be used with the
images. The percentage can be entered into the number field, adjusted with the increment
nudgers to the right of the field, or by moving the slider button.

Auto Apply Click this checkbox to automatically apply the blending factor to the image.
The changes are updated continuously with the slider button when this checkbox is activated.

Apply Click to apply the blending factor to the image.

Close Click to close the Blend/Fade dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

61
Scene Properties

Scene Properties
This dialog allows you to adjust various aspects of a rendered scene. There are six tabs with
options on each tab which can be changed. Because the Apply button must be clicked to render
any change, you can make adjustments in multiple tabs and apply them all at once.

This dialog can be opened by clicking the icon in the VirtualGIS toolbar, or by selecting View
| Scene Properties... from the VirtualGIS menu bar. It is also accessible by selecting Scene
Properties... from the Quick View right button menu.

DEM This tab contains options for displaying DEM data in VirtualGIS.
Exaggeration: Allows you to set the vertical relief of the model’s terrain. This number
can be changed in the number field or by using the increment nudgers to the right of the
field.

Terrain Color: Click and hold the color patch to select a color to be used when the DEM
is displayed with no overlaid raster layers. Selecting Other... brings up the colorwheel
dialog.

Viewing Range: Allows you to set the viewing distance of the observer. The number,
which can be entered into the number field or adjusted with the increment nudgers to the
right of the field, is the maximum distance from the observer that data is rendered.

Elevation Units: Click this popup list to select Feet or Meters as the units used for
exaggerating the 3-dimensional terrain of the DEM. The same units used by the data
should be used.

Display: Select how to display elevation and distances in your VirtualGIS scene. These
options allow you to mix different types of units within a single scene.

Elevations In: Click this popup list to select Feet or Meters as the units used for
displaying elevation. These units do not need to be the same as the units used by the
data.

Distances In: Click this popup list to select the units to use for displaying distance in
a VirtualGIS scene. Your options are Feet, Meters, Miles, or Kilometers.

Render Top Side Only Click this checkbox to render the top side of the terrain surface
only. If this checkbox is not activated, both the front and the back sides of the elevation
model will be rendered.

Always Render DEM Click this checkbox to always render the DEM under raster overlay
layers, and vector and annotation feature layers.

62
Scene Properties

☞ On some systems, the Always Render DEM option can cause the underlying DEM to show
through the overlay raster image. If this occurs, select View | Layer Offset from the
VirtualGIS menu bar to offset the overlaying image slightly.

Fog This tab contains options for displaying fog in a VirtualGIS scene.
Use Fog Click this checkbox to turn the Fog on and off. Turning on the Fog enables the
other options on the tab.

Color: Click and hold this color patch to select a color to be used for the fog. Selecting
Other... brings up the colorwheel dialog.

Density (1-100%): Allows you to set the density of the fog in the scene. This percentage
can be changed in the number field or by using the increment nudgers to the right of the
field.

Use: Select the type of fog to display in VirtualGIS.

Linear Fog Click this radio button to use a linear display of fog. The fog density will
increase steadily as the distance from the viewing point increases.

Exponential Fog Click this radio button to use an exponential display of fog. The fog
density will increase exponentially as the distance from the viewing point increases.

Background This tab contains options for the three different types of backgrounds that
can be displayed in VirtualGIS. The options available depend upon the type of background
chosen.

Background Type: Click on this popup list to select the type of background to be
rendered in the scene. Your choices are Solid Color, Fade Color, and Image.

Solid Color Select this option to render the background in a solid color.

Background Color: Click and hold this color patch to select a color to be used
for the background. Selecting Other... brings up the colorwheel dialog.

Fade Color Select this option to render a background that fades from one color to
another along the horizon. This option can be used to give the effect of twilight,
sunrises, and sunsets.

Ground: Click and hold this color patch to select the color to display below the
horizon. Selecting Other... brings up the colorwheel dialog.

Horizon: Click and hold this color patch to select the color to display at the
horizon. This color fades into the end color. Selecting Other... brings up the
colorwheel dialog.

63
Scene Properties

Sky: Click and hold this color patch to select the color to display above the
horizon. Selecting Other... brings up the colorwheel dialog.

Fade Sky (from horizon): Click on this popup list to select the distance, in 10-
degree increments, for the horizon color to fade into the sky color. The range starts
at 20 Degrees, just above the horizon of the rendered layers. The range ends at
90 Degrees, directly above the rendered layers.

The Horizon Color will appear below the fade point indicated by the selected Fade
Range. Above this fade point, the Sky Color will display.

90º 80º
70º
60º

50º

40º

30º

20º (Fade Point)

10º

0º Horizon

-10º

Fade Ground Color: Click this radio button to fade the sky color into the ground
color. The area below the DEM’s horizon turns the selected color.

Image Select this option to render an image as the background in the VirtualGIS
window.

64
Scene Properties

Image File Name: Enter the name of a file to use as the background image, or

click on the icon to open the File Selector dialog.

Ground: Click and hold this color patch to select the color to display below the
horizon. Selecting Other... brings up the colorwheel dialog.

Motion This tab contains options for moving through a scene in VirtualGIS.
Motion Speed: Allows you to set the distance per frame you will move through a scene.
This speed can be adjusted by editing the number field or using the increment nudgers to
the right of the field.

Units: Select feet or meters as the units of distance to be used while in motion.

Terrain Offset: Allows you to set the distance above the terrain to move when in Terrain
mode. The height can be adjusted by editing the number field or using the increment
nudgers to the right of the field. This height is also used with the Collision Detection
preference.

The unit of height will be the same as the Elevation Units on the DEM tab.

Collision Detection Click this checkbox to turn collision detection on and off.

i When using Collision Detection with a negative exaggeration, it may be possible to move
through the terrain.

i Using the Collision Detection option may prevent you from moving to a selected model when
using the Model | Move to Selected Model option. You can disable Collision Detection in
the VirtualGIS category of the Preference Editor or on the Motion tab of the Scene Properties
dialog.

Seek Using: Select how to far to move when double-clicking within a scene.

☞ You must be in Position mode to navigate with this option.


Percent Distance Click this radio button to move a certain percentage of the distance
to the selected object or observer. To change the value, enter the desired percentage
in the number field, or use the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

Distance Click this radio button to move a specified distance toward the selected
object or observer. The units are the same as those used for the DEM displayed in the
VirtualGIS scene. To change the distance, enter the desired value in the number field,
or use the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

Stereo This tab allows you to use the options for Stereo mode.

65
Scene Properties

i When using the VirtualGIS View to .IMG option while either Full Screen stereo or Stereo-
in-a-Window is enabled, only the left image will be saved to the .img file. When the Anag-
lyph stereo option is enabled, the anaglyph image will be saved in the .img file.

Use Stereo Click this checkbox to turn Stereo mode on and off.

Stereo Mode: Click on this popup list to select how you want to use Stereo mode. This
option is enabled when you activate the Use Stereo checkbox.

Stereo-in-a-Window This option uses Stereo mode in the VirtualGIS window without
changing the size of the window.

Full Screen This option will make the VirtualGIS window the size of your screen when
it uses Stereo mode.

i The Quick View menu is sometimes not visible in Full Screen stereo if the cursor is placed
in the bottom portion of the screen. When the cursor is in the bottom portion of the screen,
the right mouse menu appears ghosted and is unreadable. This happens because the screen
is duplicated in two portions (top and bottom) to give the stereo effect. To ensure that the
Quick View menu is visible, move the cursor to the top portion of the screen.

Anaglyph This option creates an anaglyph image within your VirtualGIS window.
The window can be resized as desired.

Left Eye: Click this popup list to select the color of the left lens of your stereo
glasses. Your options are Red, Green, Blue, Red & Green, and Green & Blue.

Right Eye: Click this popup list to select the color of the right lens of your stereo
glasses. Your options are Red, Green, Blue, Red & Green, and Green & Blue.

☞ When viewing images created using the Anaglyph Stereo option, the image must be opened
with the appropriate band combination for the glasses being used. Band combinations can
be changed in the Raster Options tab of the Select Layer to Add File Selector dialog.

♦ Glasses with Red/Blue lenses should use this combination:


Red: 1; Green: 2; Blue: 3.

♦ Glasses with Red/Green lenses should use this combination:


Red: 1; Green: 3; Blue: 2.

Depth Exaggeration Factor: Allows you to set the depth exaggeration to be used in the
scene. The higher the number, the closer objects appear. This factor can be adjusted by
editing the number field or using the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

i This option can also be used when you activate the Separate Left/Right Stereo Images
checkbox on the Options tab of the View to IMG dialog.

66
Scene Properties

Text/Symbols This tab allows you to set the size and height above the ground for
billboarded text and symbols used in a VirtualGIS scene.

Text: Allows you to set the size of the text and the height above the ground for displaying
text. The number fields can be edited, or you can use the increment nudgers to the right
of the fields to adjust the numbers.

Scale: Set the scale size of the text to be displayed.

Offset: Set the offset position of the text. 0.00 places the text on the ground.

The unit of height will be the same as the Elevation Units on the DEM tab.

Symbols: Allows you to set the size of the symbol and the height above the ground for
displaying symbols. The number fields can be edited, or you can use the increment
nudgers to the right of the fields to adjust the numbers.

Scale: Set the scale size of the symbols to be displayed.

Offset: Set the offset position of the symbols. 0.00 places the symbols on the ground.

The unit of height will be the same as the Elevation Units on the DEM tab.

Apply Click to apply any changes made on any tab to a scene in the VirtualGIS window.

Close Click to close the Scene Properties dialog without making any changes to the scene
in the Virtual GIS window.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

67
Sun Positioning (from VirtualGIS)

Sun Positioning (from VirtualGIS)


This dialog allows you to reposition the angle of the sunlight used to create shadows in a
VirtualGIS scene. It is opened when you select View | Sun Positioning... from the VirtualGIS
menu bar.

Sun Position Screen The dot’s position represents the position of the sun. The center
of this screen represents the position of the sun directly above, i.e. 90 degrees, the scene.

To change the direction of the sunlight used in a VirtualGIS scene, drag the dot in this screen
to the desired position. Moving the dot will cause changes in the Azimuth and Elevation
number fields.

Azimuth: Allows you to set the azimuth position of the sun in a VirtualGIS scene. The
position can be set in the number field, by using the increment nudgers to the right of the field,
or by moving the meter to the right of the increment nudgers.

Elevation: Allows you to set the degree of elevation of the sun in a VirtualGIS scene. The
maximum is 90 degrees, which positions the sun directly above the scene. The position can
be set in the number field, by using the increment nudgers to the right of the field, or by
moving the meter to the right of the increment nudgers.

Ambience: Allows you to set the intensity of the lighting used in a VirtualGIS scene. The
intensity can be set in the number field, by using the increment nudgers to the right of the
field, or by moving the meter to the right of the increment nudgers.

Use Lighting Click this checkbox to use “natural” lighting in a VirtualGIS scene.
☞ When turned off, none of the changes made in the Sun Positioning dialog can be applied to
VirtualGIS.

Auto Apply Click this checkbox to automatically apply any changes made in the Sun
Position dialog to a scene rendered in VirtualGIS.

Apply Click to apply any changes made to the currently rendered scene in VirtualGIS.

Advanced... Click this button to use more specific sun positioning. The Sun Angle From
Date dialog opens.

Close Click to close the Sun Positioning dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

68
Sun Angle From Date

Sun Angle From Date


This dialog allows you to apply the sun position from a specific date and time to your VirtualGIS
scene. This dialog opens when you click the Advanced... button on the Sun Positioning dialog.

Date: This section allows you set the date and time for the sun’s position.
Year: Allows you to select the year of the date you want to use in your scene. The year
can be entered in the number field, or adjusted using the increment nudgers to the right
of the field.

Month: Click this popup list to select the month to use in your scene. All months of the
year are available.

Day (1-31): Allows you to select the day of the month to use in your scene. The date can
be entered in the number field, or adjusted using the increment nudgers to the right of the
field. You must select a number between 1 and 31.

Time: Allows you to enter the time of day to use in your scene. Military time is used, i.e.
10:30 PM would be 2230. The time can be entered in the number field, or adjusted using
the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

Location: This section allows you set the specific area for the scene using the specific
time and date. Enter the Latitude and Longitude of the geographic area you are viewing in
your scene. The default is the center of your displayed image.

Apply Click to apply these changes to the Sun Positioning dialog.

Close Click to close the Sun Angle From Date dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

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Level Of Detail (from VirtualGIS)

Level Of Detail (from VirtualGIS)


This dialog allows you to select the resolution of the image rendered in the VirtualGIS window.
The higher the level of detail, the slower the rendering.

When displaying in single-resolution mode, the Level of Detail dialog allows you to reduce the
resolution of layers as they are loaded into VirtualGIS.

When displaying in multi-resolution mode, the Level of Detail dialog allows you to adjust the
overall quality of the scene being rendered. Only Virtual Worlds display in multi-resolution mode.

It is reached by selecting View | Level of Detail Control... from the VirtualGIS menu bar.

DEM LOD (%): Use this meter to set the level of detail for DEM layers.

Raster LOD (%): Use this meter to set the level of detail for raster overlay layers.

Memory Consumption Displays the change in memory used by increasing or


decreasing the level of detail of the DEM and Raster overlay layers. The value is represented
in MB.

i The Raster LOD (%) meter adjusts the texture memory used by the overlay; its limit depends
upon the limit of your graphics card. The DEM LOD (%) meter affects the memory used by
your computer; its limit depends upon the total amount of memory installed on your machine.

i The Memory Consumption option is present only when displaying in single-resolution


mode. It is not present when displaying multi-resolution Virtual Worlds.

Apply Click to apply current settings to DEM and raster overlay layers.

Close Click to close the Level of Detail dialog.


Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

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Position Editor

Position Editor
This dialog allows you to adjust observer position and viewing direction for the scene displayed
in VirtualGIS. It is opened when you select Navigation | Position Editor... from the VirtualGIS
tool bar.

Position: Edit these fields to adjust the observer’s position in a VirtualGIS scene.
X: Allows you to change the X coordinate of the observer’s position in VirtualGIS. Enter
the new coordinate in the number field.

Y: Allows you to change the Y coordinate of the observer’s position in VirtualGIS. Enter
the new coordinate in the number field.

AGL: Allows you to change the average distance above ground level of the observer in
VirtualGIS. The distance can be changed in the number field or by using the increment
nudgers to the right of the field.

ASL: Allows you to change the average distance above sea level of the observer in
VirtualGIS. The distance can be changed in the number field or by using the increment
nudgers to the right of the field.

Direction: Edit these fields to adjust the viewing direction in a VirtualGIS scene.
FOV: Allows you to determine the size of the observer’s field of view in the displayed
VirtualGIS scene. The size can be changed in the number field or by using the increment
nudgers to the right of the field.

Pitch: Allows you to select the pitch of the observer’s viewing direction in the displayed
VirtualGIS scene. The angle can be changed in the number field or by using the increment
nudgers to the right of the field.

Azimuth: Allows you to select the azimuth of the observer’s viewing direction in the
displayed VirtualGIS scene. The angle can be changed in the number field or by using the
increment nudgers to the right of the field.

Roll: Allows you to select the roll of the observer’s viewing direction in the displayed
VirtualGIS scene. The angle can be changed in the number field or by using the increment
nudgers to the right of the field.

Auto Apply Click this checkbox to automatically apply any changes you make in the
Position Editor to the scene displayed in VirtualGIS.

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Position Editor

Profile: Displays in profile the observer’s vantage point and field of view in a VirtualGIS
scene. The red dot on the left side of the profile screen represents the observer’s elevation.
It is connected with a straight line of sight to a red dot on the ground that represents the center
of the observer’s field of view.

The two green lines extending from the observer’s vantage point represent the edge’s of the
observer’s field of view. They cannot be specifically manipulated in the profile screen.

Either red dot can be manipulated in the profile screen to alter the pitch of the observer in
VirtualGIS. The image displayed in the VirtualGIS window is updated when you click Apply,
or automatically when the Auto Apply checkbox is activated. The profile screen is
automatically updated when you release your mouse button in the screen.

Apply Click to apply any changes made to the scene displayed in VirtualGIS.

Close Click to close the Position Editor dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

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Position Recorder

Position Recorder
This dialog allows you to store and retrieve specific positions from within a VirtualGIS scene. It
is reached by selecting Navigation | Positions Recorder... from the VirtualGIS menu bar.

File
Save As... Select this option to save newly placed or edited positions to a file. The Save
Positions dialog is opened.

Load... Select this option to load a previously created position file into VirtualGIS. The
Load Positions dialog is opened.

Load Flight Path... Select this option to load a previously created flight path as a series
of positions. The Load Flight Path As Positions dialog is opened.

Close Select this option to close the Position Recorder.

Edit
Delete Selected Rows Select this option to remove selected rows from the CellArray.

Clear All Entries Select this option to remove all entered positions from the CellArray.

Add Current Position Select this option to add your current position in VirtualGIS to the
CellArray.

Utility
Show Positions Activate this checkbox to display the positions in the VirtualGIS scene.

Set Scale/Color... Select this option to set the size and color of the position markers in
a VirtualGIS scene. The Positions Scale/Color dialog is opened.

Motion
Fly to Destination Activate this checkbox to fly from position to position within a scene.

Cycle Select this option to cycle through the positions within a scene.

Stop Select this option to stop cycling through the scene.

Goto Previous Select this option to move to the previous position in a scene.

Goto Next Select this option to move to the next position in a scene.

Cycle Options... Select this option to set the time spent at each position point. The
Cycle dialog is opened.

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Position Recorder

Help
Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

Click to load a previously created positions file into VirtualGIS. The Load Positions
dialog is opened.

Click to save newly placed or edited positions to a file. The Save Positions dialog is
opened.

Click to add your current position in VirtualGIS to the CellArray.

Select this option to cycle through the positions within a scene.

Select this option to stop cycling through the scene.

Select this option to move to the previous position in a scene.

Select this option to move to the next position in a scene.

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Load Positions (from VirtualGIS)

Load Positions (from VirtualGIS)


This dialog allows you to load a previously created positions file in the Position Recorder. It is
reached by selecting File | Load... from the Position Recorder menu bar.

Position File: Enter the name of the position file to load into the Position Recorder or click

the icon to open the File Selector.

OK Click to use the selected position file.

Cancel Click to close the Load Positions dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

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Load Flight Path As Positions

Load Flight Path As Positions


This dialog allows you to view a flight path as though it is a positions file. It is reached by selecting
File | Load Flight Path... from the Position Recorder menu bar.

Position File: Enter the name of the flight path file to use as a position file, or click the

icon to open the File Selector dialog.

OK Click to use the selected flight path as a position file.

Cancel Click to close the Load Flight Path as Positions dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

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Save Positions (from VirtualGIS)

Save Positions (from VirtualGIS)


This dialog allows you to save a newly created or edited position file. It is reached by selecting

File | Save As... from the Position Recorder menu bar. It also opens when you click the icon
in the Position Recorder tool bar.

Position File: Enter the name of the position file you want to save as a file, or click the

icon to open the File Selector.

Save Only Current Click this checkbox to save only one position in this file. Select the
position to save by clicking in the > column of the chosen position.

i This selection should be made before bringing up the Save Positions dialog.

OK Click to use the selected name as the name of the position file.

Cancel Click to close the Save Positions dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

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Positions Scale/Color

Positions Scale/Color
This dialog allows you to view and control the options for displaying positions in VirtualGIS. It
can be opened by selecting Utility | Set Scale/Color... from the Position Recorder menu bar.

Scale: Allows you to set the scale for displaying positions. The scale can be adjusted by
editing the number field or using the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

Color: Click and hold this color patch to select a color to use for the position markers.
Selecting Other... brings up the colorwheel dialog.

OK Click to apply any properties changes to the positions displayed in VirtualGIS.

Cancel Click to close the Positions Scale/Color dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

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Cycle

Cycle
This dialog allows you to set the amount of time to pause at each position recorded in the Position
Recorder. It is reached by selecting Motion | Cycle Options... from the Position Recorder
menu bar.

Seconds per Frame: Allows you to select the number of seconds to stop at each point
when cycling through the positions saved in the Position Recorder. The desired seconds can
be entered in the number field or adjusted using the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

Start Click to start cycling through the positions.

Stop Click to stop cycling through the positions.

Close Click to close the Cycle dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

79
Flight Path Editor

Flight Path Editor


This dialog allows you to create, edit, save, load, and display flight paths in VirtualGIS. It is
reached by selecting Navigation | Flight Path Editor... from the VirtualGIS menu bar.

File
Save As... Select this option to save a newly created or edited flight path to a file. The
Save Flight Path dialog opens.

i After creating a flight path, it is possible to change the position of the flight line points in the
2D Viewer, or directly in the VirtualGIS Viewer. To move a point in the 2D Viewer, click and
drag the point of interest to its new location. Points can be added to or deleted from existing
flight paths using the 2D Viewer or the VirtualGIS Viewer. You must be in Selection Mode.

(UNIX) To add a new point, middle-click along the flight line. To delete a point, press Shift
and middle-click on the point you want to delete.

(PC) To add a new point, press Shift and left-click along the flight line. To delete a point,
press Shift and Ctrl while left-clicking on the point you want to delete.

Load Flight Path... Select this option to load a previously created flight path into
VirtualGIS. The Load Flight Path dialog is opened.

Load Positions File... Select this option to load a previously created positions file into
VirtualGIS as a flight path. The Load Positions dialog is opened.

Close Select this option to close the Flight Path Editor.

Edit
Apply Select this option to apply changes made in the flight path editor to the current
flight path. Selecting this option will display the numbered points of the flight path in the
flight status bar at the bottom of the CellArray.

Undo Edits Select this option to undo any edits made since you last applied them to the
currently loaded flight path.

Use Spline Activate this checkbox to smooth the lines of your flight path so there are no
corners, only curves.

☞ When creating a flight path with a spline, it is possible to cause an inadvertent loop in the flight
path if there is one point along the path that is significantly distant from other points. If this
occurs, add more points to the flight path near where the loop occurs (in positions you would
like the flight path to follow).

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Flight Path Editor

Reset Look Direction Select this option to set the pitch and azimuth to 0.0 for all points
in the flight path.

Set Elevation... Select this option to determine the elevation of the flight path. The Set
Elevation dialog is opened.

Set Focal Point... Select this option to set the focal point for selected points in the flight
path. The Focal Point Instructions dialog instructs you to double-click in the VirtualGIS
scene to select the focal point.

Add Current Position Select this option to add your current scene position to the Flight
Path Editor CellArray.

Delete Selected Points Select this option to delete selected points from the flight path.

Clear All Points Select this option to remove all points from the flight path. The CellArray
will be empty.

Utility
Digitize Flight Path Select this option to create a new flight path in an IMAGINE Viewer.
Left-click in the Viewer you want to use.

Flight Line Properties... Select this option to view and edit the properties for displaying
the flight path in the 2-dimensional IMAGINE Viewer and 3-dimensional VirtualGIS. The
Flight Line Properties dialog is opened.

Flight
Start Flight Select this option to start flying along the currently loaded flight path.

Stop Flight Select this option to stop flying along the currently loaded flight path.

Reset Flight Select this option to reset the observer’s position to the beginning of the
flight path.

Set Flight Mode Select this option to set how to move through the flight path.

Loop This option causes the flight to repeat from the beginning each time it
reaches the end of the flight path.

Swing This option causes the flight to reverse direction each time it reaches the
end or beginning of the flight path.

Stop at End This option causes the flight to end at the end of the flight path.

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Flight Path Editor

Use Flight Path Speed Activate this checkbox to use the speed specified in the
CellArray rather than the motion speed set in the Scene Properties dialog.

Update Flight Path Graphic Activate this checkbox for the graphic beneath the
CellArray to be continuously updated while flying along the flight path.

Help
Help for Flight Path Editor Select this option to open this On-line Help document.

Click to load a previously created flight path into VirtualGIS. The Load Flight Path
dialog is opened.

Click to save a newly created or edited flight path to a file. The Save Flight Path dialog
opens.

Click to create a new flight path in an IMAGINE Viewer. Left-click in the Viewer you
want to use.

i You can graphically add points to a flightpath in the VirtualGIS Viewer by holding down the
Shift key on your keyboard while clicking in the position where you want to add points.

i You can graphically edit points along the flightpath for position and elevation in the VirtualGIS
Viewer by holding down the Shift key on your keyboard while selecting and holding your left
mouse button.

Click to start flying along the currently loaded flight path.

Click to stop flying along the currently loaded flight path.

Click to reset the observer’s position to the beginning of the flight path

Click to apply changes made in the flight path editor to the current flight path. Selecting
this option will display the numbered points of the flight path in the flight status bar at the
bottom of the CellArray.

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Flight Path Editor

Flight Path Editor CellArray This CellArray displays each point of the current flight
path.

☞ When editing the contents of a selected column in this CellArray (with the Formula dialog, for
example), an additional row is automatically added to the end of the CellArray. This row
should be deleted since it adds an extraneous point to the flight path.

X This column displays the X coordinate position of the flight path point.

Y This column displays the Y coordinate position of the flight path point.

Z This column displays the highest elevation in the DEM. The flight elevation defaults to
this highest elevation unless the elevation is changed in the Set Elevation dialog.

ASL This column displays the height above sea level of the flight path point.

AGL This column displays the height above sea ground of the flight path point.

Look Azimuth This column displays the observer’s left or right look direction. The default
is 0.00, i.e.straight ahead.

Look Pitch This column displays the observer’s up or down look direction. The default
is 0.00, i.e. straight ahead.

FOV This column displays the observer’s field of view along the flight path. The default
is 45 degrees.

Roll This column displays the angle of the observer’s position along the flight path. The
default is 0.00, i.e. straight upright.

Speed This column displays the speed of the flight around the path.

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Load Flight Path

Load Flight Path


This dialog allows you to load a previously created flight path into the Flight Path Editor. It is
reached by selecting File | Load Flight Path... from the Flight Path Editor menu bar.

Flight Path File: Enter the name of the flight path file to load into the Flight Path Editor,

or click the icon to open the File Selector.

OK Click to use the selected flight path file.

Cancel Click to close the Load Flight Path dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

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Load Positions As Flight Path

Load Positions As Flight Path


This dialog allows you to view a positions file as though it is a flight path. It is reached by selecting
File | Load Positions File... from the Flight Path Editor menu bar.

Positions File: Enter the name of the positions file to use as a flight path, or click the
icon to open the File Selector dialog.

OK Click to use the selected positions file as a flight path.

Cancel Click to close the Load Positions As Flight Path dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

85
Save Flight Path

Save Flight Path


This dialog allows you to save a newly created or edited flight path as a flight path file. It is
reached by selecting File | Save As... from the Flight Path Editor menu bar. It also opens when

you click the icon in Flight Path Editor tool bar.

Flight Path File: Enter the name of the flight path you want to save as a file, or click the
icon to open the File Selector.

OK Click to use the selected name as the name of the flight path file.

Cancel Click to close the Save Flight Path dialog.


Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

86
Flight Path Elevation

Flight Path Elevation


This dialog allows you to set the elevation for all points within a flight path. It is reached by
selecting Edit | Set Elevation... from the Flight Path Editor menu bar.

Elevation: Allows you to set the distance above the terrain to fly along your path. This
number is changed in the number field or by using the increment nudgers to the right of the
field.

The units are the same as the elevation units used for the current DEM.

Absolute(ASL) Click this radio button to set the flight path at a constant distance above
sea level. This number will be listed for each point of the flight path in the Z column of the
Flight Path Editor CellArray.

Relative(AGL) Click this radio button to set the flight path distance above ground level.
This number will be added to the elevation listed in the Z column of the Flight Path Editor
CellArray.

OK Click to apply the elevation to the flight path.

Cancel Click to close the Flight Path Elevation dialog.

Help Click to open this On-Line Help document.

87
Flight Line Properties

Flight Line Properties


This dialog allows you to view and control the options for displaying a flight path in VirtualGIS
and the IMAGINE Viewer. It can be reached by selecting Utility | Flight Line Properties... from
the Flight Path Editor menu bar.

3D Viewer: These are the options for displaying a flight path in VirtualGIS.
Flight Line: Click this check box to display the flight line in VirtualGIS.

Color: Click and hold this color patch to select a color to use for the flight line and flight
line points. Selecting Other... brings up the colorwheel dialog.

Flight Line Points: Click this checkbox to display the points along the flight line in
VirtualGIS.

Scale: Allows you to set the scale for displaying the flight line and flight line points. The
scale can be adjusted by editing the number field or using the increment nudgers to the
right of the field.

2D Viewer: These are the options for displaying a flight path in an IMAGINE Viewer.
Show Flight Line Click this checkbox to display the flight line in the Viewer.

Apply Click to apply any properties changes to the flight line in VirtualGIS and/or the
IMAGINE Viewer.

Close Click close the Flight Line Properties dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

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Look Direction

Look Direction
This dialog allows you to set a different direction for the observer to look than the direction the
observer is moving through a scene. It is opened when you select Navigation | Set Look
Direction... from the VirtualGIS menu bar.

Azimuth: Set the azimuth from the direction of motion to use as the viewing direction. This
number can be entered into the number field or be adjusted with the increment nudgers to the
right of the field.

Pitch: Set the pitch from the direction of motion to use as the viewing direction. This
number can be entered into the number field or be adjusted with the increment nudgers to the
right of the field.

Auto Apply Click this checkbox to change the viewing pitch and azimuth as the numbers
are adjusted.

Front Click to initialize viewing direction forward. The azimuth and pitch are each set to 0.0.

Back Click to initialize viewing direction backward. The azimuth is set to 180.0 and pitch is
set to 0.0.

Left Click to initialize viewing direction to the left. The azimuth is set to 270.0 and the pitch
is set to 0.0.

Right Click to initialize viewing direction to the right. The azimuth is set to 90.0 and the pitch
is set to 0.0.

Up Click to initialize viewing direction upward. The azimuth is set to 0.0 and the pitch is set
to 90.0.

Down Click to initialize viewing direction downward. The azimuth is set to 0.0 and the pitch
is set to -90.0.

Apply Click to apply the new look direction to the scene.

Close Click to close the Look Direction dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

89
HUD Properties

HUD Properties
This dialog allows you to adjust the properties of the Heads Up Display utility. It is opened when
you select Navigation | HUD Properties... from the VirtualGIS menu bar.

Show Center Point Click this checkbox to show the center target point when using the
Heads Up Display.

Show Pitch Click this checkbox to show pitch when using the Heads Up Display.

Show Azimuth Click to show azimuth values when using the Heads Up Display.

Color: Click to change the color used for the Heads Up Display.

Apply Click to apply the changes to the properties of the Heads Up Display.

Close Click to close the HUD Properties dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

90
Band Combinations (from VirtualGIS)

Band Combinations (from VirtualGIS)


This dialog allows you to set the band combinations to be used in the top-most raster layer
displayed in VirtualGIS. To open this dialog, select Raster | Band Combinations... from the
VirtualGIS menu bar.

Number of Layers: Displays the number of layers (data file bands) in the image.

Layers to Colors: Allows you to select which data file bands are assigned to the red,
green, and blue portions of the displayed image. This number can be edited in the number
field or adjusted using the increment nudgers to the right of the field. The number used cannot
exceed the number of layers in the image.

Red: The data file band number that is used to drive the red portion of the displayed
image.

Green: The data file band number that is used to drive the green portion of the displayed
image.

Blue: The data file band number that is used to drive the blue portion of the displayed
image.

Apply Click to apply the new layer combination to the image.

Close Click to close the Band Combinations dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

91
VirtualGIS Vector Properties

VirtualGIS Vector Properties


This dialog allows you to set the properties that determine how vector data are displayed. This
information can be read from a symbology file, edited, and saved to a new or existing symbology
file. This dialog also determines which features of a particular layer are currently opened and
opens the default styles used (the style used if there is no attribute-based symbology for this
feature type or if the feature does not fall into any of the specified classes) for the feature types.

☞ You must click Apply before new styles are applied to the displayed vector layer.
This dialog is opened when you select Vector | Viewing Properties... from the VirtualGIS menu
bar and when you select Vector Options | Show Properties in the VirtualGIS Arrange Layers
dialog.

Arcs Click to display lines. The default line style is shown as well as the number of lines in
the displayed layer (in parentheses). Click the style chooser button to change the line style.

Points Click to display points. The default point symbol is shown as well as the number of
points in the displayed layer (in parentheses). Click the style chooser button to change the
symbol style.

Attribute Click to display attribute information at the points. Click the popup list button to
select the attribute information to display. Click the style chooser button to change the text
style.

Polygon Click to display polygons. The default polygon style is shown as well as the
number of polygons in the displayed layer (in parentheses). Click the style chooser button to
change the fill style.

All Types of polygons which are displayed.


☞ You can display polygons only if you are not editing your layer. If editing is enabled, this check
box is disabled.

Selection Color: Click the style chooser button to choose the highlight color for selected
features. The default color is yellow.

Nodes Click here to display nodes.

All Type of nodes that are displayed.

Dangling Click here to display dangling nodes.

Pseudo Click here to display pseudo nodes.

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VirtualGIS Vector Properties

Bounding Box Click Here to Display Bounding Box.

Selection Color: Click the style chooser button to choose the highlight color for selected
features. The default color is yellow.

Display the Selected Subset Only Click here to confine queries and display within a
selected subset.

Attribute-based symbology Click to toggle the use of attribute-based symbology.

Symbology: The file storing the symbology being used to view this layer is reported. If
the layer does not have an associate symbology file, this will say <none>.

Set... Click to select a different symbology file. The Select Vector Symbology dialog is
opened.

Apply Click to apply this symbology to the displayed layer.

Save Click to save the applied symbology to the file named above.

Save As... Click to save the applied symbology to a new file. The Save Symbology As...
dialog is opened.

Close Click to dismiss this dialog without applying any changes to symbology.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

93
Intervisibility Layer Plugin

Intervisibility Layer Plugin


The Intervisibility layer plugin for VirtualGIS allows you to create domes within the scene that
reflect the line-of-sight from specified locations on the terrain. Use the File | New | Intervisibility
Layer option to create a new layer within VirtualGIS. After the layer is created a new menu is
displayed on the main VirtualGIS menu bar called Intervisibility.

☞ Generating Intervisibility domes is memory intensive. Each dome can use in excess of one
megabyte or memory.

94
Create Intervisibility Layer

Create Intervisibility Layer


This dialog allows you to add a new intervisibility layer to a VirtualGIS scene. This dialog opens
when you select File | New | Intervisibility... from the VirtualGIS menu bar.

File: Enter the name of the new intervisibility layer you want to add to your VirtualGIS scene.

Click the icon to open a new File Selector dialog.

☞ This name must be different from the name of any other intervisibility layer or model layer
present in the directory.

OK Click to use the entered name and close this File Selector dialog. The Intervisibility
menu is added to the VirtualGIS menu bar.

Cancel Click to close this dialog without creating a new intervisiblity layer.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

95
Intervisibility Options

Intervisibility Options
This tab contains options for displaying an intervisibility layer in the VirtualGIS window. It is
reached by selecting File | Open | Intervisibility Layer... from the VirtualGIS menu bar. It is

also reached by clicking the icon in the VirtualGIS toolbar, and selecting Intervisibility
(*.ivs) from the File Type popup list.

Options
Clear Overlays Click this checkbox to clear all layers currently on top of the DEM before
displaying the intervisibility layer.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

96
Generate Viewshed Image

Generate Viewshed Image


This dialog allows you to name the viewshed image created with a selected intervisibility
observer in a VirtualGIS scene. This dialog opens when you select Intervisibility | Create 2D
Viewshed... from the VirtualGIS menu bar.

☞ Generating 2D viewsheds is not supported with calibrated data.

File: Enter the name to use for the 2D viewshed layer. Click the icon to open a new
File Selector dialog.

OK Click to use the name entered in the filename part and close the Generate Viewshed
Image dialog.

Cancel Click to close this dialog and cancel this process. No viewshed layer is generated.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

97
Import Coverage/ShapeFile

Import Coverage/ShapeFile
This dialog allows you to import shapefiles and Arc coverages as observers in an intervisibility
layer. It opens when you select Intervisibility | Import Observers... from the VirtualGIS menu
bar, then select Arc Coverage or Shape File (*.shp) from the File Type: popup list on the File
Selector dialog.

Choose Attributes For: Select the attribute to use with the imported points by selecting
from the popup list to the right of each category.

i If your points do not have one of the attributes listed below, select none from the popup list
to use a default value. This value can be altered in the Observer Attributes CellArray after
the points are displayed in VirtualGIS.

ASL: Click this checkbox to use the above sea level value for the points’ positions. Use
the popup list to select the corresponding attribute.

AGL: Click this checkbox to use the above ground level value the points’ positions. Use
the popup list to select the corresponding attribute.

FOVX: Click this popup list to select the field of view in the X-direction attribute for the
imported observers.

FOVY: Click this checkbox to select the field of view in the Y-direction attribute for the
imported observers.

Range: Click this popup list to select the corresponding attribute for the size of the visible
radius around your observer for the imported observer. The dome will cover this area.

Pitch: Click this popup list to select the corresponding attribute for your observer’s angle
of pitch. Pitch is the angle of rotation around the Y-axis.
Azimuth: Click this popup list to select the corresponding attribute for your observer’s
angle of azimuth. Azimuth is the angle of rotation around the Z-axis.

Roll: Click this popup list to select the imported file’s corresponding attribute for your
observer’s angle of roll. Roll is the angle of rotation around the X-axis.

Name: Click this popup list to select the attribute for naming your imported points.

Description: Click this popup list to select the attribute for describing your imported
points.

OK Click to import the file and close this dialog.

Cancel Click to close this dialog without importing a file. No observers are added to the
scene.

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Import Coverage/ShapeFile

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

99
Observer Properties

Observer Properties
This dialog allows you to define the position of your observer and the size of its corresponding
dome in an open intervisibility layer. Observer size can be changed in the VirtualGIS
Preferences; the default is 20 pixels. All of these parameters can be edited in the Observer
Attributes dialog CellArray.

There are several ways to open this dialog. From the VirtualGIS menu bar, select Intervisibility
| Add Observer..., or Intervisibility | Observer Properties....

From the Observer Attributes dialog menu bar, select Edit | Add Observer... or Utility |

Observer Properties.... It can also be reached by clicking the icon or the icon from
the Observer Attributes tool bar.

Name: Enter a name for your new observer.

Description: Enter a short description of your new observer.

Position: This section displays where the new observer will be placed. You can alter the
placement of the observer by changing the information in the number fields.

X: This field displays the X-position of the new observer. The default position is in the
center of the VirtualGIS window. You can change this position by entering a new
coordinate in the number field.

Y: This field displays the Y-position of the new observer. The default position is in the
center of the VirtualGIS window. You can change this position by entering a new
coordinate in the number field.

ASL: Displays the distance in Meters above sea level of the new observer. This default
position depends upon your viewing orientation in the VirtualGIS window. You can change
this position by entering a new distance in the number field.

AGL: Displays the distance in Meters above ground level of the new observer. This
default position depends upon your current viewing orientation in the VirtualGIS window.
You can change this position by entering a new distance in the number field.

From Viewing Position: Click this button to change all the position coordinates (X, Y,
ASL, AGL) to your position in the VirtualGIS scene. The observer’s position moves to your
viewing location.

Face Viewing Position: Click this button to change all the position coordinates (X, Y,
ASL, AGL) to the location directly in front of your line of sight. The observer’s position
returns to the center of the VirtualGIS window.

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Observer Properties

Field Of View: This section allows you to set the viewing parameters of the new observer.
Horizontal: Enter a number between 0 and 360 to determine the observer’s field of view
in the X-direction. The default is 360 degrees.

Vertical: Enter a number between 0 and 360 to determine the observer’s field of view
in the Y-direction. The default is 360 degrees.

Direction: This section allows you to set the viewing distance and angle of the new
observer. This information determines the size of the Intervisibility dome and the angled
position of the observer.

Range: This field displays the size of the visible radius around your observer. The
intervisibility dome for this observer will cover this area.

Pitch: This field displays the your observer’s angle of pitch. Pitch is the angle of rotation
around the Y-axis.

Azimuth: This field displays your observer’s angle of azimuth. Azimuth is the angle of
rotation around the Z-axis.

Roll: This field displays your observer’s angle of roll. Roll is the angle of rotation around
the X-axis.

Create/Update View Click this checkbox to generate intervisibility domes immediately


upon placing an observer in the VirtualGIS scene.

☞ Windows or dialogs overlapping the VirtualGIS window when creating/updating an


intervisibility observer dome may corrupt the final output.

OK Click to accept these parameters and close the Observer Properties dialog. The new
observer is placed in your VirtualGIS scene.

Cancel Click to cancel these parameters and close the Observer Properties dialog. No
observer will be added to your VirtualGIS scene.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

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Observer Attributes

Observer Attributes
This dialog allows you to select and alter the attributes and positions of your observers. Edits can
be made from the menu bar, or within the fields of the CellArray.

This dialog opens when you select Intervisibility | Observer Attributes... from the VirtualGIS
menu bar.

File
Create/Update View Select this option to apply any edits to selected observer(s) in the
VirtualGIS scene. This is the same function as Intervisibility | Create/Update View on
the VirtualGIS Viewer menu bar.
Close Select this option to close the Observer Attributes dialog.

Edit
Add Observer... Select this option to add a new observer to a VirtualGIS scene. The
Observer Properties dialog opens.

Delete Observer Select this option to delete all selected observers. The observer is
removed from the CellArray immediately, but you must select File | Update View to
remove the observer from the scene.

Utility
Display Styles... Select this option to change the appearance of the selected observers
and their corresponding domes. The Display Styles dialog opens.

Observer Properties... Select this option to alter the position of a selected observer. The
Observer Properties dialog opens.

Drop To Ground Select this option to place all selected observers on the terrain of the
displayed VirtualGIS scene.

i The observer’s location is determined by the coordinate position of its center; placing the
observer on the ground may cause the observer object to appear imbedded in the terrain.

View Selected Observer Select this option to move within sight of a selected observer
in the top-most intervisibility layer displayed in a VirtualGIS scene. To determine or
change the current intervisibility layer, use the VirtualGIS Arrange Layers dialog.

The observer can be selected in the VirtualGIS window or in the Observer Attributes
CellArray.

Jump Select this option to move immediately within sight of the selected observer.

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Observer Attributes

Fly Select this option to fly through the scene until the selected observer is within
sight.

Move to Selected Observer Select this option to move toward a selected observer in
the top-most intervisibility layer displayed in a VirtualGIS scene. To determine or change
the current intervisibility layer, use the VirtualGIS Arrange Layers dialog.

The observer can be selected in the VirtualGIS window or in the Observer Attributes
CellArray. The proximity to the object is determined in the VirtualGIS preferences.

Jump Select this option to move immediately to the selected observer.

Fly Select this option to fly through the scene to the selected observer.

Help
Help for Observer Attributes Select this option to open this On-line Help document.

Click this icon to automatically update the VirtualGIS scene with recent edits.

Click this icon to create a new observer for the VirtualGIS scene. The Observer
Properties dialog opens.

Click this icon to delete selected observers from the VirtualGIS scene.

Click this icon to alter the position of a selected observer. The Observer Properties
dialog opens.

Observer List CellArray This CellArray displays the following information about each
of your observers. All of the fields are editable.

Observer Click in this field to hide or show the observer in the scene. An X indicates
you want to display the observer.

Dome Click in this field to hide or show the dome associated with your observer. An X
indicates you want to display the dome.

Name This field displays the name of your observer.

X This field displays the X-position of your observer.

Y This field displays the Y-position of your observer.

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Observer Attributes

ASL This field displays your observer’s height above sea level.

AGL This field displays your observer’s height above ground level.

FOV X This field displays the number of degrees in the X-direction your observer can
see. The maximum is 360.

FOV Y This field displays the number of degrees in the Y-direction your observer can
see. The maximum is 360.

Range This field displays the size of the visible radius around your observer. The dome
will cover this area.

Pitch This field displays your observer’s angle of pitch. Pitch is the angle of rotation
around the Y-axis.

Azimuth This field displays your observer’s angle of azimuth. Azimuth is the angle of
rotation around the Z-axis.

Roll This field displays your observer’s angle of roll. Roll is the angle of rotation around
the X-axis.

104
Display Styles

Display Styles
This dialog allows you to change the appearance of all selected observers and their domes
displayed in an intervisibility layer. If more than one observer is present, the observer you want
to change must be selected. Observers can be selected in the VirtualGIS window or in the
Observer Attributes CellArray.

This dialog opens when you select Intervisibility | Display Styles... from the VirtualGIS menu
bar, or when you select Utility | Display Styles... from the Observer Attributes dialog menu bar.

Observer: This section of the dialog allows you to change the appearance of the observer.
Color: Click and hold the color patch to select a color to use for your selected observer.
Selecting Other... brings up the colorwheel dialog.
Shading: Click this popup list to render the observer in Wire-Frame or Solid.

Model: Click this popup list to select the shape of your selected observer. Your options
are Box, Sphere, or Diamond.

Size: Allows you to set the size of the observer in the same units you use for distance.
(See the DEM tab of the Scene Properties dialog.) The number can be entered into the
number field or adjusted with the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

Dome: This section of the dialog allows you to change the appearance of the Intervisibility
dome.

i An intervisibility dome may be displayed underneath the terrain if the observer is placed too
close to the ground. If this occurs, raise the observer height (Observer Properties), and
select the Create/Update View option in the Intervisibility menu.

Color: Click and hold the color patch to select a color to use for your selected observer’s
dome. Selecting Other... brings up the colorwheel dialog.

Shading: Click this popup list to select the shading of your observer’s dome.

Wire-Frame Select this option to render the dome in wire-frame. The number of
wires is determined by the Density number field on this dialog.

Solid Select this option to render the dome in a solid color. You may make the color
opaque by clicking the Opacity checkbox on the Custom tab of the colorwheel
dialog.

Both Select this option to render the dome both with a solid color and in wire-frame.
Adjust the opacity of the dome on the Custom tab of the colorwheel dialog to make
the wires visible.

105
Display Styles

Density: Allows you to select the number of wires used to create the Intervisibility dome.
Enter the number in the number field or adjust it with the increment nudgers to the right of
the field.

☞ Setting the intervisibility dome Density to a value greater than 1,000 consumes a
considerable amount of system resources, and may cause VirtualGIS to abnormally
terminate.

OK Click to make your changes and close the Display Styles dialog.
i To make the changes appear in the 3D scene, you must select either Intervisibility | Update
View from the VirtualGIS menu bar or File | Update View from the Observer Attributes dia-
log.

Cancel Click to close the Display Styles dialog without making any changes to the
observers or their domes in your Intervisibility layer.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

106
Lens Flare Layer Plugin

Lens Flare Layer Plugin


The Lens Flare Plugin for VirtualGIS allows you to add a sun representation within the VirtualGIS
scene. When the sun is visible from the current viewing orientation it is displayed as an image
with varying colors. The lens flare from the sun is also visible as a set of rings that project from
the sun to the center of the window.

Use the File | Open | Lens Flare option to open a lens flare file. The lens flare file is distributed
with the plugin in the $IMAGINE_HOME/examples/ directory called lensflare.len. The position of
the sun is controlled using the View | Sun Positioning option on the VirtualGIS menu bar. The
representation of the sun is visible even if the Use Lighting option is disabled on the Sun
Positioning dialog. Therefore, you can lower the sun position to the horizon without affecting the
brightness of the terrain.

The lens flare file itself (lensflare.len) is an ascii file that contains links to the image files that are
used to represent the sun and lens flare graphics. The first line of the file defines whether the
sun images listed (image1.img, etc.) are cycled when displayed in VirtualGIS. Cycling causes
the sun to appear to sparkle as you move through the scene. The value for CycleImages can be
either True or False.

The second line defines the number of images for the lens flare (Flares) and the number of
images to use for the sun representation (Images). The first set of images listed are used for the
lens flare and there must be exactly the number of images listed as specified by Flares. Each
lens flare image also has two values to the right. The first value represents the intensity of the
flare with 0 being transparent and 1 being fully opaque. The second value represents a scale
factor that is used in determining the actual size of the flare on the screen relative to the size of
the image file.

The second set of images listed are used to represent the sun in the VirtualGIS scene and the
number listed should match the number specified by Images. The contents of the lensflare.len
file are listed below:

CycleImages True
Flares 6 Images 7
flare1.img 0.3 0.6
flare2.img 0.4 0.1
flare3.img 0.4 0.3
flare4.img 0.3 0.1
flare5.img 0.4 0.2
flare6.img 0.1 0.2
image1.img
image2.img
image3.img
image4.img
image5.img
image6.img

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Lens Flare Layer Plugin

image7.img

108
Model Layer Plugin

Model Layer Plugin


The model layer plugin to VirtualGIS allows you to import 3D model files (e.g. DXF and MultiGen
OpenFlight formats) into the VirtualGIS scene. Once a model has been imported, you can move
or resize the model within the scene.

Use the File | New | Model Layer option to create a new model layer in the VirtualGIS scene.
Once the model layer has been created a new menu is displayed on the main VirtualGIS menu
bar called Model. The Import Model option in this menu can be used for importing various 3D
model files into the scene.

If the models are not already georeferenced then they are displayed in front of the current
viewing orientation. The original size of a model that is not georeferenced may be quite small and
need to be resized before changing the current viewing orientation. To quickly find a model in
the scene use the Model Attributes dialog, select the appropriate model from the CellArray and
then select the Move To Selected Model option. This takes you to the location of the model.

109
Create Model Layer

Create Model Layer


This dialog allows you to create a new model layer for a VirtualGIS scene. It opens when you
select File | New | Model Layer... from the VirtualGIS menu bar.

File: Enter the name of the new model layer to add to the VirtualGIS scene. Click the
icon to open a new File Selector dialog.

☞ This name must be different from the name of any other model layer or intervisibility layer
present in the directory.

OK Click to use the name you have entered and add the model layer to VirtualGIS. The
Model menu will appear on the VirtualGIS menu bar.

Cancel Click to close this dialog without creating a new model layer.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

110
Model Options

Model Options
This tab contains options for displaying a model layer in the VirtualGIS window. It is reached by
selecting File | Open | Model Layer... from the VirtualGIS menu bar. It is also reached by

clicking the icon in the VirtualGIS toolbar, then selecting 3D Model (*.vml) from the File
Type popup list.

Options
Clear Overlays Click this checkbox to clear all layers currently on top of the DEM before
displaying the 3D model.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

111
Import Model Options

Import Model Options


This tab allows you to control how a model is imported into a VirtualGIS scene. It is reached by
selecting Model | Import Model... from the VirtualGIS menu bar, or select Edit | Import
Model... from the Model Attributes menu bar.

Options
Position Model Using: Select how you want to place the model when it is first imported
into the VirtualGIS scene.

ModelsGeographicCoordinates Click this radio button to use the georgraphic


coordinates associated with the model. If your model has no coodinates, the model is
placed in front of your current viewing position.

Current Viewing Position Click this radio button to place the model in front of your
current viewing position. The model will appear in the center of the VirtualGIS window.

Load Models As: Select how you want the model loaded into VirtualGIS.

Group Click this radiobutton to import all pieces of the model as one piece. Some
models are actually several small models placed together. This option allows you to
keep them in one piece while using them in your VirtualGIS scene.

Separate Objects Click this radio button to import all pieces of the model as
separate models. If the model is created from several small models placed together,
moving the model will require individually selecting and moving each piece while using
the model in your VirtualGIS scene.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

112
Model Attributes

Model Attributes
This dialog allows you to select and alter the attributes and positions of your models. Edits can
be made from the menu bar, within the fields of the CellArray.

This dialog opens when you select Model | Model Attributes... from the VirtualGIS menu bar.

File
Update View Select this option to apply any edits to selected model(s) in the VirtualGIS
scene.

Undo Changes Select this option to undo the last change made in the CellArray.

☞ If the change is made before before clicking the Update Viewer icon, you can undo the
change; however, after the Update Viewer icon has been clicked, the change cannot be
undone.

Close Select this option to close the Model Attributes dialog.

Edit
Import Model... Select this option to add a new model to a VirtualGIS scene. The File
Selector dialog opens.

Copy Model Select this option to make copies of a selected model. Once a model is
copied, it can be pasted multiple times. This option is enabled only when a model is
selected.

Paste Model Select this option to paste a copy of the selected model. The model will be
pasted partially on top of the originally imported model. This option is enabled only when
a model is selected.

Paste Model At... Select this option to paste a copy of the selected model in a specific
location in a VirtualGIS scene. Click in the desired location in the VirtualGIS scene to
place the copied model. This option is enabled only when a model is selected.

Delete Model Select this option to remove a selected model from your VirtualGIS scene
and the Model Attributes CellArray. This option is enabled only when a model is selected.

Utility
Model Properties... Select this option to set the position parameters and size of a
selected model. The Model Properties dialog opens. This option is enabled only when a
model is selected.

113
Model Attributes

Drop To Ground Select this option to place all selected models on the terrain of the
displayed VirtualGIS scene. This option is enabled only when a model is selected.

View Selected Model Select this option to move within sight of a selected model in the
top-most model layer displayed in a VirtualGIS scene. To determine or change the current
model layer, use the VirtualGIS Arrange Layers dialog.

The model can be selected in the VirtualGIS window or in the Model Attributes CellArray.
This option is enabled only when a model is selected.

Jump Select this option to move immediately within sight of the selected model.

Fly Select this option to fly through the scene until the selected model is within sight.

Move to Selected Model Select this option to move toward a selected model in the top-
most model layer displayed in a VirtualGIS scene. To determine or change the current
model layer, use the VirtualGIS Arrange Layers dialog.

The model can be selected in the VirtualGIS window or in the Model Attributes CellArray.
The proximity to the object is determined in the VirtualGIS preferences. This option is
enabled only when a model is selected.

Jump Select this option to move immediately to the selected model.

Fly Select this option to fly through the scene to the selected model.

Help
Help for Model Attributes Select this option to open this On-line Help document.

Click this icon to automatically update the VirtualGIS scene with recent edits.

Click this icon to delete selected models from the VirtualGIS scene.

Model Attributes CellArray All the fields in this CellArray are editable.

Name This field displays the name of your model.

X This field displays the X-position of your model.

Y This field displays the Y-position of your model.

ASL This field displays your model’s height above sea level.

AGL This field displays your model’s height above ground level.

114
Model Attributes

Width This field displays the model’s width. The units are the same as those used for
the DEM.

Length This field displays the model’s length. The units are the same as those used for
the DEM.

Height This field displays the model’s height. The units are the same as those used for
the DEM.

Pitch This field displays your model’s angle of pitch. Pitch is the angle of rotation around
the Y-axis.

Azimuth This field displays your model’s angle of azimuth. Azimuth is the angle of
rotation around the Z-axis.

Roll This field displays your model’s angle of roll. Roll is the angle of rotation around the
X-axis.

115
Model Display Styles

Model Display Styles


This dialog allows you to change the appearance of all selected models in your model layer.
Even if only one model is present, it must be selected before you can change it. Models can be
selected in the VirtualGIS window or in the Model Attributes dialog CellArray.

This dialog opens when you select Model | Display Styles... from the VirtualGIS menu bar.

Override Model Colors: Activate this checkbox to insure the color you select for your
model will override any color currently used by the model in your scene.

Click and hold the color patch to select a new color to use for your selected model. Selecting
Other... brings up the colorwheel dialog.

Shading: Click this popup list to select the shading of your selected model.
Wire-Frame Select this option to render the model in wire-frame.

Solid Select this option to render the model in a solid color.

Textured Select this option to render models that already have texture.

Apply Click to apply these changes to your selected model.

Close Click to close the Displays Styles dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

116
Model Properties

Model Properties
This dialog allows you to define various parameters of your imported model. The parameters for
Position and Direction can be edited in the Model Attributes CellArray.

This dialog is opened by selecting Model | Model Properties... from the VirtualGIS menu bar,
or selecting Utility | Model Properties... from the Model Attributes menu bar.

Position: Click this checkbox to enable editing in the following number fields.
X: Allows you to set the X-position of the selected model. You can set the position by
editing the number field or using the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

Y: Allows you to set the Y-position of the selected model. You can set the position by
editing the number field or using the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

ASL: Allows you set the distance above sea level of the selected model. You can set the
distance by editing the number field or using the increment nudgers to the right of the field.
The distance is set in Meters.

AGL: Allows you set the distance above ground level of the selected model. You can set
the distance by editing the number field or using the increment nudgers to the right of the
field. The distance is set in Meters.

From Viewing Position: Click this button to reset the position of the model to
immediately in front of your viewing position. The model will be moved to the middle of the
VirtualGIS window, and the X, Y, ASL, and AGL values will reflect the move.

Orientation: Click this checkbox to enable the following icons.


Choose Front of Model: Use these icons to place the front of your model facing in the
desired direction. The green panel and arrow on the icon illustrate the direction the front
of your model is facing.

Choose Top of Model: Use these icons to place the top of your model facing in the
desired direction. The red panel and arrow on the icon illustrate the direction the top of
your model is facing.

117
Model Properties

Direction: Click this option to enable the following number fields.


Width: Allows you to set the width of the selected model. You can set the width by
editing the number field or using the increment nudgers tot he right of the field. The size
is set in units used by the current DEM.

Length: Allows you to set the length of the selected model. You can set the length by
editing the number field or using the increment nudgers tot he right of the field. The size
is set in units used by the current DEM.

Height: Allows you to set the height of the selected model. You can set the height by
editing the number field or using the increment nudgers tot he right of the field. The size
is set in units used by the current DEM.

Pitch: Allows you to set the model’s angle of pitch. Pitch is the rotation around the Y-axis.

Azimuth: Allows you to set the model’s angle of azimuth. Azimuth is the rotation around
the Z-axis.

Roll: Allows you to set the model’s angle of roll. Roll is the rotation around the X-axis.

Apply Click to apply your edits to the selected model.

Close Click to close the Model Properties dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

118
Water Layer Plugin

Water Layer Plugin


The Water layer plugin for VirtualGIS allows you to flood the entire terrain to a specified elevation
or flood individual areas of the terrain. Use the File | New | Water Layer option to create a new
layer within VirtualGIS. Once the layer has been created a new menu is displayed on the
VirtualGIS menu bar called Water. To flood the entire scene, select the Fill Entire Scene
option. This, by default, displays the flood layer at the mean elevation for the terrain. Select the
Water Elevation Tool to modify the elevation of the flood layer.

To flood individual areas in the terrain turn off the Fill Entire Scene option and then select Create
Fill Areas. Press the Select Point button in this dialog. VirtualGIS is now waiting for you to
select a location in the VirtualGIS scene to be used as the starting flood point. Click the mouse
somewhere on the terrain in the VirtualGIS scene. The selected point is displayed in the dialog
along with the terrain elevation at that point. Modify the Fill Elevation Height value to the
elevation that you want to represent the surface of the water. Press Apply to create the flooded
area. This process can be repeated to create other flood areas in the VirtualGIS scene. To view
the areas that have been created select the Water | Fill Attributes option. You can use this
dialog for removing existing areas and viewing the volume and surface area of the flooded
regions.

119
Create Water Layer

Create Water Layer


This dialog allows you to create a new water layer for a VirtualGIS scene. It opens when you
select File | New | Water Layer... from the VirtualGIS menu bar.

File: Enter the name of the new water layer to add to the VirtualGIS scene. Click the
icon to open a new File Selector dialog.

☞ This name must be different from the name of any other water layer present in the directory.

OK Click to use the name you have entered and add the water layer to VirtualGIS. The
Water menu will appear on the VirtualGIS menu bar.

Cancel Click to close this dialog without creating a new water layer.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

120
Fill Area Options

Fill Area Options


This dialog allows you to choose whether islands are created in the surface of the water and the
method used in growing the area. It is reached from the Water Properties dialog.

Create Islands Create Islands in Water Surface.

Buffer Region Boundary Buffer the Boundary of the Region which will avoid sudden
changes in elevation when growing the area.

OK Click to apply the new options and close the dialog.

Cancel Click to close the dialog without changing the options.

Help Click to see this On-Line Help document.

121
Area Fill Attributes

Area Fill Attributes


This dialog allows you to select and alter the display styles for areas created using the Water
Properties dialog. The dialog will also display area and volume units for the areas created using
the Water Properties dialog. It is reached by VirtualGIS | Water | Fill Attributes... on the
VirtualGIS menu bar.

File
Delete Selected Areas This option will delete the selected areas in the CellArray and
remove them from the Scene.

Close This option will close the dialog

Utility
Set Units... This option allows you to set the units of the Area and Volume columns
displayed in the CellArray.

Help
Help for Area Fill Attributes Show Help for Area Fill Attributes Dialog

Area List CellArray This CellArray displays the following information about each of the
areas that have been created. All of the fields are editable except the Area and Volume
columns.

Area This field displays the surface area covered.

Volume This field displays the volume of water contained in the area.

Fill Mode This field displays the current surface style used for this area. Click on the
field to display a dialog from which the fill mode can be set to Solid, Rippled, or Textured.
If Textured is chosen and no texture file has been specified in the Texture File field below
then the area will not be displayed in the VirtualGIS scene. These display properties are
described in the Display Styles dialog help.

Color This field displays the color used for the surface of this area. Right-click on this
field to display a color chooser from which a new color can be selected.

Reflections This boolean field displays whether the water surface for this area is
displayed with reflections. Left-click this field to toggle reflections on and off.

Texture File This field displays the current image that is used when the Fill Mode
property is set to Textured. Left-click this field to display a file chooser from which a new
image file can be selected.

122
Area Fill Attributes

123
Water Display Styles

Water Display Styles


This dialog allows you to set the display properties of the water surface for both Fill Entire Scene
and Fill Area modes. It is reached from Water | Display Styles... on the VirtualGIS menu bar.

Surface Style: Set display style for surface of water to one of the following:
Solid Sets the surface of the water to a solid color defined by the Water Color property
below. The Water Color property includes an opacity setting.

Rippled Sets the surface of the water to a rippled pattern using the Water Color property
below for the color of the surface.

Textured Uses the specified image defined in the Surface Texture property below to tile
across the surface of the water. The image will be repeated across the surface of the
water. If this option is selected and no Surface Texture has been defined below then the
surface will not be displayed in the Virtualities scene.

Water Color: Basic color to use with the Surface Style specified above. The opacity
setting is included with this color.

Reflections: Show reflections in the surface of the water. This option will disable any
transparency that is set using the Water Color property; however, the opacity setting is used
to affect the clarity of the reflections in the water.

Surface Texture: Select the image to use with the Textured Surface Style defined above.

Apply Click to apply the new surface style

Close Click to close the Water Display Styles dialog


Help Click to show On-Line Help for this dialog.

124
Water Properties

Water Properties
This dialog allows you to grow individual areas within the elevation model to specified elevations.
It is reached by Water | Create Fill Areas... on the VirtualGIS menu bar.

Neighborhood:

Click to use a 4 neighbor search when growing the specified area.

Click to use an 8 neighbor search when growing the specified area.

Seed Position/Water Level:


X: The X coordinate of the seed point used in growing the specified area.

Y: The Y coordinate of the seed point used in growing the specified area.

Fill Elevation Height: Elevation of the water surface to grow the area.

Options... Display the Fill Area Options dialog.

Select Point... Click to graphically select a point in the VirtualGIS scene that will be used
as the seed point in growing the area. After the point has selected the Seed Position
coordinates above will be filled in with the specified coordinate. The Fill Elevation Height will
be set to the elevation of the terrain at the specified location.

Redo Click to redo the last area Using its Seed Position and Water Level.

Apply Click to create new area using the Seed Position and Water Level.

Close Click to close the Water Properties dialog.

Help Click to open On-Line Help for this dialog.

125
Water Elevation

Water Elevation
This dialog allows you to interactively set the elevation of the water surface when using the Fill
Entire Scene mode. It is reached by selecting Water | Water Elevation Tool... from the
VirtualGIS menu bar.

Elevation: The elevation of the water surface in units defined for the Scene from the Scene
Properties dialog.

Delta: The number of elevation units to add or subtract from the current elevation as the
thumb wheel to the left is rotated.

Auto Apply: Automatically adjusts the surface of the water in the VirtualGIS window as
the thumb wheel is rotated.

Apply Click to apply New Elevation to the Water Surface.

Close Click to close the Water Elevation dialog.

Help Click to open this On-Line Help document.

126
Create Movie

Create Movie
This dialog allows you to create a movie from a VirtualGIS project file containing a flight path. It
is opened when you click the Create Movie... button from the VirtualGIS menu. This menu
dialog is reached by clicking the VirtualGIS icon (shown below) on the IMAGINE icon panel.

Input Project Name (*.vwp): Enter the name of the project file containing the flight

path you want to make into a movie file. Click the icon to open the File Selector dialog.

Output Movie Name (*.mov): Enter the name of the movie file you are about to create.
Enter the root name only, since the extension will depend upon the format you select. Click

the icon to open the File Selector dialog.

Frame Size: Enter the dimensions for the movie frames below.
Width: Enter the number of columns wide you want the movie frames to be for this movie
file.

Height: Enter the number of rows high you want the movie frames to be for this movie
file.

OK Click to confirm all entries and create a movie file. The Create Movie dialog is closed.

Cancel Click to cancel all entries and close the Create Movie dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

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Open or Create a Virtual World

Open or Create a Virtual World


This dialog allows you to open an existing Virtual World or create a new one in the Virtual World
Editor. You must select whether you want to open or create a Virtual World in this dialog before
the Virtual World Editor is enabled. You open this dialog when you click the Virtual World
Editor... button in the VirtualGIS menu dialog.

Please choose one of the following:

Open Click this button to open an existing Virtual World file. The Select World To Open File
Selector dialog opens.

New Click this button to create a new Virtual World file. The Select Name For New World
File Selector dialog opens.

Close Click to close the Virtual World Editor without opening or creating a Virtual World file.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

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Virtual World Editor

Virtual World Editor


A Virtual World Editor is opened when you click the Virtual World Editor... button on the
VirtualGIS menu dialog. This menu dialog is reached by clicking the VirtualGIS icon (shown
below) on the IMAGINE icon panel.

The Virtual World Editor allows you to create a new Virtual World, or open and edit an existing
one. The editing of a Virtual World includes adding layers of data, deleting layers of data, and
customizing the way layers of multi-resolution data will be rendered in VirtualGIS. These
functions can be done using the menu bar, the tool bar, or within the CellArrays of the tab
sheets.

The Virtual World Editor creates and manages “Virtual Worlds”. To provide the ability to fly
through unlimited areas, the layers which are to be displayed must be made to fit to a common
grid. A Virtual World is a collection of Raster, Annotation, and Vector layers that have been made
to conform to the common grid restriction. The Virtual World Editor is the tool which is used to
create and maintain a Virtual World.

Different icons and options are available for editing depending upon the status and contents of
these tab sheets:

♦ World Info
♦ Dems
♦ Raster Overlays
♦ Vectors
♦ Annotations
♦ Sector Coordinates
♦ Sector Contents

File
New

New Virtual World... Select this option to create a new Virtual World in the currently
open Virtual World Editor. The File Selector Dialog is opened.

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Virtual World Editor

☞ If you plan to use vector layers in your new Virtual World, use only lowercase letters in the
name of the Virtual World.

☞ Data that is projected in Geographic (Lat/Lon) coordinate system must have units of dd in
order to build a Virtual World with vector layers. If the units are other than dd, it will display
an error when trying to add the vector layers to the Virtual World.

New Virtual World Editor Select this option to open a new Virtual World Editor.

Open... Select this option to open an already existing Virtual World. The File Selector
dialog is opened.

Copy... Select this option to copy the Virtual World currently displayed in the Editor to a
different directory. The File Selector dialog is opened.

Clean Select this option to remove partial files and/or extraneous data from the displayed
Virtual World. The size of your Virtual World decreases. This option is enabled when you
select Edit | Enable Editing from this menu bar.

i If a process was aborted, leftover data could remain in the Editor. Any data removed will be
listed in the Session Log.

Delete Select this option to completely remove the displayed Virtual World. You will be
asked twice to confirm the removal before the world and all its files are deleted. This option
is enabled when you select Edit | Enable Editing from this menu bar.

Close Select this option to close the Virtual World Editor.

Utility
Display Sector View Tool Select this option to display a spatial layout of the data and
their sectors in a Virtual World. The display is in two dimensions. The Sector View Tool
is opened.

Display Layer Info for Selected Layer Select this option to view information about
specific layers in the Virtual World Editor.

When the selected layer is an .img file, the ImageInfo dialog is opened. When the
selected layer is a vector coverage, the VectorInfo dialog is opened. When an annotation
layer is selected, the AnnotationInfo dialog is opened.

Display Selected Layers in 2D Viewer Select this option to open specific layers from a
Virtual World in a 2D IMAGINE Viewer. An IMAGINE Viewer automatically opens.

Display Selected Layers in VirtualGIS Select this option to open specific layers from a
Virtual World in a VirtualGIS window. At least one of these layers must be a DEM. A
VirtualGIS window automatically opens.

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Virtual World Editor

Edit
Enable Editing Click this checkbox to enable and disable editing functions in the Virtual
World Editor. When opening an existing Virtual World, this option will be off. When
creating a new Virtual World, this option will be on.

Add DEM Layer... Select this option to add a DEM to the Virtual World Editor. The File
Selector dialog is opened. Use the Raster Options tab to control how the image is
displayed.

Add Raster Overlay Layer... Select this option to add a raster overlay to the Virtual
World Editor. The File Selector dialog is opened. Use the Raster Options tab to control
how the image is rendered.

Add Vector Layer... Select this option to add a vector coverage to the Virtual World
Editor. The File Selector dialog is opened. Use the Vector Options tab to control how
the coverage is displayed.

Add Annotation Layer... Select this option to add an annotation layer to the Virtual
World Editor. The File Selector dialog is opened. Use the Annotation Options tab to
control how the layer is displayed.

Arrange Layers... Select this option to arrange raster overlay layers and feature layers
over the current DEM independently. The Virtual World Editor Arrange Layers dialog is
opened.

Delete Selected Layers Select this option to delete specific layers from the Virtual World
Editor. You will be asked once to confirm the removal of the selected layer before it is
deleted from the Virtual World Editor.

Change DEM Options... Select this option to alter the way the DEM is rendered when
this Virtual World is displayed in VirtualGIS.

The DEM Options dialog is opened. You will be asked once to confirm the changes to the
selected DEM before changes are made to the layer in the Editor.

☞ You must rebuild the DEM in order for the changes to be visible when the Virtual World is
displayed in VirtualGIS.

Set DEM Pixel Resolution From Selection... Select this option to set the resolution for
a specific raster overlay or DEM layer. The resolution must be a multiple of 2n . The DEM
Pixel Size dialog is opened. The Raster Overlays tab or DEMs tab must be displayed
and a specific layer must be selected for this option to be enabled.

Change Map Info... Select this option to redefine the position and extent of the sectors
within the projection system used for the Virtual World displayed in the Editor.

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Virtual World Editor

The Change Map Info dialog is opened. You will be asked once to confirm the changes
before they will be applied to the Virtual World.

☞ You must rebuild all the layers displayed in the Virtual World Editor in order for the changes
to be visible when the Virtual World is rendered in VirtualGIS.

Set Reference Coords From Selection Select this option to set the reference map
coordinates for the Virtual World displayed in the Editor. The reference coordinates for a
Virtual World are the upper left coordinates for sector 0, 0 of the selected layer.

The Raster Overlays tab or DEMs tab must be displayed and a specific layer to use as
the reference layer must be selected for this option to be enabled. You will be asked once
to confirm the change before it is applied to the Virtual World.

☞ You must rebuild all the layers displayed in the Virtual World Editor in order for the changes
to be visible when the Virtual World is rendered in VirtualGIS.

Change Projection Info... Select this option to change the projection information for the
layers displayed in the Virtual World Editor.

The Projection Chooser dialog is opened. You will be asked once to confirm the change
before it is applied to the Virtual World.

☞ You must rebuild all the layers displayed in the Virtual World Editor in order for the changes
to be visible when the Virtual World is rendered in VirtualGIS.

Set Projection Info From Selection Select this option to set the map projection for the
entire Virtual World displayed in the Editor from a specific raster overlay or DEM layer.

The Raster Overlays tab or DEMs tab must be displayed and a specific layer must be
selected for this option to be enabled. You will be asked once to confirm the change before
it is applied to the Virtual World.

☞ You must rebuild all the layers displayed in the Virtual World Editor in order for the changes
to be visible when the Virtual World is rendered in VirtualGIS.

Delete Projection Info Select this option to remove all projection information from the
Virtual World layers displayed in the Editor. All data will be interpreted as non-
georeferenced pixels. You will be asked once to confirm the change before it is applied to
the Virtual World.

☞ You must rebuild all the layers displayed in the Virtual World Editor in order for the changes
to be visible when the Virtual World is rendered in VirtualGIS.

Process

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Virtual World Editor

Build All Select this option to build all layers displayed in the Virtual World Editor that
have not been built. This option is only enabled if unbuilt layers are present in the Editor.

Build Selected Data Select this option to build only specific layers displayed in the
Virtual World Editor. This option is only enabled when layers are selected in any of the
CellArrays, or the World Info tab is displayed.

Build All DEMs Select this option to build all DEM layers displayed in the Virtual World
Editor that have not been built. This option is only enabled if unbuilt DEM layers are
present in the Editor.

Build All Raster Overlays Select this option to build all raster overlay layers displayed
in the Virtual World Editor that have not been built. This option is only enabled if unbuilt
raster overlay layers are present in the Editor.

Build All Vectors Select this option to build all draped vector coverages displayed in the
Virtual World Editor that have not been built. This option is only enabled if unbuilt vector
coverages in drape mode are present in the Editor.

Build All Annotations Select this option to build all draped annotation layers displayed
in the Virtual World Editor that have not been built. This option is only enabled if unbuilt
annotation coverages in drape mode are present in the Editor.

Delete All Computed Data Select this option to remove all computed data layers and
their sectors from a Virtual World. You will be asked once to confirm whether or not you
want to delete the layers. This option is only enabled when computed data layers are
present in the Virtual World Editor.

Delete Selected Computed Data Select this option to remove specific computed data
layers and their sectors from a Virtual World. You will be asked once to confirm whether
or not you want to delete the layers. This option is only enabled when layers are selected
in any of the CellArrays, or the World Info tab is displayed.

Source
Copy Source Data When Adding Select this option to set defaults for loading DEMs
and raster overlay layers into the Virtual World Editor.

i Vector and annotation source data are automatically copied to the Virtual World file when
loaded into the Virtual World Editor.

DEMs Click this checkbox to always copy source data to the Virtual World file when
loading DEMs into the Virtual World Editor.

Raster Overlays Click this checkbox to always copy source data to the Virtual World
file when loading DEMs into the Virtual World Editor.

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Virtual World Editor

Copy All Source Image Data Select this option to copy all source data for DEMs and
raster overlay layers into the Virtual World file displayed in the Editor. This option is
enabled only when uncopied source data for .img files are present in the Virtual World
Editor.

Copy Selected Source Image Data Select this option to copy source data for specific
DEMs and raster overlay layers into the Virtual World file displayed in the Editor. This
option is enabled only when specific, uncopied .img files are selected in the Virtual World
Editor.

Delete All Source Image Data Select this option to remove all copied source data for
DEMs and raster overlay layers from the Virtual World file displayed in the Editor. This
option is enabled only when copied source data for .img files are present in the Virtual
World Editor.

Delete Selected Source Image Data Select this option to remove copied source data
for specific DEMs and raster overlay layers from the Virtual World file displayed in the
Editor. This option is enabled only when specific, copied .img files are selected in the
Virtual World Editor.

i When building a Virtual World that contains a vector coverage, the coverage is always copied
into the Virtual World. It will not be deleted when using the Delete Selected Source Image
Data option.

Help
Help... Select this option to open this On-line Help document.

Click to open an already existing Virtual World. The File Selector dialog is opened.

Click to add a DEM to the Virtual World Editor. The File Selector dialog is opened.

Click to add a raster overlay to the Virtual World Editor. The File Selector dialog is
opened.

Click to add a vector coverage to the Virtual World Editor. The File Selector dialog is
opened.

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Virtual World Editor

Click to add an annotation layer to the Virtual World Editor. The File Selector dialog is
opened.

Click to delete specific layers from the Virtual World Editor. You will be asked once to
confirm the removal of the selected layer before it is deleted from the Virtual World Editor.

Click to build only specific layers displayed in the Virtual World Editor. This option is
only enabled when layers are selected in any of the CellArrays, or the World Info tab is
displayed.

Click to display a spatial layout of the data and their sectors in a Virtual World. The
display is in two dimensions. The Sector View Tool is opened.

i When dumping the layers of a selected sector from the Virtual World Editor or the VirtualGIS
Viewer to a 2D Viewer, the entire annotation or vector layer will be shown in the 2D Viewer,
not just the portion of the annotation or vector layer contained in the selected sector.

Click to view information about specific layers in the Virtual World Editor.

When the selected layer is an .img file, the ImageInfo dialog is opened. When the selected
layer is a vector coverage, the VectorInfo dialog is opened. When an annotation layer is
selected, the AnnotationInfo dialog is opened.

Click to open specific layers from a Virtual World in a 2D IMAGINE Viewer. An IMAGINE
Viewer automatically opens.

Click to open specific layers from a Virtual World in a VirtualGIS window. A VirtualGIS
window automatically opens.

World Info This tab displays information about the Virtual World loaded into the Virtual
World Editor.

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Virtual World Editor

DISK INFO Displays disk space information about the Virtual World
currently loaded into the Virtual World Editor.

Disk Usage: Displays the total amount of disk space used by the current Virtual World
in the Editor.

Disk Free: Displays the total amount of available disk space on the file system used by
the current Virtual World in the Editor.

DEM OPTIONS Displays information about the DEM used in the Virtual
World currently loaded into the Virtual World Editor.

Exaggeration: Displays the vertical exaggeration used when computing DEM sectors
for the current Virtual World in the Editor. The default is 1.

Elev. Units: Displays the units used for elevation exaggeration of the DEM sectors for
the current Virtual World in the Editor. The default is meters.

i When applying Exaggeration or changing the Elevation Units within the Virtual World Edi-
tor, it is possible for the data values in the DEM to become too large or small for the current
Data Type. This problem results in the DEM having flat areas that can bee seen when viewed
in the VirtualGIS Viewer. If this problem occurs, then change the data type to a larger value
in the Virtual World Editor.

Sector Size: Displays the sector pixel size to use when computing DEM sectors for the
current Virtual World in the Editor. The default is 1025.

Tile Size: Tile size to use when computing DEMs and Rasters.

Data Type: Displays the data type to use when computing sector DEM layers. The
default is based on the value of the first DEM loaded into the Virtual World.

Change DEM Options Click to change any of the DEM Options listed above. The DEM
Options dialog is opened.

This button is enabled when you select Edit | Enable Editing from this dialog’s menu bar,
and a DEM is present in the Virtual World Editor.

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Virtual World Editor

MAP INFO Displays information about the position and extent of the
projection used for the Virtual World currently loaded into the Virtual World Editor.

Reference X: Displays the upper left X coordinate for the reference sector of the current
Virtual World in the Editor.

Reference Y: Displays the upper left Y coordinate for the reference sector of the current
Virtual World in the Editor.

Upper Left X: Displays the upper left X map coordinate for the current Virtual World in
the Editor.

Upper Left Y: Displays the upper left Y map coordinate for the current Virtual World in
the Editor.

Lower Right X: Displays the lower left X map coordinate for the current Virtual World in
the Editor.

Lower Right Y: Displays the lower left Y map coordinate for the current Virtual World in
the Editor.

DEM Pixel Size: Displays the pixel resolution for computed DEM data in the current
Virtual World in the Editor.

Map Units: Displays the map units used by the current Virtual World in the Editor.

Change Map Info Click to change any of the Map Info options listed above. The Change
Map Info dialog is opened.

This button is enabled when you select Edit | Enable Editing from this dialog’s menu bar,
and data layers are present in the Virtual World Editor.

PROJECTION INFO Displays information about the projection


parameters of the Virtual World currently loaded into the Virtual World Editor.

Georeferenced to: Displays the map projection used by current Virtual World in the
Editor.

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Virtual World Editor

Spheroid: Displays the spheroid used by the current Virtual World in the Editor.

Zone Number: Displays the zone number used by the current Virtual World in the Editor.

Datum: Displays the datum used by the current Virtual World in the Editor.

Delete Projection Click to remove all projection information from the Virtual World layers
displayed in the Editor. All data will be interpreted as non-georeferenced pixels. You will
be asked once to confirm the change before it is applied to the Virtual World.

☞ You must rebuild all the layers displayed in the Virtual World Editor in order for the changes
to be visible when the Virtual World is rendered in VirtualGIS.

Change Projection Click to change the projection information for the layers displayed in
the Virtual World Editor. You will be asked once to confirm the change before it is applied
to the Virtual World. The Projection Chooser dialog is opened.

☞ You must rebuild all the layers displayed in the Virtual World Editor in order for the changes
to be visible when the Virtual World is rendered in VirtualGIS.

DEMs The CellArray on this tab displays information about all the DEM layers in a Virtual
World. Some of this information can be altered within the CellArray.

DEM Layers This column lists the layers of DEMs currently loaded into a Virtual World.
The layer on the first row is the first DEM loaded into the Editor. This field is not editable.
Band This column displays the band of the image to be rendered as a DEM in the
VirtualGIS window. This field is editable.
Elevation Units This column displays the units used for rendering the elevation of a
DEM. This field is editable.

i If you have selected Other from the Elevation Units popup list on the Raster Options tab,
you may enter the specific units of your data in this field. Entering a specific unit could cause
the number in the next column to change.

Elev. Units Conv. This column displays the number of elevation units of the data entered
into the Virtual World Editor to convert to 1 meter or 1 foot. This field is editable.

☞ The data in Virtual Worlds must be in meters or feet. If you add data that uses a different unit,
you must convert the data to meters or feet, and enter that number into the Virtual World
Editor. This conversion number can be entered in the CellArray, or in the Raster Options tab
when you select Other from the Elevation Units popup list.

Computed Sectors This column displays the number of sectors that have been
computed for the layer of data. This column displays the number as 0 until the Virtual
World is built. This field is not editable.

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Virtual World Editor

Num Sectors This column displays the number of sectors that overlap the extent of the
layer of data. This field is not editable.
Copied Data? This column displays whether or not the source data for this layer has
been copied into the Virtual World. You select to copy the source data in the Raster
Options tab. This field is not editable.
Source DEM Files This column displays the path name for the source data of each DEM
loaded into the Virtual World Editor. This path does not change if you have copied the data
into the Virtual World. This field is not editable.

Raster Overlays The CellArray on this tab displays information about all the raster
overlays in a Virtual World. Some of this information can be altered within the CellArray.

Raster Overlay Layers This column lists the layers of raster overlays currently loaded
into a Virtual World. The layer on the first row is the first raster overlay loaded into the
Editor. This field is not editable.
Band Combo This column displays the band combination to use when the raster overlay
is rendered in a VirtualGIS window. The combination is based on the source data file, and
can be altered in the Raster Options tab before loading into the Virtual World Editor. This
field is editable.
Bands This column displays the bands to use when building a Virtual World. The default
is to use all bands. This field is editable.
Computed Pixelsize This column displays the raster pixel size to use when building a
Virtual World. The only options for a raster computed pixel size are the two values closest
to 2n of the DEM pixel size. Click inside this field to open the Set Raster Computed Pixel
Size dialog. This field is editable.

i If the pixel size of the raster overlay matches a 2n power of the DEM pixel size exactly, then
only the matching size can be selected.

Computed Sectors This column displays the number of sectors that have been
computed for the layer of data. This column displays the number as 0 until the Virtual
World is built. This field is not editable.
Num Sectors This column displays the number of sectors that overlap the extent of the
layer of data. This field is not editable.
Copied Data? This column displays whether or not the source data for this layer has
been copied into the Virtual World. You select to copy the source data in the Raster
Options tab. This field is not editable.

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Virtual World Editor

Source Raster Files This column displays the path name for the source data of each
raster overlay loaded into the Virtual World Editor. This path does not change if you have
copied the data into the Virtual World. This field is not editable.

Vectors The CellArray on this tab displays information about all the vector layers in a
Virtual World. Some of this information can be altered within the CellArray.

☞ If the vector coverage is larger than one sector and you select only one sector to display in a
2D Viewer, you still get the entire vector coverage in the 2D Viewer.

Vector Layers This column lists the vector coverages currently loaded into a Virtual
World. The layer on the first row is the first vector coverage loaded into the Editor. This
field is not editable.
Symbology This column displays the name of the symbology file associated with the
vector coverage. If no symbology file exists for the layer, this field will be empty. Click
inside this field to open the Vector Symbology dialog. This field is editable.
Drape/Extend Vertically This column displays whether the vector coverage will be
draped over the terrain or extended vertically when rendered in VirtualGIS. Click in this
field to switch between the two options. This field is editable.
Arc Height Attr. This column displays the name of the arc attribute used for the height
value when the arcs in the vector coverage are rendered in VirtualGIS. Click in this field
to open the Vector Height Attributes dialog. This field is editable.

☞ An attribute is displayed (and can be edited) only when using the Extend Vertically option.
Polygon Height Attr. This column displays the name of the polygon attribute used for
the height value when the polygons in the vector coverage are rendered in VirtualGIS.
Click in this field to open the Vector Height Attributes dialog. This field is editable.

☞ An attribute is displayed (and can be edited) only when using the Extend Vertically option.
Interpret Height As This column displays the method used to interpret the height
attribute of the data. Click inside this field to open the Interpret Height Values dialog.
This field is editable.

☞ This attribute can be edited only when using the Extend Vertically option.
Computed Sectors This column displays the number of sectors that have been
computed for the layer of data. This column displays the number as 0 until the Virtual
World is built. This field is not editable.
Num Sectors This column displays the number of sectors that overlap the extent of the
layer of data. This field is not editable.

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Virtual World Editor

Source Coverages This column displays the path name for the source data of each
vector layer loaded into the Virtual World Editor. This field is not editable.

Annotations The CellArray on this tab displays information about all annotation layers in
a Virtual World.

Annotation Layers This column lists the annotation layers currently loaded into a Virtual
World. The layer on the first row is the first annotation layer loaded into the Editor. This
field is not editable. Some of this information can be altered within the CellArray.
Drape/Extend Vertically This column displays whether the annotation layer will be
draped over the terrain or extended vertically when rendered in VirtualGIS. Click in this
field to switch between the two options. This field is editable.
Interpret Height As This column displays the method used to interpret the height
attribute of the data. Click inside this field to open the Interpret Height Values dialog.
This field is editable.

☞ This attribute can be edited only when using the Extend Vertically option.
Computed Sectors This column displays the number of sectors that have been
computed for the layer of data. This column displays the number as 0 until the Virtual
World is built. This field is not editable.
Num Sectors This column displays the number of sectors that overlap the extent of the
layer of data. This field is not editable.
Source Annotation Files This column displays the path name for the source data of
each annotation layer loaded into the Virtual World Editor. This field is not editable.

Sector Coordinates The CellArray on this tab displays the position of each sector of
the Virtual World.

i Only entire data layers can be deleted from the Virtual World Editor. Sectors of data layers
cannot be deleted.

Sector Index This column displays the coordinates of each sector that will be displayed
in VirtualGIS. This field is not editable.
ULX This column displays the upper left X coordinate of the sector on this row. This field
is not editable.
ULY This column displays the upper left Y coordinate of the sector on the row. This field
is not editable.
LRX This column displays the lower right X coordinate of the sector on this row. This
field is not editable.

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Virtual World Editor

LRY This column displays the lower right Y coordinate of the sector on this row. This
field is not editable.
DEM Computed? This column displays whether or not the DEM data for this sector has
been built into the Virtual World. The DEM must be processed before a sector from the
Virtual World Editor can display in VirtualGIS.

Sector Contents The CellArray on this tab displays information about each layer within
each sector of the Virtual World.

☞ If all the items in sector 0,0 are selected and put into a 2D Viewer, the entire annotation layer
is displayed, not just the annotation for sector 0,0.

i Only entire data layers can be deleted from the Virtual World Editor. Sectors of data layers
cannot be deleted.

Sector Index This column displays the coordinates of each sector that will be displayed
in VirtualGIS. This field is not editable.

Layer Type This column identifies the type of layer displayed in this sector position. This
field is not editable.
Layer Name This column displays the name of the layer displayed in this sector position.
This field is not editable.
Data Computed For Sector? This column indicates whether or not the data for this
sector has been built into the Virtual World. All the layers of data must be processed
before the sectors created in the Virtual World Editor can display in VirtualGIS. This field
is not editable.

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Change Map Info

Change Map Info


This dialog allows you to redefine the position and extent of the sectors within the projection
system of the DEM loaded in the Virtual World Editor. It is reached by selecting Edit | Change
Map Info... from the Virtual World Editor menu bar, or clicking the Change Map Info button in
the World Info tab in the Virtual World Editor.

Reference X: Allows you to set the upper left X coordinate for the reference sector of the
current Virtual World in the Editor. The coordinate can be set in the number field or by using
the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

Reference Y: Allows you to set the upper left Y coordinate for the reference sector of the
current Virtual World in the Editor. The coordinate can be set in the number field or by using
the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

DEM Pixel Resolution: Allows you to set the pixel size for the computed DEM data in
the current Virtual World loaded in the Editor. The size can be set in the number field or by
using the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

Units: Click this popup list to select the map units to use in the current Virtual World in the
Editor. Selecting Other will require you to enter the conversion factor into the DEMs tab
CellArray.

Projection: Displays the projection used by the Virtual World currently loaded into the
Virtual World Editor. This field is not editable.

Cancel Click to close the Change Map Info dialog without making any changes to file.

Apply Click to confirm changes made and close the Change Map Info dialog.
Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

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DEM Options

DEM Options
This dialog allows you to change the way a DEM is displayed in a multi-resolution Virtual World.
It is reached by selecting Edit | Change DEM Options... from the Virtual World Editor menu bar,
or clicking the Change DEM Options button in the World Info tab of the Virtual World Editor.

☞ Making any changes in this dialog to a built DEM will require the DEM be rebuilt after the
changes have been applied.

Vertical Exaggeration: Allows you to set the vertical relief of the model’s terrain. This
number can be changed in the number field or by using the increment nudgers to the right of
the field. The default is 1.0.

Elevation Units: Click on this popup list to select Feet or Meters as the units used for
exaggerating the 3-dimensional terrain of the DEM. The default is meters.

DEM Data Type: Click this popup list to select the file data type to use for the DEM. The
default is based on the value of the first DEM loaded into the Virtual World. You may change
the type to one of the options listed below:

Unsigned 1-bit Set the pixel type to use when computing DEM data for the virtual world.

Unsigned 2-bit Set the pixel type to use when computing DEM data for the virtual world.

Unsigned 4-bit Set the pixel type to use when computing DEM data for the virtual world.

Unsigned 8-bit Set the pixel type to use when computing DEM data for the virtual world.

Signed 8-bit Set the pixel type to use when computing DEM data for the virtual world.

Unsigned 16-bit Set the pixel type to use when computing DEM data for the virtual
world.

Signed 16-bit Set the pixel type to use when computing DEM data for the virtual world.

Unsigned 32-bit Set the pixel type to use when computing DEM data for the virtual
world.

Signed 32-bit Set the pixel type to use when computing DEM data for the virtual world.

Float Set the pixel type to use when computing DEM data for the virtual world.

Double Set the pixel type to use when computing DEM data for the virtual world.

Complex 64-bit Set the pixel type to use when computing DEM data for the virtual world.

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DEM Options

Complex 128-bit Set the pixel type to use when computing DEM data for the virtual
world.

Sector Size: Click this popup list to select the size of DEM sectors when rendering a
Virtual World in VirtualGIS. The default is 1025 pixels. You can change the size to one of the
options listed below:

513 pixels Set the size to use when creating sectors in terms of DEM pixels.

1025 pixels Set the size to use when creating sectors in terms of DEM pixels.

2049 pixels Set the size to use when creating sectors in terms of DEM pixels.

4097 pixels Set the size to use when creating sectors in terms of DEM pixels.

Tile Size: Set the size to use when creating tiles in terms of DEM/Raster pixels.
64 pixels Set the size to use when creating tiles in terms of DEM/Raster pixels.

128 pixels Set the size to use when creating tiles in terms of DEM/Raster pixels.

256 pixels Set the size to use when creating tiles in terms of DEM/Raster pixels.

Apply Click to apply these changes to the DEM in the Virtual World Editor and close the
DEM Options dialog.

Cancel Click to close the DEM Options dialog without making any changes to the DEM in
the Virtual World Editor.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

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Set DEM Pixel Size

Set DEM Pixel Size

This dialog allows you to set the DEM pixel size to a multiple of 2n . It is reached by selecting Edit
| Set DEM Pixel Resolution From Selection... from the Virtual World Editor menu bar.

New DEM Pixel Size: Displays the pixel size of the DEM as you select different options
from the popup list. The pixel size is automatically updated.

New Units: Displays the map units used for the pixel size of the DEM. This field is not
editable in this dialog.

Multiplier: Click this popup list to select the DEM pixel resolution. Your options range from
1/32 to 32, or you can enter any number you want to use in the number field.

Apply Click to apply the changes to the selected DEM. You will be asked once to confirm
the changes made in the Set DEM Pixel Size dialog before it is closed.

☞ You must rebuild the DEM in order for the changes to be visible when the Virtual World is
displayed in VirtualGIS.

Cancel Click to cancel any changes to the selected DEM. The Set DEM Pixel Size dialog
is closed.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

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Set Raster Computed Pixel Size

Set Raster Computed Pixel Size


This dialog allows you to change the computed pixel size of the raster overlay displayed in the
Virtual World Editor. The options are the two values closest to a 2n value of the pixel size of the
DEM displayed in the Virtual World Editor. If the pixel size of the raster overlay matches a 2n
power of the DEM pixel size exactly, then the matching size is the only option.

This dialog is opened by clicking in a cell of the Computed Pixelsize column in the Raster
Overlays tab CellArray in the Virtual World Editor.

Computed Pixel Size: Click this popup list to set the pixel size to use for this raster layer
in this Virtual World.

Apply Click to apply this change to the pixel size and close the Set Raster Computed Pixel
Size dialog. You will be asked once to confirm the changes.

☞ You must rebuild the altered layers in order for the changes to be visible when the Virtual
World is displayed in VirtualGIS.

Cancel Click to abandon this change to the pixel size and close the Set Raster Computed
Pixel Size dialog without making any changes to the data.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

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Open Raster Options (from Virtual World Editor)

Open Raster Options (from Virtual World Editor)


This tab allows you to control how raster data is displayed in a Virtual World scene rendered in
VirtualGIS. It is reached by clicking the DEM or Raster icon from the Virtual World Editor tool
bar.

Raster Options
DEM Click this checkbox if you want to render a DEM into a scene. The options will
change to DEM options. This checkbox is automatically be activated when you click the
DEM icon.

Band #: Allows you to select which band will be rendered in the VirtualGIS window. This
number can be changed in the number field or by using the increment nudgers to the right
of the field. The number cannot exceed the number of bands in the image.

Elevation Units: Click on this popup list to select the units used for rendering the 3-
dimensional terrain of the DEM.

Meters Select this option to use meters as the unit for the DEM.

Feet Select this option to use feet as the unit for the DEM.

Other Select this option to use any other units for the data.

☞ Selecting this option will bring up a number field into which you must enter a conversion
number.

Elevation Units Scale Factor: Enter the number of elevation units of the DEM data to
convert to 1 meter or 1 foot.

☞ The data in Virtual Worlds must be in meters or feet. If you add data that uses a different unit,
you must convert the data to meters or feet, and enter that number into the Virtual World
Editor. This conversion number can be entered in this tab or in the Virtual World Editor DEMs
tab CellArray.

Copy Source Data To World Click this checkbox to copy the source data for this layer
into the Virtual World.

Raster Overlay Click this checkbox if you want to render a raster layer over a DEM in a
scene. This checkbox is automatically be activated when you click the raster icon. The
raster layer will be overlaid the DEM in VirtualGIS.

Display as: Click on the popup list to select True Color, Pseudo Color, or Gray Scale
as the type of raster overlay to display in VirtualGIS. The layer options will vary according
to your choice.

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Open Raster Options (from Virtual World Editor)

True Color Select this option to display the raster overlay as a True Color layer.

The color to which each layer in the image corresponds is adjustable. This number can
be adjusted in the number field or using the increment nudgers to the right of the field.
The number used cannot exceed the number of layers in the image.

Red: Displays the which layer is used for the Red band in the raster overlay.

Green: Displays the which layer is used for the Green band in the raster overlay.

Blue: Displays the which layer is used for the Blue band in the raster overlay.

Pseudo Color Select this option to display the raster overlay as a Pseudo Color
layer.

Gray Scale Select this option to display the raster overlay as a Gray Scale layer.

Layer: Select which layer to display in the image. The number used cannot exceed the
number of layers in the image. This number can be adjusted in the number field or using
the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

Computed Pixel Size: Click this popup list to set the pixel size to use for this raster layer
in this Virtual World. The only two options in the list are the values closest to 2n of the
currently loaded DEM’s pixel size.

☞ If the raster overlay’s pixel size matches exactly a 2n power of the DEM’s pixel size, only that
one option will be given for the raster overlay.

Copy Source Data To World This column displays whether or not the source data for
this layer has been copied into the Virtual World.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

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Editor Vector Options

Editor Vector Options


This tab allows you to control how vector data is displayed in VirtualGIS as a multi-resolution
Virtual World. It is reached by clicking the vector icon from the Virtual World Editor tool bar.

Vector Options
Drape Polygons/Arcs Click this radiobutton to drape the vector layer over the terrain of
the Virtual World displayed in the VirtualGIS window. This option is useful for displaying
roads or streams. It will automatically deactivate the Extend Vertically radiobutton and
attributes.

Extend Vertically Click this radio button to display vectors in a Virtual World as 3-
dimensional lines or polygons. This option is useful for displaying buildings and fences. It
automatically deactivates the Drape Polygons/Arcs radiobutton.

Arc Height Attribute: Click this popup list to select which attribute column from the
Vector Attribute Table dialog to use for the height of the arcs in the vector coverage. If
the selected coverage has no attributes, none will be the only option in the list.

Polygon Height Attribute: Click this popup list to select which attribute column from the
Vector Attribute Table dialog to use for the height of the polygons in the vector coverage.
If the selected coverage has no attributes, none will be the only option in the list.

Interpret Height As: Click this popup list to select how you want the height attribute
interpreted when displayed in your Virtual World.

Above Ground Level Select this option to interpret the height attribute as above the
ground level beneath each portion of the vector coverage.

AGL From Lowest Select this option to interpret the height attribute beneath the
vector coverage. The height is interpreted as the lowest elevation point beneath each
element of the vector coverage.

AGL From Highest Select this option to interpret the height attribute beneath the
vector coverage. The height is interpreted as the highest elevation point beneath each
element of the vector coverage.

AGL From Average Select this option to interpret the height attribute beneath the
vector coverage. The height is interpreted as the average elevation height beneath
each element of the vector coverage.

Above Sea Level Select this option to interpret the height attribute as above sea
level.

Use Symbology Click this checkbox to use Symbology files. Turning it on enables the
Symbology options below.

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Editor Vector Options

Symbology File: Displays the name of the symbology file associated with the vector
coverage. This file will have an .evs extension.

Set Symbology Click to select the symbology file to use with the vector coverage. The
Choose Symbology dialog is opened.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

151
Vector Height Attributes

Vector Height Attributes


This dialog allows you to select the attributes for arcs and polygons in vertically extended vector
coverages. It is reached by clicking in a cell in the Arc Height Attr. or Polygon Height Attr.
column in the Vectors tab of the Virtual World Editor.

Arc Height Attribute: Click this popup list to select the attribute to use for the arcs in a
vertically extended vector coverage. If no arc attributes for the vector layer exist, the only
option will be none.

Polygon Height Attribute: Click this popup list to select the attribute to use for the
polygons in a vertically extended vector coverage. If no polygon attributes for the vector layer
exist, the only option will be none.

Ok Click to confirm the selected attributes and close the Vector Height Attributes dialog.

Cancel Click to cancel any changes and close the Vector Height Attributes dialog.

Help Click to open this On-Line Help document.

152
Annotation Options (from Virtual World Editor)

Annotation Options (from Virtual World Editor)


This tab allows you to control how annotation data is displayed in a Virtual World. It can be
reached by selecting the annotation icon from the Virtual World Editor tool bar.

Annotation Options
Drape Polygons/Polylines Click this radiobutton to drape the annotation layer over the
terrain of the Virtual World. This option is useful for displaying roads or streams. It will
automatically deactivate the Extend Vertically radiobutton.

Extend Vertically Click this radiobutton to display annotation as 3-dimensional polygons


or polylines. This option is useful for displaying buildings and fences. It automatically
deactivates the Drape Polygons/Polylines radiobutton. The Annotation Attributes dialog
is used to define the elevation.

Interpret Height As: Click this popup list to select how you want the height attribute
interpreted when displayed in your Virtual World.

Above Ground Level Select this option to interpret the height attribue as above the
ground level beneath each portion of the annotation coverage.
AGL From Lowest Select this option to interpret the height attribute beneath the
annotation layer. The height is interpreted as the lowest elevation point beneath each
element of the annotation layer.

AGL From Highest Select this option to interpret the height attribute beneath the
annotation layer. The height is interpreted as the highest elevation point beneath each
element of the annotation layer.

AGL From Average Select this option to interpret the height attribute beneath the
annotation layer. The height is interpreted as the average elevation height beneath
each element of the annotation layer.

Above Sea Level Select this option to interpret the height attribute as above sea
level.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

153
Choose Symbology (from Virtual World Editor)

Choose Symbology (from Virtual World Editor)


This dialog allows you to use symbology with the vector coverage loaded into the Virtual World
Editor. It is reached by clicking the Set Symbology button in the Vector Symbology dialog.

Vector Layer: Enter the name of the symbology file you want to use, or click the
icon. The File Selector dialog is opened.

OK Click to confirm the selected symbology file and close the Choose Symbology dialog.

Cancel Click to close the Choose Symbology dialog without selecting a symbology file.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

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Vector Symbology

Vector Symbology
This dialog allows you to select a symbology file to use with specific vector coverages loaded
into the Virtual World Editor. It is reached by clicking in a cell in the Symbology column of the
Vectors tab in the Virtual World Editor.

Use Symbology Click this checkbox if you want to select a symbology file to use with a
specific coverage displayed in the Virtual World Editor. Clicking this checkbox enables the
rest of the dialog.

Symbology File: Displays the name of the symbology file associated with the vector
coverage. This file will have an .evs extension.

Set Symbology Click this button to select the symbology file to use with the vector
coverage. The Choose Symbology dialog is opened.

Ok Click to close the Vector Symbology dialog after selecting a symbology file.

Cancel Click to close the Vector Symbology dialog without selecting a symbology file.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

155
Interpret Height Values

Interpret Height Values


This dialog allows you to specify the way to interpret the height attribute of your vertically
extended vector layer. This dialog is reached by clicking in a cell of the Interpret Height As
column in the Vectors tab or Annotations tab CellArray in the Virtual World Editor.

Interpret Height As: Click this popup list to select how you want the height attribute
interpreted when displayed in your Virtual World.

Above Ground Level Select this option to interpret the height attribute as above the
ground level beneath the vector coverage.

AGL From Lowest Select this option to interpret the height attribute beneath the vector
coverage. The height is interpreted as the lowest elevation point beneath each element of
the vector coverage.

AGL From Highest Select this option to interpret the height attribute beneath the vector
coverage. The height is interpreted as the highest elevation point beneath each element
of the vector coverage.

AGL From Average Select this option to interpret the height attribute beneath the vector
coverage. The height is interpreted as the average elevation height beneath each element
of the vector coverage.

Above Sea Level Select this option to interpret the height attribute as above sea level.

OK Click to use the selected method and close this dialog.

Cancel Click to close this dialog without changing the method of interpretation.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

156
Virtual World Editor Sector View

Virtual World Editor Sector View


This dialog allows you to view the spatial layout of the data in the sectors within a Virtual World.
It is reached by selecting Utility | Display Sector View Tool from the Virtual World Editor menu

bar. It is also reached by clicking the icon in the Virtual World Editor tool bar.

i When dumping the layers of a selected sector from the Virtual World Editor or the VirtualGIS
Viewer to a 2D Viewer, the entire annotation or vector layer will be shown in the 2D Viewer,
not just the portion of the annotation or vector layer contained in the selected sector.

Click to reset the image to a zoom factor of 1.0.

Click to reset the size of the layers in the Virtual World so they are entirely visible within
the Sector View display window.

Click to use the select cursor within the Sector View Tool.

Click to zoom in by two from the clicked point in the display window.

Click to zoom out by two from the clicked point in the display window.

Click to roam through the Sector View Tool display window. The current view moves
according to the motion of the cursor.

Click to move the set grid around the display window of the Sector View Tool. If
computed data is displayed, you will be asked to confirm once before changes can be made.
This option is enabled when you select Edit | Enable Editing from the Virtual World Editor
menu bar.

Click to set the reference coordinates graphically in the Sector View Tool display
window. You may select any point within the displayed scene to be reference sector 0, 0. If
computed data is displayed, you will be asked to confirm once before changes can be made.
This option is enabled when you select Edit | Enable Editing from the Virtual World Editor
menu bar.

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Virtual World Editor Sector View

Click to resize the sector grid size graphically in the Sector View Tool display window.
Because the number of pixels per sector does not change, the resolution is altered by
changing the size of the sector. If computed data is displayed, you will be asked to confirm
once before changes can be made. This option is enabled when you select Edit | Enable
Editing from the Virtual World Editor menu bar.

Sector View Display Window This window displays the layers of the Virtual World
currently loaded into the Virtual World Editor. The sectors, their coordinates, and the name of
the layers are displayed. The layers displayed depends upon the tab displayed in the Virtual
World Editor.

If the World Info tab is displayed, all layers are displayed in the Sector View window. These
layers can be highlighted with the select cursor. When an item is selected in the Sector View
display window, it is also highlighted in the Virtual World Editor, and vice-versa.

If the DEMs, Raster Overlays, Vectors, or Annotations tab is displayed, only the layers on
the displayed tab are displayed. These layers can be highlighted with the select cursor. When
an item is selected in the Sector View display window, it is also highlighted in the Virtual World
Editor, and vice-versa.

If the Sector Coordinates tab is displayed, an outline of the DEM data is displayed within
each of its sectors. These sectors can be highlighted with the select cursor. When an item is
selected in the Sector View display window, it is also highlighted in the Virtual World Editor,
and vice-versa.

If the Sector Contents tab is displayed, an outline of each layer within each sector is
displayed. These sectors can be highlighted with the select cursor. When an item is selected
in the Sector View display window, it is also highlighted in the Virtual World Editor, and vice-
versa.

Close Click to close the Sector View Tool dialog.

Options Click to change the data displayed and/or highlighted in the Sector Viewing Tool.
The Sector View Options dialog is opened.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

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Sector View Options

Sector View Options


This dialog allows you to change which items are visible when using the Sector View Tool. It is
opened by clicking the Options button in the Sector View Tool.

View Selected Items Only Click this checkbox to display only items that have been
selected and highlighted in the Virtual World Editor CellArray or Sector View display
window.

i If the Sector Coordinates tab is displayed in the Virtual World Editor, this option is disabled.

Highlight Uncomputable Areas Click this checkbox to select and highlight portions
of data from the Virtual World Editor that cannot be computed. Data that cannot be computed
cannot be displayed in VirtualGIS. This option is disabled only when the Sector Coordinates
or Sector Contents tab is displayed.

i Data is uncomputable in VirtualGIS when it occurs beyond the extent of the DEM or when the
minimum amount of pixels necessary are not present in the data. These areas are usually
along the edges of the layers, and can be made computable by using the options available in
the Sector View Tool.

View Computed Items Only Click this checkbox to display only items that have been
computed in the Virtual World Editor for display in VirtualGIS as a Virtual World. This option
is enabled only when the Sector Coordinates or Sector Contents tab is displayed.

Close Click to close the Sector View Options dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

159
Virtual World Arrange Layers

Virtual World Arrange Layers


This dialog allows you to arrange raster layers and feature layers independently. Each opened
layer is represented by a bar in a scrolling list. You can rearrange these layers by left-holding any
bar in the stack and dragging it to a new location in that stack.

Feature layers and raster layers cannot be intermixed. The top of each stack represents the top
layers displayed in a VirtualGIS multi-resolution scene.

i Use the Virtual World Editor’s Arrange Layers tool to arrange the layers of an entire scene in
a Virtual World that covers multiple sectors.

i Only the overlay layers of the current DEM or sector are displayed in the VirtualGIS Arrange
Layers tool. When using the Arrange Layers tool with a displayed Virtual World, each sector
of the Virtual World is considered a separate DEM. To select a specific sector, use the Pre-
vious DEM and Next DEM buttons in the Arrange Layers tool, or, in Selection mode, hold
down the Shift key on the keyboard while left-clicking the desired sector.

This dialog is reached by selecting Edit | Arrange Layers... from the Virtual World Editor menu
bar.

Feature Layers: Displays the annotation and vector layers in the Virtual World Editor.
Move Annotation Layer The following options appear when you right-hold on a bar
representing an annotation layer.

Raise to Top Select this option to place this annotation layer on top of the feature
layers displayed in VirtualGIS.

Lower to Bottom Select this option to place this annotation layer on the bottom of
the feature layers displayed in VirtualGIS.

Move Vector Layer The following options appear when you right-hold on a bar
representing a vector layer.

Raise to Top Select this option to place this vector layer on top of the feature layers
displayed in VirtualGIS.

Lower to Bottom Select this option to place this vector layer on the bottom of the
feature layers displayed in VirtualGIS.

Raster Overlay Layers: Displays the raster layers in the Virtual World Editor.
Move Raster Layer The following options appear when you right-hold on a bar
representing a raster layer.

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Virtual World Arrange Layers

Raise to Top Select this option to place this raster layer on top of the raster layers
that are overlaid the current DEM.

Lower to Bottom Select this option to place this raster layer on the bottom of the
raster layers that are overlaid the current DEM.

Apply Click to apply any changes made in the Arrange Layers tool to the Virtual World
loaded in the Virtual World Editor.

Reset Click to place layers in the last arrangement since you clicked Apply. Deleted layers
will not be recovered.

Close Click to close the Arrange Layers dialog.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

161
Viewshed Analysis

Viewshed Analysis
This dialog allows you set specific parameters when creating a viewshed layer. Viewshed layers
display visible and hidden areas within a set range, or can break down areas within that range
into different heights above sea or ground level.

It is reached when you click the Create Viewshed Layer... button on the VirtualGIS menu. This
menu dialog is reached by clicking the VirtualGIS icon (shown below) on the IMAGINE icon
panel.

Viewshed Analysis may also be started from the Topo Analysis menu of the Image Interpreter.

i The viewshed application can consume a large amount of memory depending on the size of
the input DEM. If Viewshed seems to be consuming a lot of memory, use the Memory cate-
gory in the Preference Editor to allocate a larger temporary file to be used by the Viewshed
application.

Function This tab allows you to set the parameters for using viewshed analysis.
Output Type: Click this popup list to select the type of viewshed analysis to perform from
the options listed below.

Single Viewshed This option allows you to use only one viewshed in the Viewer.

Multiple Viewsheds This option allows you to use as many viewsheds as you want
in the Viewer. The default number is 40. This number can be increased in the
Preference Editor.

Height AGL This option allows you to create viewshed areas that color-code different
levels above ground level within each viewshed. The resulting display shows how high
above ground an object must be in order to be seen by the observer.

Height ASL This option allows you to create viewshed areas that color-code different
levels above sea level within each viewshed. The resulting display shows how high
above sea level an object must be in order to be seen by the observer.

Position Units: Click this popup list to select the units to use for positioning the observer
marker in a scene. The position will be displayed in the X and Y columns of the Observer
tab CellArray in this dialog. Your options are Meters, Degrees, Feet, or Pixels.

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Viewshed Analysis

Height Units: Select the units to use for the elevation of the terrain in the Viewer. Your
options are Meters or Feet.

Distance Units: Click this popup list to select the units to use for the maximum height
within the viewshed area and for the range of the viewshed. The range distance is set in
the Range column of the Observer tab CellArray in this dialog.

Your options are Meters, Feet, Pixels, or Miles.

Use Earth Curvature Click this checkbox to take the curve of the Earth into account
when calculating position, distance, and height.

Spokes: Enter the number of spokes to protrude from the center of the viewshed area.
Any number you select will be spread over the full 360 degrees of the circle. This number
can be adjusted in the number field or using the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

Intervals: Enter the number of divisions between heights to be used with AGL or ASL
viewshed analysis. The number can be entered in the number field or adjusted with the
increment nudgers to the right of the field. The maximum number of intervals that can be
entered is 40.

This option is only enabled when ASL or AGL is selected from the Output Type popup list
in this dialog.

Height: Enter the elevation to use for each interval used with the AGL or ASL viewshed
analysis. The number can be entered in the number field or adjusted with the increment
nudgers to the right of the field.

This option is only enabled when ASL or AGL is selected from the Output Type popup list
in this dialog.

Start: Enter the base elevation for the intervals of height to begin with AGL or ASL
viewshed analysis. The number can be entered in the number field or adjusted with the
increment nudgers to the right of the field.

This option is only enabled when ASL or AGL is selected from the Output Type popup list
in this dialog.

Maxima Search: Allows you to set your observer so it jumps to the highest point within
the radius where you have placed the marker. This height can be adjusted in the number
field or using the increment nudgers to the right of the field.

(legend cellarray) This legend displays the definition of each color of the viewshed
layer(s) you have created. To change a color, right-hold over the colored cell of the
CellArray. Selecting Other... brings up the colorwheel dialog.

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Viewshed Analysis

Observers This tab allows you to set the position and angle of the observer(s) used when
creating a viewshed layer. All fields in this CellArray are editable.

i The Viewshed tool imposes a limitation of 5000 units for the viewing range of each observer.

Show This column displays whether the observer marker in the Viewer is visible or
invisible. An X in this column indicates the observer is visible.

Color This column displays the color to use for the observer marker in the Viewer. Click
and hold in this column change the color. Selecting Other... brings up the colorwheel
dialog.

X This column displays the X position of the observer displayed in the Viewer. Click in
this column to change the coordinates.

Y This column displays the Y position of the observer displayed in the Viewer. Click in
this column to change the coordinates.

ASL This column displays the observer’s distance above sea level. Click in this column
to change the height.

AGL This column displays the observer’s distance above ground level. Click in this
column to change the height.

Range This column displays the size of the viewshed area displayed in the Viewer. Click
in this column to lower or increase the circumference of the viewshed circle.

Azimuth This column displays the angle around which the field of view is drawn. Click in
this column to change the center point of the field of view. When the azimuth is set to 0,
the angle is set to straight above the observer.

☞ The azimuth can be altered only when the field of view is less than 360 degrees.
FOV This column displays the size of the field of view. Click in this column to change the
field of view area. The field of view cannot exceed 360 degrees.

Apply Click to apply any changes made in the Function or Observer tabs to the viewshed
layer(s) displayed in the Viewer.

Save... Click to save the viewshed layer(s) created over an image to a separate file. The
Save Viewshed Image dialog is opened.

Clear Click to clear the viewshed layers from the image in the Viewer.

Center Click to center the observer in the middle of the image displayed in the Viewer.

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Viewshed Analysis

Create Click to create a new observer in the image displayed in the Viewer.

Delete Click to delete selected observers from the image displayed in the Viewer. An
observer is selected by clicking on its row in the Observer tab CellArray.

Close Click to close the Viewshed Analysis tool.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

165
Save Viewshed Image

Save Viewshed Image


This dialog allows you to save a viewshed layer in a separate file. It is opened when you click the
Save... button on the Viewshed dialog.

Viewshed File: Enter the name of the viewshed file you want to save, or click the
icon to open the File Selector dialog.

OK Click to use the selected name as the name of the viewshed file.

Cancel Click to close the Save Viewshed Image file.

Help Click to open this On-line Help document.

166

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