Annotations Sidebar

This page explains the Annotations Sidebar of the 3D Mapping Cloud Viewer and 3DM Publisher HTML5 Viewer and how to use it.

Annotations are tools to complement the map data with temporary notes or sketches in the currently opened viewer. There are different types of annotations and it's possible to adjust the graphic appearance to your choice.

As they also have a spatial component to them and it's possible to download the annotations, one can share these annotations with co-workers. When a co-worker opens an annotations file, he/she can choose to replace or add to the current annotations.

An Annotation Object can be:

• An icon connected to a point
• Text connected to a point
• A tag connected to a point
• A 3D Model
• A line
• A polyline
• A free line
• A free area
• A circular area

Depending on the chosen annotation type, options to customize the appearance of the annotations will become available below. For example, options to choose a particular symbol from an available library, to modify the color and the color width, or to show the coordinates next to the annotation.

The settings for the appearance of a 3D Model are explained more in detail below.

3D Model Selection

Availability to choose the wanted 3D Model object. Uploading more 3D Models is possible via Orbit 3DM Cloud Upload Tool and become then available in the 3D Model Library of the Cloud Console.

3D Model Edit - in sidebar
Availability to change the length, width and height of the 3D Model - with or without keeping the 3D ratio of the model.

3D Model Edit - on View

When selecting the model that should be edited, three types of dots appear on the bounding box around the model:

• Green dot: Indicates the center point of the model.
• Yellow dots: Indicate the corners of the model.
• Red dot: Indicates the middle point of the closest upright edge of the model. Dragging this will rotate the model.

Changing the location of the model:

• Drag the green dot in the center of the model. You can move the model left/right or forward/backward.
• Hold 'Shift' while dragging the dot to shift the model up or down.

Changing the size of the model:

• Drag a yellow dot on one of the corners.

Changing the rotation of the model:

• Drag the red dot to rotate the object around the upright line through the center of the model.

Keep in mind that the 'Keep 3D Ratio' setting also influences the editing on view.

Options to adjust the transparency of all annotation icons, lines, fills or labels.

The annotations can be stored in an annotation file. This annotation file is saved separately as an .o3a file and is not a fixed part of the viewer or publication.

• Open: Open an existing HTML5 annotation file.
• Add: Open an existing HTML5 annotation file to combine the annotations with the currently created ones.
• Download: Download the created annotations as a *.03a file to share with colleagues. They can open or add this downloaded file then into the publication. The annotations are georeferenced, so they will appear on the same location and with the same settings as saved in the *.03a file.