Welcome to the Urban CGI Platform! This user guide will walk you through the features of our platform, designed to revolutionize the way you plan and visualize urban development projects. Urban CGI Platform offers a cutting-edge virtual environment that enables you to create, manipulate, and analyze 3D models with unparalleled ease and efficiency. 

CGI Planner Interface 

The CGI Planner Interface is the central hub for managing your projects, accessing essential tools, and navigating your virtual environments.  

Interface Elements 

1. UCGI Logo Button 

2. File Menu: 

• Import: Use this option to import files and assets into your project. 
• Save: Save your current project progress to avoid losing any changes. 
• Save As: Save your project with a different name or version. 
• Load: Load previously saved projects for further editing. 

• Exit: Click on this option to close the CGI Planner Interface. 
• Aerial Camera: Access the aerial camera mode to view your virtual environment from a bird’s-eye perspective. 

3. Third-Person Mode: Switch to the third-person camera mode for a more immersive view of your virtual scene. 

4. Object-Oriented Transform Space: Choose the object-oriented transform space for precise manipulation of objects in your scene. 

5. Simplified Transform Control: Utilize the simplified transform control option to easily move, rotate, and scale objects in your project. 

6. Align to Transform Surface Normal: Align objects to the surface normal for accurate placement and positioning. 

7. Model Number: The model number displays the unique identifier of the current project. 

8. Clear Cache: Clearing the cache helps to optimize the performance of Urban CGI. 

Finder 

The Finder Tool is an essential feature that allows you to efficiently manage and organize your project elements. From creating and duplicating layers to renaming and organizing folders, this guide will walk you through the functionalities available in the Finder tool, enabling you to streamline your workflow and keep your virtual environments well-structured. 

Finder Functionalities 

The Finder works more or less like Windows Explorer for convenience. 

1. Show/Hide Finder: Use this option to show or hide the Finder tool panel for easy access to project elements. 

2. Creating Folder: Create new Folders to organize and categorize different elements. 

3. Duplicate Folders: Duplicate existing Folders to reuse or create variations of  project elements. 

4. Moving Between Folders: Drag-drop elements between different Folders. 

5. Showing and Hiding Folders: Toggle the visibility of Folders and elements within them to focus on specific elements. 

6. Zoom To: Use this option to zoom in and focus on specific objects or areas within your virtual environment. Highlight any element and click zoom-to and the camera moves to that object. Highlight a folder and it zooms to the broadest extent of objects within the folder.  

7. Expand: Expand all Folders and view their contents for easy access and management. 

8. Contract: Collapse all Folders to hide their contents and keep the interface clean. 

9. Duplicate: Create copies of elements or folders within your project for quicker duplication and editing.  

10. Lock Assets: Lock assets to prevent accidental modifications and ensure the integrity of your project. 

11. Show/Hide Elements: Toggle the visibility of individual elements or folders.  

12. Renaming Folders: Rename folders for better organization and to reflect the content they contain. 

13. Renaming Elements: Give meaningful names to individual elements for easy identification and navigation. 

14. Organizing Folders: Arrange folders in a logical order to keep your project well-structured and easily accessible. 

15. Copy Elements into Folder: Copy selected elements and place them into folders for better categorization. 

16. Expand and Collapse: Expand or collapse elements within folders for efficient navigation and management. 

17. Delete: Remove unwanted elements or folders from your project to keep it clutter-free. 

18. Saving: Use the saving function to save your project progress and changes. 

Saves 

The Saves feature allows you to manage and preserve your project’s progress and changes, ensuring your work is secure and easily accessible. 

Saves Functions 

1. File Location: This option displays the current location where your project is saved. 

2. Save As: Use this function to save your project under a new name or version. 

3. Where to Save: Choose the destination folder or directory where you want to save your project. 

4. How to Save: Save your project to preserve your progress and changes. 

5. How to Load Saves: Access and load previously saved projects for further editing. 

6. Save Consistency: Maintain consistency in saving your project to ensure all changes are updated correctly. 

7. Data and Security: Urban CGI prioritizes data security, ensuring your project remains protected. 

8. How to Copy to Local: Use this function to copy your project files to your local device for offline access. 

9. Sharing Saves: Share your saved projects with team members or clients for collaboration or review. 

Navigation 

The navigation system in UC Planner allows you to explore your site and project in a whole new way, providing you with a deeper understanding of the environment from day 1. With two camera modes available, you can easily navigate, identify potential issues, and make better decisions throughout your project. 

Camera 0 – Free-fly Edit Camera 

Camera 0 is the default navigation mode and functions similarly to Google Maps, providing a free-fly editing camera with various controls: 

1. Zoom – Use the scroll wheel to zoom in and out. 

2. Orbit – Right-click and drag to orbit around the clicked spot. 

3. Collision Detection – The camera collides with objects when they are behind you and slows down as you approach any geometry to prevent disorientation. 

4. World Movement – Left-click and drag to move around the world. 

5. Instant Movement – Double-left-click to instantly move to the clicked spot. 

6. Look Around – Middle click to look around, simulating moving your head. 

7. Vertical Movement – Use Page Up/Down keys to move vertically. 

8. Constant Speed Movement – Use Arrow keys or WASD keys to move at a constant speed. 

Camera 9 – Third-Person Experiential Camera 

Camera 9 offers a third-person experiential camera similar to a computer game, providing a human-centered experience of the environment: 

1. Character Selection: You can choose between two characters – Simon (default, male) and Simone (female) by pressing the ‘M’ key. 

2. Character Movement: Use WASD and Arrow keys to move the character around like in a computer game. 

3. Zoom: Use the Scroll wheel to zoom in and out of the character’s head. 

4. Jump: Press the Spacebar to make the character jump. 

5. Switch Running/Walking: Use the Shift key to switch between running and walking modes. 

6. Instant Movement: Left-click anywhere to make the character walk to that location. 

7. Teleport: Double left-click to instantly teleport the character to the clicked location. 

8. Fly Mode: Press ‘F’ to enter fly mode and explore the site from a third-person perspective. 

9. Fly Controls: Use Arrows and WASD keys for horizontal movement, and ‘Q’ and ‘E’ keys for vertical motion during fly mode. 

10. Dynamic Kinematics: Characters can manage stairs, jump on ledges, climb over objects, and even climb vertical walls with the ‘V’ key for Spiderman functionality. 

Navigation Controls 

During navigation, you can use the following controls: 

MODE

• VEHICLE – ‘7’ Key
• TOP DOWN – ‘8’ Key
• CAMERA – ‘9’ KEY
• SIMON/SIMONE – ‘0’ Key

MOVEMENT

• ‘W’ Key – Move forward
• ‘A’ Key – Move left
• ‘S’ Key – Move backwards
• ‘D’ Key – Move right
• Arrow Keys – Same WASD for corresponding movement

ACTIONS

• Shift – Make Simon/Simone sprint
• Left Alt – Cruise Control
• Spacebar – Make Simon/Simone jump
• ‘R’ Key – Opens Radial Menu
• ‘Z’ Key – to Walk
• ‘C’ Key – to Crouch
• ‘F’ Key – to Fly
• ‘G’ Key – to change your character’s gender
• ‘H’ Key – to Spawn Balls
• ‘V’ Key – to change camera view
• ‘T’ Key – to use a laser pointer
• ‘Q’ Key – to Fly up during Fly Mode
• ‘E’ Key – to Fly Down during Fly Mode and/or Interact Objects when not in Flight Mode

• Scroll Up and Down – Zoom in and out using the scroll wheel
• Orbital – Right-click and drag to orbit around the click spot
• Subsurface – Explore subsurface views or perspectives

Radial Menu

The Radial Menu serves as a central hub for accessing key features and functionalities, allowing users to swiftly navigate through different sections with minimal clicks. This design not only enhances the efficiency of user interactions but also contributes to a modern and dynamic user experience. By Pressing Left Ctrl Button you will access the Radial Menu.

• Middle Radial Button – Makes Simon Fly or Land

• Fly Speed Options – There are five choices each one increments from Normal to Supersonic Speed

• Simone/Simon Options – You can change into Simone/Simon Character anytime

• View Mode Options – Change to First Person View or Third Person View

• Ball Interaction Options – Spawn Balls around the Character for interactions

• Laser Pointer – Character uses laser pointer for interactions. You can aim the laser pointer anywhere using your mouse

Icons

Icons play a crucial role in navigating the features and tools within the Urban CGI platform. Each icon represents a specific functionality, making it easier for you to access and utilise various tools to enhance your virtual environment. 

Icon Functions 

1. Hover over Icon to Display: Hover your cursor over an icon to view a tooltip or description of its function. 

2. Assets: Click on the ‘Opened Box‘ icon to access the Assets panel, where you can explore and select various assets for your scene. 

3. Spline Tool: Click on the ‘Curved Lines’ icon to activate the Spline Tool, which allows you to insert road/rail alignments, construction assets, and animate vehicles. 

4. Build: Click on the ‘Hammer’ icon to access the Build Tool, enabling you to create various objects and structures in your virtual environment. 

5. Measure Tool: Click on the ‘Ruler’ icon to activate the Measure Tool, which allows you to measure distances and visualize relative levels within your model. 

6. Options: Click on the ‘Stacked Boxes’ icon to access various options and settings in Urban CGI to customize your experience. 

7. Location: Click on the ‘GPS’ icon to access Location settings, where you can set and manage custom locations in your virtual environment. 

8. Environment: Click on the ‘Sun‘ icon to access the Environment Tool, which enables you to manipulate the model’s environmental conditions, such as day, time, season, weather, and more. 

9. VFX: Click on the ‘Star’ icon to access the Visual Effects (VFX) settings, where you can enhance the visual elements of your virtual environment. 

10. Record Settings: Click on the ‘Camera’ icon to access the Record Tool settings, allowing you to capture images and videos of your virtual scene. 

11. Record and Camera Set up: Click on the ‘Film’ icon to access the Record Tool and set up camera configurations for recording. 

12. Help/Shortcuts: Click on the ‘Question Mark’ icon to access the Help section, where you can find valuable information and shortcuts to enhance your workflow. 

The 3D Warehouse allows you to manage and utilize assets within your virtual environment seamlessly. With our growing collection of plants and other assets stored on the cloud (AWS), you can easily access them at any time with just one click. 

Accessing the 3D Warehouse 

1. Launch the Urban CGI Platform: Begin by launching the Urban CGI Platform and accessing your project. 

2. Find the Asset Library: Locate the Asset Library section in the platform’s interface. 

Browsing and Searching Assets 

1. Browse the Asset Categories: You can browse assets by clicking on the available icons including: 

• All 
• Vegetation 

• Vehicles 
• Plant/Equipment 
• Landscape 
• Circle 
• Downloaded 

2. Use the Search Bar: Alternatively, you can use the search bar to find a specific asset quickly. Type relevant keywords or terms related to the asset you need. 

3. Sort Alphabetically (A-Z): To organize the assets alphabetically, click on the “AZ” button. 

Downloading and Placing Assets 

1. Browse and Select Assets: Simply browse through the library and click on any asset icon to select it. 

2. Drag-and-Drop: Once you’ve selected an asset, you can easily drag-and-drop it into your scene. The object will be downloaded and appear in the scene at your desired location. 

3. Search Function: Use the search function to quickly filter through the assets and find the specific one you need. 

4. Custom Assets: If a specific asset you require is not currently available in the library, our team can find, edit, create, and upload it for you. 

5. Transform Tool: After placing an asset in the scene, use the easy Transform tool to adjust its position and rotation. 

6. Asset Organization: Placed assets will appear in the Finder in the selected folder. You can easily drag assets between folders, duplicate assets and folders, and organize your assets for easy access. 

7. Copy and Paste: You can copy and paste selected items and place them at the cursor location. This allows you to paste any number of times. 

8. Multi-Selection: Use the alt-drag function to select a group of assets or use shift-select to click multiple assets one at a time. You can also select assets via the Finder using similar CTRL/SHIFT functions to Windows Explorer. 

9. Save Your Work: Your work is saved in a .sim file. Press the “Save” button to have the assets saved for the next time you load the scene. 

Using the Asset Mover 

If you need to make precise adjustments to the asset’s position, use the Asset Mover. 

1. Arrow (Up and Down): Use the Arrow Control to move the asset up or down in the scene. 

2. Circle (Rotate): The Circle Control allows you to rotate the asset. 

3. Arrow within Circle (Directional): Use this control to adjust the asset’s orientation. 

4. Inner Circle (Move Anywhere): Click inside the circle to move the asset anywhere in the scene. 

5. Arrows (Directional): Use the arrows to adjust the asset’s position in the desired direction. 

6. Quarter Circle (Angles): Click and drag the quarter circle control to set the angle of the asset. 

Transform Tools 

The Transform Tool is a feature that allows you to manipulate your assets within the virtual environment, making it easier and more efficient to create a plan. 

Accessing the Transform Tool 

To access the Transform Tool, follow these simple steps: 

1. Select an Asset: Click on any created asset in your virtual environment to select it. 

2. Activate the Transform Tool: Once the asset is selected, the Transform Tool will automatically appear on the screen. 

Standard Transform Tool 

The Standard Transform Tool is the default mode for the Transform Tool. It offers the following functionalities: 

1. 2D Movement: You can move the asset in all 2D directions along any collision surface (e.g., the ground), operating like gravity. 

2. Rotation: Easily rotate the asset to the desired angle. 

3. Vertical Movement: Adjust the asset’s position up and down. 

Advanced Transform Tool 

The Advanced Transform Tool provides more precise control over the asset’s manipulation: 

1. Single Direction: Move, rotate, or scale the asset in any one direction using the Transform Tool.

2. Scale in All Directions: Hold the Shift key while using the Advanced Transform Tool to scale the asset in all directions simultaneously. 

Duplicating Assets 

To duplicate assets or a whole folder in place, follow these steps: 

1. Use the Duplicate Feature: In the Finder, select the item/s or folder you wish to duplicate and press the Duplicate button. 

2. 4D Version Planning: Duplicating assets and then moving them to the next location can be great for creating a 4D version of the plan. 

Multiply Assets 

To create multiple duplicates of assets at defined spacing, follow these steps: 

1. Use Modifiers: Use the CTRL+SHIFT+ALT modifiers with mouse movement. 

2. Define Spacing: A pop-up box will allow you to define the spacing between the duplicates. 

Parametric Spline Tool  

The Parametric Spline Tool enables you to insert road/rail alignments, construction assets, and even animate vehicles within your virtual environment. With the Parametric Spline Tool, planning linear infrastructure and working out construction methodologies has never been easier or more efficient.  

Accessing the Parametric Spline Tool 

1. Locate the Spline Icon: To access the Parametric Spline Tool, look for the spline icon in the tool panel of the Urban CGI Platform. 

2. Click to Activate: Click on the spline icon to highlight and activate the tool. 

Creating a Spline 

1. Select the Spline: With the tool activated, select the type of spline you wish to create from the available options. 

2. Creating Spline Points: Click and Drag the mouse to create points for your spline. The spline will follow the path of your mouse movement. 

Editing the Spline

1. Moving the Spline: Click on the yellow points of the spline to move it to the desired location in your virtual scene.
2. Length Adjustment: Drag the yellow points to lengthen or shorten the spline, adjusting its size as needed.
3. Edit Tool: The Edit Tool provides additional options for customizing the spline. Use the Edit Tool to:

• Extend the spline.
• Snap the spline to the surface.
• Reverse the direction of the spline.
• Delete selected points.
• Split the spline into multiple segments.
• Add new points to the spline.
• Delete specific points.
• Switch between curved and straight segments

Spline Details

1. Naming the Spline: Give your spline a descriptive name to easily identify it within your scene.
2. Spline Length: The total length of the spline will be displayed for your reference.
3. Selected Point Information: When a point is selected, you can view its number and whether it is curved or straight.
4. Applying to All: Use the “Apply to All” feature to apply changes made to one point of the spline to all other points.

Spline Options

1. Empty Spline: This option creates a blank spline with no other customizable options. It allows you to create your own custom spline path without predefined parameters.
2. Arrows: Creates an Arrow Spline that has an op

Build Tool

The Build tool allows you to easily design and manipulate various structures in your virtual environment.

Box

Creating a Box

To create a box, follow these steps:

1. Click Two Points and Drag: Click on the first point where you want one corner of the box to be located. Then, drag the cursor to the opposite corner and click again to create the box.

Modifying a Box

To modify a box, use the following methods:

1. Click Top and Drag: Click on the top face of the box and drag to change its height.
2. Click Sides and Drag: Click on any side face of the box and drag to resize it along the respective axis.

Snapping Options

Urban CGI provides several snapping options to help you align and position boxes accurately:

1. Grid Snapping: Enable grid snapping to align the box with the gridlines.
2. Angle Snapping: Enable angle snapping to align the box at specific angles.
3. Hard Angle Snapping: Enable hard angle snapping to align the box with sharp angles.
4. Distance Snapping: Enable distance snapping to align the box at specific distances.

Box Information

You can view and edit additional information for the box, including:

1. Building Color: Modify the color of the box.
2. Material Type: Choose the material type for the box.
3. Material Setting: Adjust the material setting for the box.

Cylinder

Creating a Cylinder

To create a cylinder, follow these steps:

1. Click 1 Point and Drag: Click on the center point of the cylinder’s base and drag to adjust its height and radius.

Modifying a Cylinder

To modify a cylinder, use the same edit tools as for the box:

1. Click 1 Point and Drag: Click on the center point of the cylinder’s base and drag to adjust its height and radius.

Arrow

Creating an Arrow

To create an arrow, follow these steps:

1. Click 1 Point and Drag: Click on the starting point of the arrow and drag to define its direction and length.

Modifying an Arrow

To modify an arrow, use the same edit tools as for the box and cylinder:

1. Click 1 Point and Drag: Click on the starting point of the arrow and drag to adjust its direction and length.

Star

Creating a Star

To create a star, follow these steps:

1. 1 Click to Expand Star: Click once to create a star with the default number of points.
2. 1 Click to Decrease Spines: After expanding the star, click again to decrease the number of points.

Modifying a Star

To modify a star, use the same edit tools as for the box, cylinder, and arrow:

1. 1 Click to Expand Star: Click once to add more points to the star.
2. 1 Click to Decrease Spines: After expanding the star, click again to remove points.

Shape

Creating a Shape

To create a shape, follow these steps:

1. Multiple Points: Click on multiple points to define the shape’s vertices. Press Enter to end the shape.

Modifying a Shape

To modify a shape, use the same edit tools as for the box, cylinder, arrow, and star:

1. Multiple Points: Click on multiple points to redefine the shape’s vertices and adjust its form.

3D Text

Creating 3D Text

To create 3D text, follow these steps:

1. Type in Text: Enter the text you want to create in 3D and press Enter to finish.

Modifying 3D Text

To modify the 3D text, use the same edit tools as for the box, cylinder, arrow, star, and shape:

1. Type in Text: Click on the 3D text to edit and align it as needed.

Measurement Tool

The Measure Tool empowers you to obtain precise measurements within your virtual model effortlessly. Whether you need to measure distances vertically, horizontally, or visualize relative levels, this tool provides you with detailed analysis crucial for major projects.

Accessing the Measure Tool

1. Locate the Measure Icon – To access the Measure Tool, locate and click on the Measure icon in the Urban CGI Platform’s tool panel.
2. Click to Activate – Click on the measure icon to highlight and activate the Measure Tool.

Line Measure

1. Default Measure – The default measure option allows you to measure distances between two points in a straight line.
2. Horizontal Measure – Hold Ctrl Key to enable measuring horizontal distances within your virtual model.
3. Vertical Measure – Hold Shift Key to enable measuring distances vertically from the ground.
4. Normal Measure – Hold Space Key to enable measuring distances that are orthogonal to the surface you are measuring from.
5. Enable Edge Detection – while measuring, Hold the Alt Key and press the Left Mouse Button to continue measuring from the last point. This can also be used in conjunction with Ctrl, Shift and Space. Toggle edge detection on or off to snap the measurement to the nearest edge or surface for accuracy.

Shape Measure

1. Free Shape Creation: This toggle allows users to define the X and Y axis to measure the volume on any plane.
2. Cuboid: Use the cuboid measurement option to measure the length, width, and height of a box-shaped object.
3. Cylinder: Measure the height and diameter of cylindrical objects with the cylinder measurement option.

Relative Level

1. Click and Place: Click anywhere to get the height above the sea level of that position.

Options

The Options menu provides you with control over various settings and functionalities within the platform:

1. Disable All: The Disable All option allows you to turn off all currently enabled settings and features in one go. This can be useful when you want a clean slate or need to reset the platform to default settings.

2. Enable All: The Enable All option lets you turn on all available settings and features simultaneously. This is helpful when you want to utilize all the functionalities the platform has to offer.

3. Click On and Off Options: The Options menu may contain various toggle switches, checkboxes, or sliders that control specific features or settings. By clicking on these options, you can turn them on or off based on your requirements. This allows you to customize the platform to suit your preferences and project needs.

Locations

The Locations menu allows you to manage and navigate to different camera views and custom locations within your virtual environment.

• Home: The Home option serves as a quick shortcut to return to the default starting point or initial camera view. By clicking on the “Home” button, you can easily reset your perspective to the default position.

• Custom Location: The “Custom Location” option allows you to save and store specific camera views or viewpoints within your virtual environment. By clicking on Custom Location, you can save your current camera position and settings for future reference and quick access.

• Name Location: When you save a custom location, the Name Location option allows you to give a descriptive name or label to the saved viewpoint. Providing a name for each saved location helps you organize and identify them more easily.

• Delete Location: If you no longer need a saved location, the Delete Location option enables you to remove it from the list. By clicking on Delete Location and confirming the action, the selected saved viewpoint will be removed.

• Update Location: When you make changes to a saved location or want to update its settings, you can use the Update Location option. This feature allows you to modify the camera position, angle, and other settings for the selected saved viewpoint.

• Camera Locations: The “Camera Locations” section displays a list of all the saved custom camera views or viewpoints you have stored. By clicking on any specific location from the list, you can instantly navigate to that viewpoint within your virtual environment.

Environmental Tool

The Environment Tool provides you with the power to manipulate the model and create the desired conditions for your project. With this tool, you can adjust various environmental parameters in real time, allowing you to answer questions about the environment within seconds.

Accessing the Environment Tool

1. Locate the Environment Icon: To access the Environment Tool, locate and click on the Environment icon in the Urban CGI Platform’s tool panel.
2. Click to Activate: Click on the environment icon to highlight and activate the Environment Tool.

Modifiable Parameters

• Time of Day: Adjust the time of day using the slide bar to simulate different lighting conditions, from dawn to dusk.
• Time of Year: Set the time of year using the slide bar to represent different seasons, such as spring, summer, autumn, or winter.
• Daylight Savings: Toggle daylight savings time on or off to reflect changes in local time.
• Weather Type: Choose from various weather conditions using the drop down, including clear, cloudy, rainy, or snowy etc.
• Wind Direction: Set the wind direction using the slide bar to influence the direction of moving objects or environmental effects.
• Cloud Coverage: Adjust the amount of cloud cover in the sky using the slide bar.
• Cloud Speed Multiplier: Control the speed of cloud movement using the slide bar to create dynamic cloud patterns.
• Time Lapse: Enable time-lapse to observe the gradual changes in the environment over a specified period.
• Night Skip: Toggle night skip to instantly switch between day and night conditions.
• Sunlight Intensity: Control the brightness of the sunlight in your virtual scene using the slide bar.
• Light Intensity: Adjust the overall intensity of artificial lighting sources in the environment.
• Sun Light Saturation: Control the saturation level of sunlight to enhance or reduce its colour intensity.
• Moon Phase: Choose the phase of the moon, such as full moon, half-moon, or crescent.
• Moon Size: Adjust the size of the moon in the sky.
• Moon Light Intensity: Control the brightness of the moonlight.
• Moon Texture Intensity: Adjust the texture and appearance of the moon.
• Night Brightness: Set the overall brightness of the scene during nighttime.
• Star Nighttime Intensity: Control the brightness of stars during nighttime.
• Stars Daytime Intensity: Adjust the brightness of stars visible during daytime.

LiDAR

LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a cutting-edge remote sensing technology that measures distances by emitting laser beams towards a target and then analyzing the reflected light. Essentially, it captures millions of data points in a short span of time, creating a detailed three-dimensional representation of the target area. The benefits of LiDAR are manifold. In environmental studies, it provides invaluable insights into forest density, riverbed mapping, and topographical changes. For urban planners, it aids in creating precise city models and assessing infrastructure. Furthermore, autonomous vehicles rely heavily on LiDAR for navigation, as it offers superior depth perception and obstacle detection, even in challenging lighting conditions. Overall, LiDAR’s high-resolution and accurate data collection capabilities have revolutionized multiple fields by providing unparalleled clarity and precision.

VFX

The VFX tool allows you to apply various visual effects to enhance the appearance of your virtual environment.

Ambient Occlusion (AO)

The “Ambient Occlusion” effect enhances shadows and adds depth to the overall scene. By enabling AO, you can create a more realistic and visually appealing environment.

1. Hue (H): The Hue effect allows you to adjust the color tint of the scene. You can experiment with different hues to create various moods and atmospheres.

2. Saturation (S): The Saturation effect controls the intensity or vividness of colors in the scene. Increasing saturation can make colors more vibrant, while decreasing it can create a more muted or grayscale appearance.

3. Value (V): The Value effect controls the brightness or darkness of the scene. Adjusting the value can significantly impact the overall lighting and contrast in your virtual environment.

Wireframe

The Wireframe effect displays the scene as wireframe models, allowing you to see the underlying structure and geometry of objects. This can be useful for understanding spatial relationships and architectural layouts.

1. Hue, Saturation, and Value Controls: For the “Hue,” “Saturation,” and “Value” effects, you can interact with sliders or input numerical values to fine-tune the desired visual changes. Experiment with different settings to achieve your desired look.

Record Tool

The Record Tool provides two main functions: Image Capture and Video Capture, allowing you to capture images and record videos of your virtual environment.

Image Capture

To take a screenshot of your virtual environment, follow these steps:

1. Take Screenshot: Click on the “Take Screenshot” button to capture an image of the current view.
2. Resolution: Adjust the resolution of the captured image if needed.
3. Name: Provide a name for the screenshot to easily identify it.
4. Format: Choose the image format for the screenshot (e.g., JPEG, PNG).
5. Open Capture Folder: Access the folder where the captured images are saved.

Video Capture

To record a video of your virtual environment, follow these steps:

1. Record Button: Click on the “Record” button to start recording your video.
2. Image Sequencing: Enable image sequencing to record the video as a sequence of images.
3. Burn In: Add any desired visual elements or information (e.g., time stamps) directly onto the recorded video.
4. Frames Per Second: Set the frames per second (FPS) rate for the recorded video.
5. Resolution: Adjust the resolution of the recorded video.
6. Name: Provide a name for the video to easily identify it.
7. Format: Choose the video format for the recording (e.g., MP4).
8. Video Track: Select the specific video track to record if multiple tracks are available.
9. Open Video Capture Folder: Access the folder where the recorded videos are saved.

Video Tool

The Video Tool provides you with a powerful set of features to create and edit videos of your virtual environment.

Video Tool Features

Let’s explore the various features and functionalities of the Video Tool:

1. Track Selection: Choose the specific video track you want to work with if multiple tracks are available.
2. Add Button: Click on the “Add” button to add video clips or camera angles to your video project.
3. Rewind: Rewind the video to the beginning.
4. Pause: Pause the video at any point.
5. Play: Play the video to preview your project.
6. Meters per Second: Adjust the speed at which the camera moves through the virtual environment, measured in meter per second.
7. Duration: Set the total duration of your video project.
8. Ground Camera: Select the “Ground Camera” option to use a camera angle that simulates ground-level views.
9. Vehicle Camera: Choose the “Vehicle Camera” option to simulate a camera mounted on a moving vehicle.
10. Aircraft Camera: Select the “Aircraft Camera” option to simulate a camera perspective from a flying aircraft.
11. Add Camera Angle Button: Click on the “Add Camera Angle” button to add new camera angles to your video project, providing dynamic perspectives.

Appstream Interface 

The Appstream Interface provides you with seamless access to the Urban CGI Platform, allowing you to manage your projects efficiently.  

Navigating the Appstream Interface 

1. Find Model: Once you log in, you can easily locate your existing projects or find new ones by searching for specific models. 

2. Top Icons: The top icons represent essential tools and functionalities for your project management. 

3. Fullscreen Model: Click this icon to view your model in full screen mode, providing you with a larger and more immersive view. 

4. Copy to Local: Use this option to copy files or data from the Appstream Interface to your local device. 

5. Return to Model: This option allows you to return to the previous model or screen you were working on. 

6. My Files: Access your personal files and documents related to your Urban CGI projects. 

7. Log Out: Click on this option to securely log out from the Appstream Interface. 

8. Functions Button: The functions button provides access to additional tools and functionalities within the Urban CGI Platform. 

Downloading images and video from CGI SIM on Appstream:  

In CGI SIM image capture – open ‘screen capture folder’. Expand on the left the Home Folder. Copy images to Home Folder (copy paste or drag-drop). Then Open the Home Folder on the Appstream interface – press download each file.