Moving around a 3D globe
Release 9.3 Last modified April 24, 2009	Print all topics in : "Exploring published maps with 3d (globe) content"

About navigating globes

Note: This topic was updated for 9.3.1.

Globes provide a unique way to view and interact with GIS data. The data is spatially referenced and displayed in its true geodetic location. You can view data covering a global extent and seamlessly zoom in to highly detailed, localized data. Globes allow for efficient display and exploration of raster and rasterized vector data.
Global Navigation tools are specifically designed for interacting with the globe. The tools are designed to allow you to see the data from all perspectives. There are two ways to think about globe navigation: one is from the point of view of an observer changing position around the globe, and the other is from the point of view of an observer that is stationary while the globe is rotated to the desired locations.
In one scenario for globe navigation, where the observer changes position, you can envision the observer as having a satellite view of the earth from space. Therefore, as you interact with the globe you are changing the observer position in reference to the globe. You can decrease or increase observer altitude and adjust the view angle vertically and horizontally. In a second scenario, the observer is stationary. As you interact with the globe, you move it toward yourself or tilt and rotate it, to get the view you desire.

How to use the Globe tools

Using the Globe Navigation tool

1. Click the Globe Navigation button on the Globe toolbar. The Globe Navigation tool allows you to rotate the globe and zoom in and out.
   
2. Click and drag the globe. If you are zoomed out to a global view, the globe will rotate in the direction you drag it. If you are zoomed in close to the surface, the experience will be similar to using the Pan tool on a 2D map.
   
3. Right-click and drag down to zoom in, or drag up to zoom out from the globe.
   

Tips

When the Globe Navigation button is clicked, the display will adjust to a vertical or straight down view of the target point. The target or pivot point is located at the center of the display canvas. The Globe Navigation tool spins the globe on its axis and does not allow you to rotate the globe over the poles. If you are working with data near the north or south pole, set a target point and use the Pan tool. The Pan tool will allow you to navigate over the poles when a target has been set.

Using the Pivot tool

1. Click the Pivot tool button on the Globe toolbar. A pivot point will be established at the center of the display. The Pivot tool allows you to rotate the globe around the pivot point and zoom in and out on the point.
   
2. Click and drag to the right to rotate the globe counterclockwise around the pivot point.
   
3. Right-click and drag down to zoom in or drag up to zoom out from the pivot point.
   

Tip

If there is a 3D object, such as a building that you would like to see from all angles, click it with the Target tool. The building will be centered in the display. Use the Pivot tool to see the building from all angles.

Using the Orbital Fly tool

The Fly tool provides a way to navigate the surface of the globe in a way that is similar to flying.

1. Click the Orbital Fly button on the Globe toolbar. The Orbital Fly panel will appear.
   
2. The panel displays buttons that can be used to control flight. Click the play button to start flying.
   
3. Click the left and right arrows to turn left and right as you fly.
   
4. Click the up arrow to increase forward speed.
   
5. Click the down arrow to decrease speed and reverse direction.
   
6. Click the altitude arrows to increase or decrease the observer's distance to the surface.
   
7. Click the pitch arrows to adjust the view angle of the observer. Use the up arrow to view the horizon or the down arrow for a vertical view of the surface.
   

Tips

The Fixed Line of Sight button can be used to control how the observer positions itself in relation to the globe while flying. If the Fixed Line of Sight is turned on, the observer will zoom in and out along the line of sight when the altitude is adjusted. This is how zooming in or out with the Pivot tool works. If the Fixed Line of Sight is off, the observer will increase or decrease vertically in relation to the globe surface. When flying is stopped, the altitude, pitch, and turn arrows can be used to change the observer position. It is sometimes easier to get a feel for how the flight controls work, especially regarding fixed line of sight, when forward motion is stopped. The mouse and keyboard can also be used to control flight. Click the keyboard button on the Orbital Fly panel to see how the keyboard keys are mapped to the fly panel buttons. To show a North arrow on the display, look at the 3D Data View tab on the Tools menu Options dialog box.

Using the Globe Target tool

1. Click the Target button on the Globe toolbar.
   
2. Click the globe to center the clicked location in the display. This also sets the pivot point for use with the Pivot tool.
   
3. Right-click the globe to automatically center and zoom in on the clicked location.
   

Tip

The Globe Target tool can also be used to put an object in the Orbital Fly tool's fixed line of sight.

Using the Globe Look Around tool

1. Click the Globe Look Around tool on the Globe toolbar.
   
2. Click and drag left and right on the map to "look" in that direction.
   
3. Right-click and drag up and down on the map to "look" in that dircection.
   

Tip

The Globe Look Around tool is designed as a way to hold the observer position still and get a 360 degree view from that static point.

Using the Globe Fixed Line of Sight tool

1. Click the Globe Fixed Line of Sight tool on the Globe toolbar.
   
2. Click and drag to rotate the view around the point in the center of the display.
   

Tip

With the Globe Fixed Line of Sight tool, the observer position moves around a fixed point in the center of the display. This allows for a complete 360 degree view of a certain object, such as a building.

Using the Globe North tool;

1. Click the Globe North tool.
   
The globe will automatically reset so that north is at the top of the display.

Using the mouse to fly

1. Click the Orbital Fly button on the Globe toolbar. The Orbital Fly panel will appear.
   
2. Click the globe to begin slow forward flight.
   
3. Move the mouse in the direction you want to fly. The flying speed will increase as the mouse moves farther from the middle of the display canvas.
   
4. Click the mouse again to stop flying.
   

Tips

When forward flight is stopped, the right mouse button can be used to increase or decrease altitude. While flying with the mouse, it is useful to use the keyboard to control altitude and pitch.

Using the keyboard to fly

The keyboard can be used to control the Fly tool.

1. Click the Orbital Fly button on the Globe toolbar.
   
2. Use the following keys to control the Fly tool:
   

F—start and stop flying
A—turn left
D—turn right
W—increase forward speed
S—decrease forward speed, reverse direction
J—decrease elevation, zoom in
L—increase elevation, zoom out
I—increase pitch, view horizon
K—decrease pitch, vertical view
N—roll right
M—roll left

Arrow keys can also be used to control direction.

Tip

Keyboard control allows you to make simultaneous flight adjustments that enhance the visualization experience. Click the Target tool and use it to center an object of interest on the display canvas. Click the Orbital Fly button and turn on the fixed line of sight option. Hold the right arrow to rotate the object on the display. Use the I and K keys to view the object from different angles as it rotates.

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