Navigation Modes

Overview

The SiEGA Globe Viewer offers two navigation modes that provide users with flexibility and control when exploring the 3D environment. These modes are designed to support a range of use cases, from broad spatial analysis to detailed inspection, ensuring that users can interact with the platform in the way that best suits their needs.

Users can seamlessly switch between navigation modes at any time, making it easy to adapt their experience based on the level of interaction or perspective required. This versatility allows for a smooth and intuitive exploration of geospatial data within the SiEGA platform.

Types

Fly Mode

Fly Mode allows users to freely navigate the 3D environment, offering a broad, flexible perspective ideal for exploring large-scale areas or inspecting details from different angles. This is the default navigation mode when entering the SiEGA environment.

To navigate in Fly Mode, use your mouse as follows:

• Scroll Wheel: Zooms in or out toward the point where your cursor is currently positioned, enabling precise control over the viewing distance.

• Left Mouse Button (Click and Drag): Moves the view across the screen based on the direction and speed of your drag. Longer drags result in faster, broader movement, while shorter drags produce finer adjustments.

• Right Mouse Button (Click and Drag): Rotates your view around the current mouse position, allowing you to pivot the camera to inspect the environment from different angles without changing your location.

• Camera Movement Controls:

  • W: Move the camera forward, parallel to the globe's surface.

  • A: Move the camera left, parallel to the globe's surface.

  • S: Move the camera backward, parallel to the globe's surface.

  • D: Move the camera right, parallel to the globe's surface.

  • Q: Move the camera toward the globe's center.

  • E: Move the camera away from the globe's center.

• Touch Input Toggle: Press T to toggle Touch Input Mode while in Fly Mode. This mode switches the navigation controls to a touch-style input system. If your mouse controls stop responding or no longer rotate the camera as expected, Touch Input Mode is likely enabled. Press T again to return to the standard mouse controls. Please note that Touch Input Mode is intended for touchscreen devices and will not function on devices without touchscreen functionality.

This control scheme provides intuitive and fluid movement, supporting efficient exploration and analysis of spatial data.

Walk Mode

Walk Mode allows users to explore the SiEGA environment from a ground-level, first-person perspective through their own avatar. This immersive mode is ideal for detailed inspections, spatial awareness, and experiencing the environment as if you were physically present.

To navigate in Walk Mode:

• W / A / S / D: Move forward, left, backward, and right, respectively.

• Shift: Hold to run, increasing movement speed.

• Space: Press to jump.

Walk Mode is useful for close-up interaction with assets, verifying placements, and evaluating how structures appear and feel from a human-scale viewpoint.

VR Mode

Explore the SiEGA environment in VR Mode using an OpenXR-compatible headset for a fully immersive experience. This mode offers an enhanced experience, allowing users to physically interact with scene assets.

How to Use VR Mode

1. Setup Headset: Ensure your VR headset, compatible with OpenXR Runtime, is connected to your computer. Confirmed supported headsets include Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3.

   
2. Connecting the headset (Meta Quest 2):

   • Download the Meta Horizon Link app and connect your headset.

   • In the app settings, enable "Unknown Sources."

     
   • Activate OpenXR Runtime by selecting "Set Meta Horizon Link as active."

     
3. Launch SiEGA:

   • Open SiEGA and use the search bar to navigate your VR location.

     
   • Click the VR icon and choose between Fly Mode and Walk Mode.

     
4. VR Display: Once connected, your VR headset should display SiEGA as a VR application.

   

Controls

Fly Mode

• Right Joystick: Move forward, back, left, right; tilt to ascend/descend.

• Left Joystick: Rotate left/right.

• Left Menu Button: Open the exit menu; use the laser pointer and trigger to exit.

Walk Mode

• Right Joystick: Teleport by holding a direction, forming a red circle, then releasing.

• Left Joystick: Rotate left/right.

• Left Menu Button: Open the exit menu; use the laser pointer and trigger to exit.

Notes

• Alpha Stage: VR Mode is experimental and includes bugs.

• Known Issues: Exiting VR can disrupt SiEGA functionality. Restart the application to continue use.

• Walk Mode Bug: Rotate physically for consistent orientation after teleporting.