> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://horus-make-sense.gitbook.io/documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://horus-make-sense.gitbook.io/documentation/software/geosuite/movie-player/layer-manager-module.md). # Layer Manager Module Import & Export GIs layers With the Layer Manager module several layers can be added to the views in the Horus Movie Player.\ \ These layers are used for the inspecting and/or overlaying/editing GIS data. The Layer Manager is used to add and remove layers and to adjust their properties. Layers are used to add information to the visual and geographical data. \ This information is added in the form of annotations, or ‘features’. A feature can consist of a geometrical shape (like a line, polygon, height line), a point, a written annotation (a form) or a combination of the aforementioned.\ Layers are the foundation for the normal working routine with the I\&S suite, it is therefore important to understand some basics of the ‘inner workings’ of the I\&S suite. This is explained in [2.1](#id-2.1-creating-a-new-form). ## 1. Starting the Layer Manager Module The Layer Manager is activated by going to: "Modules -> Layer Manager", or by clicking the Layer Manager button:\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2FrHclMXXtY439gWWEuUca%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=bab472d4-63a7-4e39-9f96-554d5a4c6b2e) The layer Manager screen will appear beneath the main screen:
### 1.1 Opening a Layer To open an existing layer, click the Import layer button (see [2](#id-2.-creating-a-new-layer).). The Movie Player will open the Import Layer screen:\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2F66lrvAEjiSTE4A3YmBML%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=b19b46f2-6e23-4bc6-88aa-a0ed9b2bb2e0) To import an existing layer, specify the type of data you want to import in the pull down menu (1):\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2FRfhUnBk3nuPJJvaz80Kx%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=ad8a47be-69d1-4a81-86d3-0a554894379c)\ \ Click the URL button (2) and specify the directory of the data you want to import. After that, click the Connect button (3). The layer will now be loaded in the Import layer screen:\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2FaJHK7je2jYvxj3tokFLe%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=251854dd-5a2d-4b9c-86b9-786de09a6093)
SchemaSpecifies the color scheme
FeatureClassSpecifies the Feature class to visualize
PropertySelect the properties (deprecated)
ProjectionSelect the projection standard
ActionDefine how the layer is imported in the layer manager
### 1.2 Editing of Layers - Activation and Deactivation With the Edit checkbox in the Layer manager, you can select the layer you want to edit. When the checkbox is marked the layer can be edited. You can only edit one layer at a time, the travel path and cursor layer cannot be edited:\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2FfRZ1sdrsPKezKVdmKYII%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=066c412d-5ce1-41e7-9d35-101f75f81acc) ### 1.3 Visibility of Layers By activating (or deactivating) a layer is made visible (or invisible) in the main screen. A layer is activated by selecting the Visible box in the Layer Manager:\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2FJxW7Ky1cJyU0LX25Yz31%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=7de00bae-961f-4350-a4ca-fb85be198cc5) ### 1.4 Troubleshooting - Layer Visibility It is possible that a layer is not immediately visible in the main screen. It may be necessary to move to the next (or previous) frame before the data is visualized in the main screen. \ In case of a GIS layer, look up or down in the main screen, the GIS is most likely not projected on ground level. To do so, select the Override height box in the Layer Manager (see [1.8](#id-1.8-override-height)). Also check the setting of the Projection field during the layer import (see [1.1](#id-1.1-opening-a-layer-gis-cad)); this must be set to RD for geodata. ### 1.5 Setting the Visible Range The layers are rendered up to a certain distance from the cameras (or recording vehicle for that matter). This means that the layers (and the related annotations) are shown up to a certain distance. \ \ To increase or decrease the distance in which the layers need to be rendered, the visible range can be adjusted in the Layer Manager. By increasing the visible range, the layers will be rendered up to a larger distance from the cameras. Decreasing this distance will result in a smaller rendering distance:\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2FBjsxVO59O7ThNTbDkog5%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=680cc8f4-840a-4f31-b940-f084c9bb4fe4) ### 1.6 Adjusting the Layer Object Colors The color of objects in layers can be adjusted by using the pull down arrows in the Outline and Fill columns. \ Click the arrow and select the color, the new colors are in effect immediately and apply to all objects within that layer. The opacity can be altered by using the slide button in the Opacity column:\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2F9P4F9DjaILlRS18dNZ6z%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=a6324abb-8586-42cf-8676-a3482a963445) ### 1.7 Making Objects in a Layer Selectable Objects in a layer are normally selectable, by selecting an object or annotation, the user can delete the object. \ To prevent annotations or objects from being deleted from a layer, the selection possibility can be turned off by unchecking the checkboxes in the Selectable column:\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2FQ3wiG0jM60avVoy07KIw%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=83847323-dd7a-42db-9488-28872c07a729) ### 1.8 Override Height Normally, the Movie Player uses the ground level from the camera position as a reference for the spatial data in the layers. \ If the ground level reference from the layer data does not correspond with the measurements from the recording position, objects tend to ‘float’ above ground level. By selecting Override height all spatial data is projected on ground level. This can typically be used with data without a Z-coordinate:\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2FbkzInr8h0Zp0vIaSEDMA%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=b3a89693-d3c0-4873-8620-61d06f46a47d) ### 1.9 Selecting an Icon for Points in a Label In the Layer Edit module you can add ‘points’ in the image / layer. The points are indicated with an icon. \ With the Options button, you can select the icon you want to use within that layer. Click the Options button and select Icon:\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2Fm2EUWWXWwgDbV6tgr0X8%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=20501cc4-c8e9-4997-8499-9d9bba004650)\ \ The Movie Player will open a window in which you can select the icon you want to use. Click OK to confirm:\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2FssIszpKVew1gaSx93ffL%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=b98de4c6-6c0d-44b7-a091-56763e0130ff)\ \ With the Size slider you can set the display size of the icons in the main screen. ### 1.10 Select Layer Labeling Geometries can have several attributes by means of labels. These labels show information about the geometry, like length, surface area, geographical coordinates, etc. A geometry without labeling looks like this:\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2FugSAVHi9MhXPnbS7cOOi%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=4e7a2440-6bfc-48fa-abb2-a33b974b370c)\ \ With the Labeling option you can select the labels you want to display. \ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2F4vDZY4gnrSRtNlSLBbQd%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=7064f058-031a-4af4-84a5-09d9b8430d9d)\ \ This will result in a geometry with the selected labels:\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2FnLaDNrlnSzHPFo7xNsmD%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=c7f959a4-1eea-4426-a896-c04269a334cf) ## 2. Creating a New Layer In the left bottom corner of the Layer Module screen you’ll see four buttons which are used to create, open, delete and save layers. This is described in the following paragraph.\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2Fs4U4NYqpas20llmom6KT%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=fffd72a7-2747-4167-83c3-ebefdc56baf7)
| From Left to Right | | ------------------ | | New Layer | | Import Layer | | Delete Layer | | Save Layer | ### 2.1 Creating a New Form Layers are used to annotate the images of the recording session. \ Normally, the annotations layer is started when a recording is opened, but the geometrical annotations (geometries) that are made in this layer do not have the possibility to add written annotations by means of a form. \ When you create your own layer, you can add textual information and a form to the geometries. ### 2.2 Creating an Annotations Form If you want to create a layer in which you want to add both geometrical and written annotations, you need to create a form first. This form is needed when you create the new layer. The following paragraph is intended for users that are familiar with xml programming. An annotations form is defined by the entity.xml file. This file is stored in the same folder as the recording. The entity.xml file can also be stored in the C:/Horus folder, if the file is stored in that folder, the form can be used in all recordings. A file called layer\_entities.xml does the same as the entity.xml file, but it defines forms for several layers. For this file you need to define an EntityDescription in which the ID refers to the layer it applies to. For instance: ID=lampposts\_basefile\_rd refers to the layer in which all lampposts are visualized. The difference between the entity.xml file and the layers\_entites.xml file can be seen in the first lines of the xml file. Because a layer\_entities.xml defines multiple forms, the file starts with the tag. Within these tags a set of EntityDescriptions are defined with the - tags. To create a new entity.xml file, you can use an existing xml file from the recording directory:\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2FvCoLgz8Rf11O4kj6lLzn%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=2b0d48a2-e35c-406d-8cde-b84ba52f0e93)\ \ You can open this file in the xml editor you prefer, Notepad.exe is usually well suited for quick editing tasks. You can now create your own form, using the command in the following section. Make sure to give the form a unique ID:
### 2.3 XML Commands The following xml commands are used for the annotations form.\ \ **AttributeDescription** \ For example: {% code overflow="wrap" %} ``` ``` {% endcode %} **Displayname** \ Defines the name of the field, spaces are allowed.\ \ **Type**\ Defines the type of field, the following values are valid:
StringLine of text
TextMultiple lines of text
IntAn integer
FloatA number with decimals
EnumText with a limited list of valid values
DateA date (with time)
AttachmentsOne or more files on the computer. The path is stored, not the file itself
IconAn icon (deprecated)
SnapshotA print screen file. The path to the file is stored, the print screen itself is stored locally on the computer
HyperlinkHyperlink to a file or on the internet
CheckboxA field that can be "yes" or "no". Is displayed as a checkbox
**Category**\ Defines the category to which the attribute belongs. When the EntryDescription uses one or more categories, the program will create a tab for every category in the form:![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2FpuhvjNwoLEDvaQnsbtdH%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=7e6a8e95-abb1-4b5a-9d4b-fc26078cf01b)\ \ Fields without a category will be placed in the ‘Default’ tab.\ \ **DefaultValue**\ The standard value for the field. This value is displayed in the field when a new annotation is created.\ \ **Hidden**\ Valid values: ‘true’ or ‘false’ (in lowercase!). Determines that a field is not visible in the form. When the field is present in the data, it will not be displayed in the form.\ \ **ReadOnly**\ Valid values: ‘true’ or ‘false’ (in lower case!). This command blocks the edit function of the field, i.e.: the field cannot be edited.\ \ **SnapshotFileNameFormat**\ Only applies to field of the ‘Snapshot’ type. Defines the name of the snapshots that are made. It is possible to use the values of other fields in the name of this field (the snapshot file name), this is done by writing that field name in braces, for instance: ``` Snapshot_feature_{id}.jpeg ``` This value of SnapshotFileNameFormat causes the snapshot of an annotation with the ‘id’ value of 45, to get the filename Snapshot\_feature\_45.jpeg. **Enum Values**\ Only valid for the ‘Enum’ type fields. Contains valid values for the field, separated by the ‘|’ symbol (alt + 0124). If you want the values ‘one’, ‘two’ and ‘three’ in the list of choices, you need to type: “one|two|three”. **AutoComplete**\ Valid values: ‘true’ or ‘false’ (in lower case!). This command will result in an auto complete function when the user is filling in the form. The suggestions are formed by the values in other annotations. AutoFill\ This command will fill the field with a calculated value. The following values are possible:
FrameNumberThe number of the current frame that is being displayed
Geometry:LengthOnly valid for lines. The total length of a line
Geometry:AreaOnly valid for polygons that form a plane. The total surface area of the polygon in square meters
Geometry:HeightThe height of a geometry in meters. The height is defined as the difference between the lowest and the highest part
Geometry:COGThe center of gravity of the geometry
Geometry:GetUnitsThe unit in which the size of a geometry is expressed. ‘m2’ for polygons and ‘m1’ for lines
Geometry:GetAmountThe size of the geometry. Shows the surface area for polygons in square meters, and the total length in meters for lines
### 2.4 Adding a Hyperlink Field to a Form It is possible to add a field in the annotations form in which the user can specify a hyperlink. This requires the following line in the AttributesDescription: ``` ``` After you are finished editing, save the xml file to the recording directory. ## 3. Creating a New Layer By clicking the New layer button, the Movie Player will open the New layer dialogue box. In this box you can specify the type and the name of the layer:\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2FKu9VSVGW7km6l88ifWDu%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=f16f6f16-2737-489c-998e-529587f4af9a)\ \ Select the form you have created from the pull down menus and click OK to proceed. Next you have to specify a directory for the new layer. It is recommended that you save the layer to the recording folder. Select the folder (or create a new one) in the dialogue box:\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2FTSYw30dramB4vqMgIaCM%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=c023ccc1-3f71-43ee-8b56-c528ca694a65)\ \ After this, the new layer is added to the layer manager:\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2FpbBxDHN2Ug6ax2RQwkj1%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=90b27500-06b6-4d67-8e57-15646bfdcac5)\ \ After you have marked the checkbox in the Edit column, you can immediately start editing the layer. After you’ve added a geometry to the layer, the form that was just created will appear. You can also open the form by double clicking on existing geometries:\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2FqAFxfbckFzfRIvr63DZQ%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=a82154c3-6e91-40bc-ab92-1ae436bbb11a) ### 3.1 Annotation Form Functions The annotations forms have four buttons at the bottom. These buttons are used to copy and paste data from (or to) selected fields in the form:\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2FhEEEoooXDkXJmNDUm6Sq%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=c89fde41-b1e5-41b8-b747-b64dd074db6b) | | | | -------- | ------------------------------------------- | | Settings | Specifies the fields that are copied | | Copy | Copies the specified field to the clipboard | | Paste | Paste the copied fields | | Save | Saves the data in the form | With the Settings button you can select the fields you want to copy with the Copy button. Select the fields by marking the checkboxes:\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2F8vvQOW37Ea3h0VuFBjfp%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=21e2622d-5e69-4e7c-b79c-1ac06846d897)\ \ The copied data can quickly be transferred from one form to another to speed up your working process. ### 3.2 Adding a hyperlink to an annotation If the form has a Hyperlink or Link field, this field will have to edit buttons on its right side:\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2F8UnXpucuTTzW6nLr4oL8%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=c00ffa3c-1001-4f3b-8454-38dab24bce2f)\ \ These buttons allow you to edit /specify the hyperlink. The pencil button is used to fill in a hyperlink. Always use the full URL, including http\:// :\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2F0oScZQH49Q6y7JjCGw2y%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=34eb0220-f7a1-4e86-ada3-874a1917f49f)\ \ To finish editing, click the checkmark. The other button (…) is used to specify a link to a file on your computer. ### 3.3 Select Import Action The imported layer data can be processed in three ways: Insert as a new layer, convert to a spatialite layer, merge with the standard annotation layer, or merge with another layer:\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2FPSHxLaDFEe3lQeKewYjt%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=dd8be58d-280b-4c2a-8903-4392c75704b1) ### 3.4 Import as Spatialite Layer A spatialite layer is highly recommended when you have to annotate a large amount of geometries. A spatialite layer allows you to store the annotations and open them at a later time. This allows you continue to work without having to annotate all geometries in one session. When all annotations are made, you can export the layer to another format, for instance GIS or CAD data. ### 3.5 Merge with an Existing Layer You can merge the data with an existing layer by choosing the option Merge with… You can merge with any already open and editable layer. ### 3.6 Import as a New Layer If you want to insert the data as a new layer, choose the option Insert as new layer.
In the image above, the new layer is projected on the map data and in the main screen. If the imported data is not visible in the main screen, refresh the image by clicking the Play or Forward button. \ In this example the Override height checkbox is marked (see [1.8](#id-1.8-override-height)) because the data in this layer misses height information (no Z-coordinates recorded). With the Options button you can select the labeling that is visualized in the main screen (see [1.10](#id-1.10-select-layer-labeling)) ### 3.7 Show Attribute Data of Geometries The geometries in the screen are clickable. By double clicking a geometry, the attribute data of the selected geometry is shown:
By pressing the F1 key, the Movie Player will open the last selected objects attribute data form. ### 3.8 Add a Preset Number to a Data Form When you have selected an object and you want to retrieve the attribute data form at a later moment, it is possible to add a preset number to that object and its data form. \ This is done by pressing Ctrl and a F key. By pressing Ctrl + F2, Movie Player will store the objects form, it can later be retrieved by pressing the F2 key. You can use the F-keys in the range from F2 to F8, so you can set seven presets for data forms. ### 3.9 Show Annotations Form of a Geometry By right-clicking a geometry the attached form (see 5.2.1) will be opened:
### 3.10 Deleting a Layer If you want to delete a layer, select the layer in the Layer manager and click the Delete layer button. The Movie Player will ask for confirmation before the layer is deleted:\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2FzXQGM5YJBrk9eLUd4rTj%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=843991cb-b2ea-4ed3-9fc3-6849859306bc) ### 3.11 Exporting a Layer A layer can be exported using the Export button. Select the layer you want to export and click the Export button, the Movie Player will open the Layer Export screen:\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2FJiILxj7GbtGlyWvbBQam%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=b6d80bf1-4e73-43de-9e86-26180bd975a7)\ \ You can select the format for the export file by clicking the pull down arrow:\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2FPQq2VhUyokBCFIcMHQMW%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=502b5ae1-6441-40f6-8890-e2ad5be765eb)\ \ Next, you can specify the projection standard:\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2FeCbKyumUTtUVuE1a6B97%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=135ebaf5-826d-4b6d-b67c-02f27678700a)\ \ Set the export directory and the file name with the (…) button. The default filename for a spatialite file is the name of the selected layer (for instance Annotations). Click OK to start the export. During the export, a progress bar is displayed. ## 4. Export to Excel If you want to export your data to excel, a .xls template should be used. To place your attribute data in the right columns, please make the field according to the names in the annotations Put the names in the excel template between { } signs.\ ![](https://3462221526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCe67imy4ipkDut6uMDi%2Fuploads%2Fs9EDS9tiGHRPMx53dNXg%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=f8da4bfd-82c2-4546-8d5b-8a0cb4fa13b8) ### 4.1 Select the Export Source You can select two data sources for the layer export: Layer, by selecting this option, Movie Player will export only the data that is present in the layer. Original data source will export all data that is present in the original data source.