This page describes how to navigate and use the interface of OpenCities Planner.

Navigating

There are two main methods of getting around.

Overview navigation

This is the default method. In this mode, you use the mouse or touch to move, rotate, tilt and zoom in the 3D-view.

Press to move

Ground view navigation

In ground view, you can experience the 3D world standing on the ground or on any surface, for instance on the balcony of a planned building.

To enter ground view, just zoom close to the ground or the surface you want to stand on and double click where you want to “land”.

Press and move the mouse too look around

Right click to exit ground view

Tip:

In both navigation modes you can click the compass icon at the top to north align the view.

If you are using a trackpad, you can use the trackpad and key modifiers CTRL and ALT to zoom and tilt/rotate.

Flight mode navigation

Some projects have flight mode enabled. In this mode, you look around using the mouse and you control movement using the arrow keys or the A-W-S-D keys. To activate this mode, click the flight mode icon in the project tool bar.

Using the interface

OpenCities Planner projects can have different content and buttons available in the interface. These are the most common interface elements.

The ribbon

The group of buttons down in the right corner is called the ribbon. The number of buttons will vary depending on the project.

Hide interface

This is the first button from the left. If clicked, the interface will be minimized to show a clean view without buttons.

Dialogue form 

If a project uses a dialogue form then this button shows the form when clicked.

Show dialogue submissions

If a project uses a dialogue form this button can be available and shows all submitted responses to the form when clicked.

Project info

This button shows a popup with images and text about the project. The same window are in some projects set to automatically show when the project initially is loaded.

Project content

This button shows project buttons when clicked. Buttons that can be available here are:

• Shadow analysis – When clicked, the date and time can be set to see shadows for that specific time
• Ground transparency – This is a slider that effects the transparency of the ground to show content under the ground. For instance tunnels or basement floors.
• Layers – With layers, content can be turned on and off.
• Viewpoints – These are shortcuts to a specific view in the 3D world. If a viewpoint is clicked, the camera will be moved to a new location.

Mini menu

The mini menu is available down in the left corner.

Help

Shows navigation help.

Settings

The settings lets you choose a graphic quality that suits your computer.

• Low – Recommended for low end devices and computers. Minimum effects.
• Mid – Recommended for slightly more powerful devices and computers. Slightly better effects
• High – Recommended for powerful computer with good graphics card. Better effects with Ambient occlusion.
• Max – For gaming computers with good graphics card. Maximum effects with shadows always on and ambient occlusion.