Navigation Modes

VRweb

This page describes the navigation modes of VRweb. You can switch among them by pressing the appropriate button in the toolbar or using the accelerator keys F4 - F8.

Every time you switch the navigation mode you get a short one-line message in the status line describing the functions of the mode. If the line is too long for reading you can scroll it with the middle mouse button.

Note: If your mouse has no 3rd button, the mouse driver of your X-server will emulate the middle one when pressing both mouse buttons simultaneously.

For complementary navigation tools and options see page Navigation Techniques.


Flip Mode

Use the flip mode for examination of objects. You manipulate the object whereas the viewpoint remains stationary.

Tip: To examine details of objects use the fly to tool. After having set a point of interest, it serves as roation center with control+middle mouse button in flip mode.

You may also rotate around the center of the selected object (shift+click) by dragging with shift+middle mouse button in flip mode.


Walk Mode

The walk mode is designed for navigation in scenes. Beginners may prefer to use the heads up mode instead. The point where you press the mouse button is marked by a cross and is used as the origin for speed controls (unless you turn off the option velocity control).


Fly Mode

The fly mode simulates flying through the world with an aeroplane. The bar on the right side indicates your current flying speed, the position of the airplane cursor relative to the cross in the middle indicates your flight direction.


Heads Up

The heads up mode is very simple to use. Icons superimposed on the scene show you the possible actions. All navigation can be done using the left mouse button only. Drag the mouse out of an icon and you perform the appropriate motion.

If you get more experienced (or if you find the icons annoying), the walk mode offers you the same possibilities: walking (left), panning (middle), and looking (right).


Fly To

The fly to mode is an additional tool for examining details in the scene. A point of interest can be approached rapidly but in a controlled manner. The target point can also be used as rotation center for the flip mode.

Tip: scene creators interested in actual 3D coordinates may hold down the meta (alt) key while setting the point of interest; the coordinate and normal vector of the hitpoint are written to the terminal (world coordinate system).


Back to overview.