3D Models - Help

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Advanced help

Moving the model

Hold down the left mouse button and move the mouse.

To speed up navigation (useful when zooming in and out), hold down the SHIFT key and the left mouse button and move the mouse.

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Navigation methods

3 navigation methods are available from the navigation buttons:

  • Rotate/Examine:rotate the model around its centre, at any angle. This is the starting method. When a layer within model is clicked, the centre of rotation will move to where the mouse was clicked.
  • Pan/Slide:move the model up, down, left and right relative to a fixed view point.
  • Zoom/Fly:zoom in/out and pan left/right.

Another 3 navigation methods are available:

  • Walk:zoom in/out and pan left/right. Similar to Fly.
  • Pan:move the model up, down, left and right relative to a fixed view point. Similar to Slide.
  • Jump:zoom in to an object.

Select these methods by double clicking the left mouse button.

The active method is shown by the cursor letter: W, S, E, F or P. Jump uses a target cursor rather than a J.

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Spin

The model can be spun, or rotated, about it's axis. This tool gives the viewer a detailed look at the model from every possible angle and can be used in conjuction with the above mentioned navigation tools, you can also modify the scale while the model is spinning.

Operation:

  • Start:starts the model spinning about it's axis.
  • Stop:stops the model spinning.
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Reset

Feeling lost?

  • Reset: resets the model to its original orientation and zoom. Alternatively, double click the left mouse button and choose Reset.
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Transparency Slider

Transparency slider:enables the percentage transparency of the layer above to be adjusted. Sub-surface features can then be seen. Slide the bar to the right to increase transparency.

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Trouble-shooting

Unable to view model content, coarse images or 'jumpy' movement:
With the cursor over the model frame, hit the F9 key. The Preferences window will open. In the Render options tab, ensure Prefer OpenGL is selected.

Very coarse images:
In the OpenGL tab (Preferences window), ensure Smooth Textures is selected.

Some layers do not appear to load:
Please be patient. The larger layers may take a few seconds to load.

Left-hand frame is blank and buttons do not work:
Ensure Active Scripting is enabled in Internet Explorer. Active Scripting must be enabled because the model uses JavaScript. To enable Active Scripting in Internet Explorer 4:

  • In the View menu, click Internet Options.
  • Click the Security tab, click the Local intranet icon, click Custom (for expert users), click Settings.
  • Scroll down to the Scripting section, click Enable under Active scripting.
  • Click OK, and then click OK again.
  • Reload the model.

To enable Active Scripting in Internet Explorer 5 and 6:

  • In the Tools menu, click Internet Options, to open the Internet Options window.
  • In the Internet Options window, click the Security tab, the Local intranet icon and the the Custom Level button, to open the Security Settings window.
  • In the Security Settings window, scroll down to the Scripting section, and click Enable under Active Scripting.
  • Click OK, and then click OK again.
  • Reload the model.
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Contact:

Megan Lech
Updated: 1 July 2008