Movement Guide

Camera Movement

The main camera is the embodiment of the user and is responsible for displaying the Virtual Environment. To navigate the Virtual Environment, there are several methods of controlling the camera.

The basic camera movement keys are as follows:

W - Move Forward

S - Move Backward

A - Move to the Left

D - Move to the Right

Q - Move Down

E - Move Up

All of these movements are relative to the direction of the camera. So pressing 'forwards' will move you in the direction the camera is facing, 'backwards' will step away.

For other movements, you're side-stepping - moving left, right, up or down while keeping your head facing the original direction.

Changing Speed

You can slow your movement by holding the Control key as you move.

You can speed up your movement by holding the Shift key as you move.

Camera Rotation

To re-orient the view of the Virtual Environment, it is necessary to rotate the camera.

To rotate the camera:

  • Click and hold the left mouse button.
  • With the mouse button held down, move the mouse.
  • As the mouse is moved, the camera will rotate in the moved direction.
  • Release the mouse button to set the rotation of the camera.

Moving to an Asset

It is possible to move the camera over to a specific asset in the Virtual Environment.

To move to an asset, simply double click on the desired asset. The camera will automatically fly towards the asset and enter Orbit mode around it.

Orbiting an Asset

Orbit mode is different from regular flight mode. While in orbit mode, any attempts to rotate the camera will instead rotate around the selected asset while remaining focused on it.

Zoom

Zooming can only be performed in Orbit mode, while orbiting an asset.

To Zoom in, scroll the mousewheel upwards. To Zoom out, scroll the mousewheel downwards.

Making Things Easier

There are also some shortcuts you can take so that people don't need to navigate the VE environment unless they want to.

Setting a Default Viewpoint

In some cases, users will want to use a 'default' viewpoint, such as watching a piece of moving equipment.

See the instructions for Setting a Default Camera Position in ARDI-VE.

Setting Shortcut Viewpoints

Like the default viewpoint, you can also set shortcut viewpoints.

These are pre-saved cameras that can be accessed by pressing the numeric keys at the top of the keyboard.

These buttons are particularly useful when you have machines that lack an easy-to-use mouse (explosionproof workstations, kiosks etc.).

See Saving Shortcut Camera Positions in ARDI-VE.