TerraExplorer® Pro
Version 8.0
User Guide
Skyline Software Systems Inc.
- Introduction
About TerraExplorer
TerraExplorer is a cutting-edge 3D GIS desktop viewer and creator that provides powerful tools and a high-resolution 3D environment in which to view, query, analyze and present geospatial data.
With TerraExplorer's robust and extensive capabilities, realistic 3D visualizations can be created by overlaying the terrain with unlimited data layers, 3D models, virtual objects and more.
Analysis
In addition to basic measurement and analysis tools for distance, slope, area, and volume measurements, TerraExplorer features advanced and robust capabilities for line of sight, shadow display and query, comparison and elevation difference, cross section, clip box, buffer query, flood analysis, terrain profile, and more.
Display
Imagery and elevation layers of unlimited size and resolution in a wide range of formats can be overlaid on the terrain and seamlessly integrated with feature layers and multi-resolution, stream-optimized 3D mesh model layers for easy visualization, access, and analysis of 3D geospatial data. If a new layer is based on a source that uses a different coordinate system, the layer can be reprojected to the project's coordinate system.
Point, line, and polygon features can be displayed and used to display advanced layer information based on their attribute data. TerraExplorer also includes an extensive set of objects: 2D and 3D, dynamic, buildings, models, point cloud models and video, that can be displayed on the terrain, as well as advanced terrain objects that allow terrain modification within TerraExplorer Pro. A flexible clipboard mechanism and sophisticated duplication tools make it easy to copy, paste, and position objects on the terrain.
Realism is enhanced with environment settings that include lighting effects, horizon distance, fog color, sky texture, cloud display, and shadow color.
Spatial Queries
TerraExplorer provides advanced capabilities for manipulating feature and 3DML data and analyzing spatial relationships. Various spatial operations can be performed on a layer’s features, including merging features into a single feature, clipping one polygon from another, exploding a multi-part feature into its individual component features, and exporting selected features to a new file.
Complex spatial and attribute queries are supported. Features can be filtered based on attribute value or based on their spatial relationship with a specified polygon, line point or object. A buffer zone can be defined to include features within a certain radius of the selection.
Publishing Data
SkylineGlobe Server streamlines the TerraExplorer workflow, enabling complete projects and layers to be optimized and published directly from TerraExplorer Pro to the cloud server. Through a single publishing operation, the data is made available to all TerraExplorer clients: Desktop, Mobile, and TE for Web, as well as standard geospatial clients such as WFS/WFS-T/WMS/WMTS/3D Tiles (Cesium).
Creating and Sharing 3D Presentations
TerraExplorer’s presentation tools enable you to create a presentation, in which you communicate a specific view of the 3D World, by combining a customized flight route with a particular display of the project. Your presentation consists of one or more steps, in each of which you control the display of the 3D World, including current camera position, layer and object visibility, system time, and popup messages and captions. Presentations can be easily converted to standard video files.
Optimization
Advanced tools allow conversion of model files and of point cloud data from various formats to a stream-optimized Skyline-proprietary format for improved display performance as well as download rate. The Extract Terrain tool extracts and creates a subset of a local or remote terrain database for easy distribution.
Product Highlights
- Efficient streaming of raster, feature, and 3D mesh layer (3DML) data over standard networks.
- Interactive drawing tools to create and add 2D and 3D objects, labels, modify terrain objects, and buildings on a 3D terrain model.
- Loads 3D models, video, and geo-referenced information layers
- Supports editing and saving of layers to GIS standard file formats.
- Communicates with external local and web applications using standard COM interface. Controls all static and dynamic objects, information layers and application content.
- Robust set of tools for measurement and terrain analysis.
- Hyperlink feature links specific areas, or objects, to web pages, applications, and databases.
- Integrates text and web content messages.
- Presentation tool enables sharing of geographical information through dynamic presentations.
- Creates movies, as AVI, from any presentation.
- Takes snapshots of the 3D Window and saves them to external files.
- Powerful tool for creating 3DML data sets from point layers with individually referenced 3D models.
- Users can easily share, post, find, and load necessary geographic data for a TerraExplorer project by logging in to SkylineGlobe Server.
- Publishing tool to create project directory ready for distribution to external users. Additional publishing options enable extraction and publishing of a geographic subset of the project for offline users.
- Provides improved level of security for local and remote users.
- Advanced Ribbon customization options allow external developers to integrate new custom tools into the TerraExplorer Ribbon.
- Export the 3D Window, Project Tree and Navigation Map as ActiveX controls.
Embedded Mode
All TerraExplorer versions can run as embedded ActiveX controls in any Windows application or Web page. Using the power of the TerraExplorer API, developers can interact between the application or the web page and the TerraExplorer controls.
TerraExplorer has several ActiveX controls, including:
- The 3D Window
- The Project Tree
- The Navigation Map window
The TerraExplorer embedded mode is an integrated feature in all TerraExplorer products.
Data Flow
TerraExplorer can be used in a local desktop environment, accessing terrain and content data directly, or in a network environment via the SkylineGlobe Server, Skyline’s private cloud solution. SkylineGlobe Server provides streaming services for all your spatial data types including terrain (MPT/TBP), map (raster-WMS/WMTS), feature (WFS/WFS-T), 3D Mesh (3DML, OGC 3D Tiles, I3S/SLPK), and point cloud (CPT, OGC 3D Tiles). Individual geospatial layers and complete projects can be directly uploaded and published to the cloud server from TerraExplorer or other Skyline client applications, thus streamlining your workflow and eliminating the need for any server-side login after initial installation. Through a single publishing operation, data is made ready for consumption by all TerraExplorer clients: Desktop, Mobile, and TE for Web, as well as standard geospatial applications.
SkylineGlobe Server DirectConnect enables you to serve terrain databases defined by the TerraBuilder project file (TBP) to TerraExplorer clients and any application that reads the standard OGC WMS/WMTS protocol, eliminating the need for time-consuming re-creation of complete MPT files. This is critical for projects whose source data is constantly being updated or modified. DirectConnect leverages cache technology and support for multi-core and multi-computer processing to provide scalability and accelerate the publishing of massive data sets.
TerraExplorer Resources
Information about the application and about your application license is easily accessible from the File menu .
To open TerraExplorer resources:
- On the TerraExplorer menu , point to Resources and then select one of the following:
| Resource | Description |
| TerraExplorer Help (F1) | Opens TerraExplorer’s Help files. |
| TerraExplorer Programmer’s Guide | Provides access to the TerraExplorer Programmer’s Guide Help files |
| TerraExplorer Quick Guide | Opens TerraExplorer’s Quick Start Guide, which helps you find your way around TerraExplorer. |
| Interactive Tutorial | Provides a set of samples written with TerraExplorer API. It allows executing samples to see their effects and reviewing the source code of each sample. |
| TerraExplorer Knowledge Base | Opens Skyline's knowledge base, a centralized repository of information about TerraExplorer and other Skyline applications. |
| License Manager | Opens the License Manager tool. |
| About TerraExplorer | Displays basic license and product information. |
TerraExplorer Family
The TerraExplorer family of products is a range of 3D visualization clients that enables users to interact with, edit and annotate a geo-referenced 3D environment. TerraExplorer can be used in a local desktop environment, accessing terrain and content data directly, or in a network environment via the SkylineGlobe server.
- TerraExplorer Desktop – A cutting-edge 3D GIS desktop viewer and creator that provides powerful tools and a high-resolution 3D environment in which to view, query, analyze and present geospatial data. With TerraExplorer's robust and extensive capabilities and ever-increasing interoperability, stunningly realistic 3D visualizations can be created by overlaying the terrain with unlimited data layers, 3D models, virtual objects and more.
- TerraExplorer Fusion – Web-based 3D geospatial viewer that enables you to view and analyze high-resolution, stunningly realistic 3D content right in your web browser with no download or installation required. TerraExplorer Fusion, enables viewing of most online layers and objects published by TerraExplorer Pro, performing measurements and analysis operations, and customizing web applications tailored to any customer needs.
- TerraExplorer for Mobile – A 3D GIS viewer for Android and Apple iOS devices that enables you to view high-resolution, realistic SkylineGlobe 3D content. The TerraExplorer for Mobile app can display most of your spatial databases including 3D city layers and feature layers, and it provides powerful tools to query, analyze and present your data on the go. TerraExplorer for Mobile seamlessly accesses online data from Skyline’s SkylineGlobe server and other OGC-compliant servers, and quickly loads online TerraExplorer projects.
TerraExplorer Desktop
TerraExplorer Desktop is available in three versions, offering increasing levels of functionality:
- Viewer – Users can navigate through and perform advanced terrain analysis of high-resolution 3D world environments created by fusing aerial and satellite photography, terrain elevation data and other 2D and 3D information layers. TerraExplorer Viewer also provides basic editing capabilities, including loading of online 2D and 3D layers as well as selected offline formats.
- Plus – Adds loading of all 2D and 3D offline formats, feature layer editing and querying, advanced objects and drawing tools, a set of tools for professional usage, and the advanced Pro API interfaces.
- Pro – Adds publishing capabilities as well as uploading of data to SkylineGlobe cloud, and advanced data conversion tools.
All tools, developed using the TerraExplorer Pro API, can be activated by TerraExplorer Pro and TerraExplorer Plus.
TerraExplorer Plus
TerraExplorer Plus, available as a stand-alone application, or as an embedded runtime ActiveX module, offers similar capabilities to TerraExplorer Pro with the following limitations:
- Advanced objects can be created and edited only by using the regular API, and not by ICommand:
- Buildings
- Dynamic objects
- Video (on terrain and billboard)
- Modify terrain
- Hole on terrain
- Feature layer operations can be performed only by using the regular API, and not by ICommand:
- Spatial and attribute queries
- Feature editing (modifying geometry or attribute values)
- Creation of new layers
- A project cannot be published as a Viewer Kit.
- The terrain cannot be extracted to MPT or VRML.
- No access is available to the advanced Drawing tools (Duplicate Objects, Create Power Line, etc.).
- No access is available to the Convert Models to XPL tool.
- No access is available to the Convert Models Layers to 3DML tool.
CityBuilder Extension
TerraExplorer’s CityBuilder extension includes powerful mesh layer conversion tools that vastly increase TerraExplorer’s compatibility with third party viewers and editors. With the CityBuilder extension, mesh layers in a range of formats can be imported and converted to Skyline’s proprietary 3DML format, and 3DML’s can be exported to other mesh layer formats or to individual OBJ models so you can easily extract precisely the area you need. For users with the CityBuilder extension, these capabilities are fully integrated in the TerraExplorer Pro GUI. Alternatively, they can be used from the standalone CityBuilder.exe application found in your installation folder.
Capabilities
The following capabilities are only supported in TerraExplorer with a CityBuilder extension:
- Export to Models, Point Clouds and ATAK – Export polygonal areas of a 3DML, e.g., buildings, to individual 3D models (in OBJ, DAE, GLB, FBX formats), LAS point cloud layers, or ATAK.
- Export to Mesh – Export 3DML to OGC 3D Tiles (tileset.json) or I3S/SLPK formats.
- Export Sections of Mesh – Export sections of a mesh layer using clip polygons on the clipboard.
- Import and Convert OpenScene Graph (OSGB) Layers – Import and convert OSGB layers to the stream optimized, 3DML mesh layer format. This enables them to be streamed with SkylineGlobe Server.
- Import and Convert OGC 3D Tiles (tileset.json) Layers – Import and convert 3D Tiles mesh layers to the stream optimized, 3DML mesh layer format. This enables them to be streamed with SkylineGlobe Server.
TerraExplorer C2MP Extension
The TerraExplorer family includes the C2MP extension (available in Viewer, Plus, and Pro versions) that provides a unique set of command & control and mission planning features for military and defense users. The extension includes the following tools:
- MultiTracking (Cursor-on-Target, Predator, GPS Tracking)
- FalconView Interface
- MIL-STD-2525C Annotator
- ACO Import
- GRG Creation
- Coordinate Marker
- Route Planner
- DAFIF Import
- Enhanced Data Library support (creation and import)
- Legend Creator
TerraExplorer Comparison Table
The TerraExplorer Comparison Table below compares the different capabilities of each of the products in the TerraExplorer family. All products are based on TerraExplorer Pro, with each offering a different subset of TerraExplorer Pro commands.
TerraExplorer Pro commands are accessible programmatically either from the standard API or from the ICommand interface. ICommand is an API call that simulates a user click on the TEP Ribbon or menus, activating a TerraExplorer command.
Most operations can be performed by both methods. To create a polygon, for example, you can use the Creator.CreatePolygon(...) API to create a polygon and set all the parameters programmatically. Alternatively, you can call ICommand.Execute (1012,5) (the equivalent of clicking Create Polygon on the Ribbon). This call opens the property sheet and lets the user add the polygon and set its properties manually, like in TerraExplorer Pro.
A few commands (e.g., Publish Project) are only available via the GUI or the ICommand interface, and not programmatically from the standard API.
Note: When an online project (from a SkylineGlobe Server) is opened in TerraExplorer Viewer, the API is automatically upgraded to Plus level. Plus level API allows you to utilize all TerraExplorer Plus functionalities using API calls, including the ICommand interface.
Legend
✔ – Available in the User Interface and the API
Online – Available only when loading layers from SkylineGlobe Server
Limited – Only some of the capabilities are available
| Capability | Fusion (Web) | Mobile | Desktop Viewer | Desktop Plus | Desktop Pro |
| View and Navigate | |||||
| View objects, layers, and features | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Free flight | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fly to locations and objects | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Play presentations with a series of different views of the 3D World | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Underground mode | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Indoor navigation | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Multiple coordinate systems | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Navigation tools (GPS tracking and target) | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| VR - Oculus Rift and Quest | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Stereo viewing | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Multi-user collaborative sessions | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Change project settings | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Create presentations | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Create movie from presentation | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Inspect photos used to generate PhotoMesh model | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Analysis | |||||
| Distance and area measurement | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Volume analysis | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Contour and slope maps | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Shadow effect | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Viewshed and line of sight | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Terrain profile | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Viewshed and shadow queries | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Cross section and clip box | Limited | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Comparison tools | Limited | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Threat dome | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Flood analysis | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Buffer penetration query | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Elevation difference | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Data Layers | |||||
| View imagery, elevation, 3D mesh, point cloud and feature layers | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Load imagery and elevation layers | Online | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Load 3D Mesh layers (3DML) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Load 3D Tiles | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Load feature layers | Limited | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Load point cloud layers | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Load BIM (3DML) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Feature layer: Spatial and attribute queries | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Feature layer: Edit attributes | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Feature layer: Edit geometry | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Feature layer: Create new layers | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Classify 3D Mesh layer | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Scale and Rotate 3D Mesh Layer | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Objects and Effects | |||||
| View 2D and 3D primitives and objects | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| View dynamic objects | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| View water and particle effects | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Add weather and environment effects | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Add 2D and 3D primitives and objects | ✔ | Limited | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Add and edit dynamic objects | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Add and edit video objects | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Flatten and cut terrain and mesh layers | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Add and edit particle objects | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Add and edit water effects | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Advanced drawing tools (Duplicate Objects, Create Pipe Lines, Create Power Lines and more) | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Mark mesh imperfections for implementation in PhotoMesh | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Conversion Tools | |||||
| Create raster layer LOD pyramid | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Convert and import BIM (IFC/FBX) | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Convert and import LAS/LAZ/E57 | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Convert and import 3D Tiles and OSGB | ✔ | ||||
| Convert model to XPL | ✔ | ||||
| Export 3DML to 3D Tiles and SLPK | ✔ | ||||
| Export 3DML to OBJ | ✔ | ||||
| Publishing Tools | |||||
| Save project to Fly, KML and KMZ formats | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Publish online kit (desktop, mobile, web) | ✔ | ||||
| Publish offline kit (desktop, mobile) | ✔ | ||||
| Extract layers in area | ✔ | ||||
| Upload data layers to SkylineGlobe cloud | ✔ |
SkylineGlobe Product Suite
The SkylineGlobe software suite sets the standard for 3D desktop and web-based applications, enabling an enterprise to build and efficiently publish realistic 3D environments that can be explored, queried, analyzed, and edited by desktop, web, and mobile clients. The suite includes:
- Editors – PhotoMesh, TerraBuilder, and TerraExplorer Pro
- Cloud Services – Streaming, Storing, and Cataloging
- Clients – Desktop, Mobile, and Web applications
SkylineGlobe Product Suite
The SkylineGlobe Enterprise solution is scalable, with licenses to support from ten to tens of thousands of concurrent users.
Whether deploying a desktop, mobile or web-based application, SkylineGlobe Enterprise provides a full Application Programming Interface (API) allowing you to customize it according to your requirements. Because SkylineGlobe Enterprise is based on open OGC standards such as WFS and WMS, it can operate as a seamless 3D interface with other existing, legacy systems within the organization.
"On the fly" data fusion from disparate and distributed sources without data pre-processing allows you to keep your 3D environment current and relevant.
Skyline’s range of products allows users to design an implementation customized to meet their requirements. Deployment options include the ability to work in a networked or disconnected (off-line) mode and make content available to the public or keep it restricted to secure networks and authorized users. Highly efficient streaming server technology supports large enterprise deployments with minimal hardware requirements.
Editors
Skyline offers powerful applications for generating, editing, and publishing 3D terrain and urban model databases from a wide variety of data types.
TerraBuilder
TerraBuilder is a 3D terrain database creator with professional-grade tools for manipulating and merging orthophotos, DEM and DSM raster files of different sizes and resolutions. The resulting photo-realistic, geographically accurate terrain database (MPT) can be made available to local TerraExplorer clients or published to remote clients using the SkylineGlobe Server.
PhotoMesh
Skyline’s breakthrough PhotoMesh application fully automates the building of high-resolution, textured, 3D mesh models from oblique and nadir photographs and LiDAR captured from street view, drones, UAV, and airplanes. PhotoMesh results can be generated in standard 3D model (3DML, OSGB, DAE, OBJ), raster (Orthophoto, DSM, DTM) and point cloud (LAS) formats. Mesh layers can be transformed into powerful geospatial data that fully supports spatial operations and attribute queries, by loading it into TerraExplorer and classifying it with feature layer polygons.
TerraExplorer Pro
TerraExplorer Pro is a powerful GIS tool for merging unlimited, geo-referenced 3D terrain, 3D mesh, LiDAR, BIM, raster, and feature layers into a 3D high-resolution, geospatial environment. The project and all its individual layers can be directly uploaded and published to SkylineGlobe cloud server from TerraExplorer. Through a single publishing operation, the project and its individual layers are made available to all TerraExplorer clients: Desktop, Mobile, and TE for Web, as well as standard geospatial clients. TerraExplorer Pro also provides powerful tools and a high-resolution 3D environment in which to view, query, analyze and present geospatial data.
Cloud Services
SkylineGlobe Server (SGS) is a private cloud solution that provides a comprehensive set of web services for publishing, storing, managing, and streaming 3D spatial data. SkylineGlobe Server provides streaming services for all your spatial data types including terrain (MPT/TBP), map (raster-WMS/WMTS), feature (WFS/WFS-T), 3D Mesh (3DML, OGC 3D Tiles, I3S/SLPK), and point cloud (CPT, OGC 3D Tiles). All data on your server is cataloged and referenced so clients can easily find the specific published layer required. Your data is kept safe by multiple security layers, including restriction of each user group to predefined data folders and a robust user authentication mechanism.
The server’s built-in complete user access control system allows easy management of users, groups, and administrative roles controlling the server-side storage and client-side view/edit permissions.
SkylineGlobe Server is compliant with the following OpenGIS Implementation Specifications:
- OpenGIS® Web Feature Service (WFS) Implementation Specification
- OpenGIS® Web Feature Service Transactions (WFS-T) Implementation Specification
- OpenGIS® Web Map Service (WMS) Implementation Specification
- OpenGIS® Web Map Tiling Service (WMTS) Implementation Specification
SkylineGlobe Terrain Service
Powerful terrain service technology for streaming terrain data stored either in Skyline optimized terrain databases (MPT) or in terrain databases defined by the TerraBuilder project file (TBP) to remote TerraExplorer clients and any application that reads the standard OGC WMS/WMTS protocol.
SkylineGlobe Feature Service
Powerful feature service technology for streaming point, polyline, and polygon feature layers from files and from the Oracle, SQL server, PostGIS and ArcSDE databases to remote TerraExplorer clients and any application that reads the standard OGC WFS protocol. The Feature Service can stream most TerraExplorer supported feature layer formats. It also supports advanced spatial and attribute queries from TerraExplorer and other WFS clients. With SGS’s support for WFS-T (Web Feature Service-Transactional), remote clients can edit (create, delete, and update features) the feature layer and save changes to the data source.
SkylineGlobe Maps Service
Powerful maps service technology for streaming most TerraExplorer supported raster layer formats to remote TerraExplorer clients and any application that reads the standard OGC WMS/WMTS protocol. The layers are streamed as WMS/WMTS tiles in JPEG and PNG formats.
SkylineGlobe 3D Mesh Service
Powerful 3D city model service technology for streaming 3D Mesh Layer (3DML) databases from 3DML files to remote TerraExplorer clients. 3D mesh layers (3DML) are high-resolution, textured, 3D mesh models that have been compressed and stream-optimized to accelerate loading speed and efficiently handle memory. The 3D Mesh Service also exposes the data as OGC 3D Tiles for TerraExplorer for Web and Cesium based clients.
SkylineGlobe Point Cloud Service
Powerful point cloud service technology for streaming multi-resolution and stream-optimized point cloud data from CPT files to remote TerraExplorer clients. The Point Cloud Service also exposes the data as OGC 3D Tiles for TerraExplorer for Web and Cesium based clients.
Clients
Skyline offers a range of 3D visualization clients that enable users to interact with, edit and annotate a geo-referenced 3D environment. Users can customize the database with data from a network, local drive, or the Internet. Overlaying data specific to the user’s requirements onto a 3D map creates a targeted, interactive picture that can meet the needs of a diverse user base and the specific requirements of each individual user. Skyline’s client applications can be used in a local desktop environment, accessing terrain and content data directly, or in a network environment via the SkylineGlobe server.
TerraExplorer Desktop
A cutting-edge 3D GIS desktop viewer and creator that provides powerful tools and a high-resolution 3D environment in which to view, query, analyze and present geospatial data.
With TerraExplorer's robust and extensive capabilities and ever-increasing interoperability, stunningly realistic 3D visualizations can be created by overlaying the terrain with unlimited data layers, 3D models, virtual objects and more.
TerraExplorer Fusion
Web-based 3D geospatial viewer that enables you to view and analyze high-resolution, stunningly realistic 3D content right in your web browser with no download or installation required. TerraExplorer Fusion, enables viewing of most online layers and objects published by TerraExplorer Pro, performing measurements and analysis operations, and customizing web applications tailored to any customer needs.
TerraExplorer for Mobile
TerraExplorer for Mobile is a customizable, 3D GIS viewer for Android and Apple iOS devices that enables you to view high-resolution SkylineGlobe 3D content. The TerraExplorer for Mobile app can display most of your spatial databases including 3D city layers and feature layers, and it provides powerful tools to query, analyze and present your data on the go. TerraExplorer for Mobile seamlessly accesses online data from Skyline’s SkylineGlobe server and other OGC-compliant servers, and quickly loads online TerraExplorer projects.
- Getting Started
Software and Hardware Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
| Operating System | Windows® 10 /11 – 64 bit. |
| System Memory | 2 GB of RAM (4 GB or more recommended). For 4K render mode - 4 GB of RAM (8 GB or more recommended). |
| Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) | 1 GB of memory (2 GB or more recommended). Dedicated GPU is recommended. For 4K render mode - 2 GB of memory (4 GB or more recommended). For optimal performance and stability when using GeForce RTX graphics cards, it is recommended to install the NVIDIA Studio Driver (SD) instead of the Game Ready Driver (GRD). |
| Processor | 4 cores (8 cores recommended). |
| Browser | Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 or higher. |
| Additional Software | .Net Framework 4.6.1 required. |
License Mechanism
TerraExplorer is protected by a licensing mechanism that controls its operation, license term, and available capabilities. A license file issued by Skyline determines the licensing mechanism used.
The following licensing mechanisms are available for TerraExplorer:
- Local Hardware Protection (USB Key)
- Local Hardware Protection (HASP Key)
- Workstation Dependent Software License
- Skyline Floating License Server
- HASP Floating License
Local Hardware Protection (USB Key)
A USB key is a physical hardware key delivered with the TerraExplorer Pro software package that plugs into the USB port of the computer – to allow the operation of the product. Verify that the USB key is plugged into the USB port before starting TerraExplorer Pro.
Local Hardware Protection (HASP Key)
In some cases, Gemalto’s HASP key solution is used instead of a USB key. The HASP key is a physical hardware key delivered with the TerraExplorer Pro software package that plugs into the USB port of the computer – to allow the operation of the product. Verify that the HASP key is plugged into the USB port before starting TerraExplorer Pro. To use a HASP key, the necessary driver must be downloaded and installed on your computer. See "Manual Installation of the HASP Driver" in this chapter for information.
Workstation Dependent Software License
Another type of license is the workstation dependent software license. This license does not require any hardware protection but is limited to a specific computer. Before working with the workstation dependent software license, you must first register to get a license locked to your computer. It cannot be transferred without repeating the registration process.
Skyline’s Floating License Server
The license information can also be obtained using a floating license server which enables a number of licenses to be shared among a larger number of users. When an authorized user wants to run TerraExplorer, the user requests a license from the license server, and if one is available, the license server allows TerraExplorer to run. When the user finishes running TerraExplorer, the license is returned to the license server for use by other users. See "Configuring TerraExplorer to Use the Skyline Floating License Server (SFLS)" and "Checking Out Licenses on the Client Side" in this chapter for information.
Floating licenses can also be "checked out" enabling them to function as machine dependent licenses, so that they require no connection to the license server when in use. The availability of licenses for checkout and the length of the check out period are defined by the licensing server. Licenses can be checked out either by the client via the License Manager, or on the server side via the Floating License Server Manager. Licenses checked out by a client can be checked back in, but licenses checked out from the server side, are permanently removed from the license pool.
HASP Floating License
In some cases, Gemalto’s NetHASP solution is used instead of Skyline's Floating License Server. The NetHASP key is a physical hardware key delivered with the TerraExplorer Pro software package that plugs into the USB port of the server computer along with installation of the NetHASP License Manager software. It allows a predetermined number of concurrent users on the same network to use TerraExplorer, according to the license level defined by Skyline, without an individual hardware key on each of their computers.
License Manager
The TerraSuite License Manager allows the user to view and update the current license level.
To activate the License Manager:
- From the TerraExplorer menu , point to Resources, and then click License Manager or
- Click Start > All Programs > Skyline TerraExplorer Pro and then click License Manager.
Installing TerraExplorer Pro
- To install TerraExplorer Pro:
Note: On some operating systems, administrative privileges may be required.
- If you have an old version of TerraExplorer Pro running, close it before continuing with the installation.
- On your computer, browse to the setup.exe file and double-click. The setup program checks for an existing TerraExplorer Pro on your computer. If there is another version of TerraExplorer Pro installed already on your computer, a dialog is displayed confirming that you want to uninstall the current version.
InstallShield Wizard
- Click OK to uninstall. The InstallShield Wizard is displayed.
- Click Next. The License Agreement is displayed.
License Agreement
- Click Yes to agree to the license agreement terms and continue the installation. The Customer Information dialog is displayed.
Note: This dialog is displayed only for users with administrative privileges.
Customer Information Dialog
- Enter the required customer information, and click Next. The Choose Destination Location dialog is displayed.
Choose Destination Location Dialog
- Browse to the desired location for the TerraExplorer Pro installation, and click Next. The Ready to Install the Program dialog is displayed.
Install Dialog
- Click Install. The installation copies the files to the destination folder.
Note: The .FLY file extension is associated with the last TerraExplorer or TerraExplorer Pro application you have installed. If you want to change the association, open the application you want to associate the .FLY file extension with, click TerraExplorer Options, and on the General tab, click Set as Default. If you wish to keep using TerraExplorer as your default viewer for .FLY files you should reinstall TerraExplorer after installing TerraExplorer Pro.
Manual Installation of the HASP Driver
If your software was delivered with a HASP license key, you can manually install the required HASP driver.
- To install the HASP driver:
- Download the HASP driver zip file: Sentinel_LDK_Run-time_setup.
- Unzip the file to a temporary directory, and run the HASPUserSetup.exe file.
- Follow the installation wizard instructions to complete the installation.
Silent Installation of TerraExplorer Pro
TerraExplorer Desktop can be installed without a user interface by running the setup with Windows Installer command line parameters.
- Preparing the Silent Installation File
- Silently Installing TerraExplorer
- Automating License Configuration
Preparing the Silent Installation File
- To prepare the silent installation file:
- Place the standard TerraExplorer installer in a temp folder.
- Run the following (case sensitive) command from the command line to create the ISS file, and then let the installation finish:
Setup.exe /r /f1"C:\setup.iss"
- Copy the C:\setup.iss file to the temp folder.
Silently Installing TerraExplorer
- To install TerraExplorer silently:
Note: If a TEZ named setup.tez is placed next to the TerraExplorer installation file during installation, it will automatically be installed.
- Call:
Setup.exe /s /f1[FullPath2issFile] /hide_progress /V"Silent=1"
where [FullPath2issFile] gives the full path to the iss file in the temp folder (e.g., C:\temp\setup.iss).
- If you want to install to a custom directory, include the following:
Setup.exe /s /f1[FullPath2issFile] /hide_progress /V"Silent=1 CustomInstallDir=c:\[foldername]"
where [foldername] is the name of the custom directory.
Note: You can build a wrapper installer that automatically executes the steps above.
Automating License Configuration
- To automate license configuration, use TerraExplorer's TEZ Creator:
- Open TerraExplorer, and run the Make TEZ tool from the Tools tab. The TEZ Creator wizard opens.
TEZ Creator Wizard
- Select the Package a License option. The Package Licenses dialog is displayed.
Package Licensed Dialog
- In the Package Licenses dialog, click Add and browse to one or more license files.
- If you are packaging a license that is on a Skyline Floating License Server, enter the server’s URL.
- Click Next. You can skip the installation wizard's next step: Select Certificate for Signing, and click Next again. The Create TEZ dialog is displayed.
Create TEZ Dialog
- In the File Path field, browse to the directory in which to create the TEZ file, and type the following name for the file: setup.tez
- Click Save, and then click Create.
- Place setup.tez next to the TE setup.exe to silently install the license TEZ when the setup file is run.
Uninstalling TerraExplorer Pro
The Uninstall feature lets you quickly remove all folders and files that you installed to your hard disk during the installation procedure.
- To uninstall TerraExplorer Pro:
- Exit the TerraExplorer Pro application.
- On the Microsoft Windows desktop, click Start > Skyline TerraExplorer Pro > Uninstall TerraExplorer Pro. The Uninstall dialog is displayed.
- Follow the on-screen instructions until all TerraExplorer Pro program files are removed.
Note: The .FLY file extension is associated with the last TerraExplorer or TerraExplorer Pro application you have installed. If you uninstalled TerraExplorer Pro but wish to keep using TerraExplorer as your viewer for .FLY files you should reinstall TerraExplorer.
Configuring TerraExplorer to Use the Skyline Floating License Server (SFLS)
Each machine that is sharing the floating license for TerraExplorer must be configured with the address of the Floating License Server.
Note: The Skyline Floating License should be installed on the server before configuring it on each of the machines that is sharing the license.
- To configure TerraExplorer to the SFLS address:
- Open the License Manager. See "License Manager" in this chapter for information.
- If the Skyline Floating License received from Skyline was not used in the installation (i.e., placed next to the setup.exe file in the installation folder), from the File menu, select Load License File, and browse to the license file.
- To set the floating license server URL, from the File menu, select Set Floating License Server. The Floating License Server dialog box is displayed.
Floating License Server
- Enter the floating license server URL, e.g., http://<server_name>/SFLS.
- If you want to override the protection type set in the currently loaded license file for each product on the computer, select Use license server for all products on this computer.
- The licenses table will refresh, and the license manager will appear as in the following example (version and expiration information will vary based on the hosted license):
Checking Out Licenses on the Client Side
- To check out a license:
- Close the application for which you want to check out a license.
- Open the License Manager, and under the section for the desired application select Check Out. The Application Protection Type field will refresh and read Floating (Checked Out). When the License Server Products page is refreshed, the Checked out count will have increased by the number of licenses checked out.
- To check a license back in:
- Open the License Manager and select Check In.
See the SFLS Setup Guide for more information.
Starting TerraExplorer Pro
You can start TerraExplorer Pro by doing one of the following:
- Click Start > Skyline TerraExplorer Pro > TerraExplorer Pro.
- Click the TerraExplorer Pro icon on your desktop.
- Double-click on any .FLY file or any link to a .FLY file on an HTML page.
After the TerraExplorer Pro Start page appears, you are ready to open or create a FLY project.
- New Features in Release 8.0
Our completely redesigned presentation tool GUI is more intuitively organized to simplify your workflow, streamlining the process of creating and customizing your settings like captions and speed for each action. The revamped Presentation Tool features 'steps,' which function as chapter-like headings that organize your presentation actions and offer increased flexibility in displaying your presentation. With the new presentation tool, you can easily add locations to your route or display objects simply by dragging them from the Project Tree into the Presentation Editor. New presentation operations have been added as well, including the option to enable contour and slope maps, as well as display shadows.
New 3D Mesh Layers Export Options
TerraExplorer 8.0 introduces significant improvements to 3D Mesh Layer Export functionalities. Users can now export entire mesh layers or specific sections to a range of data types, including 3D models (in OBJ, DAE, GLB, and FBX formats), LAS point cloud layers, and ATAK files. The updated Export tool offers robust control over multiple aspects of the export process, such as grid type, grid size, area selection methods, and coordinate system adjustments. Importantly, the tool supports both 2D grids and 3D boxes, enabling you to manage complex three-dimensional data and allowing features like tall buildings or utility poles to be vertically segmented into multiple files.
HoloLens Mixed Reality Mode
Uncover the potential of augmented reality (AR) visualization for collaborative decision making in the battlefield and headquarters. Our new HoloLens plug-in allows you to view the TerraExplorer 3D view as a lifelike 3D hologram through HoloLens 2 immersive headsets. This mode offers a virtual table whose dimensions can be customized and whose location is determined simply by the placement of a QR code, simplifying the setup process. With support for head tracking and intuitive controls as well as multi-user support, users can effortlessly navigate and analyze their 3D environment, for more informed tactical planning and strategic execution.
As Internet Explorer legacy support is phasing out, Skyline has introduced compatibility with Microsoft Edge for displaying containers and HTML messages.
Google Earth 3D Tiles
TerraExplorer's new support for Google Earth 3D Tiles offers a winning combination of world coverage datasets with robust geospatial analysis capabilities. These high-resolution 3D mesh layers can be seamlessly integrated in TerraExplorer with feature and mesh layers and other data types for a comprehensive analytical solution.
Photo Inspector's latest updates enhance inspection workflows. Key improvements include:
- Performance Boost: Stream only necessary SMPT tiles at specific zoom levels, reducing the need to load large JPEGs and enhancing speed.
- Flexible Inspection Layers: Easily mark and measure areas on your 3D model or photos. Designate existing layers created or loaded into the project or create new inspection layers.
- Offline Kit Publishing: The new "Extract and Publish Area as Offline Kit" option lets you publish your 3D models alongside the source photos used to create them in PhotoMesh’s aerotriangulation process, increasing offline accessibility.
- BIM Attribute Information: Easily include information on a mesh model such as material information or geometric data within your inspection reports using new mechanism to copy the relevant attribute information from the associated BIM model.
Improvements to Analysis Tools
We've upgraded the Terrain Profile tool by adding a new Compare Mode, which allows for side-by-side terrain profile analysis of two different layers on the same graph. To ensure precise calculations, visibility for all other layers is temporarily disabled during this comparison and restored afterward. An additional enhancement links the terrain profile graph to the 3D Window - when hovering over any point in the terrain profile, a corresponding symbol is displayed in the 3D Window, pinpointing the exact location on the graph line.
The Elevation Comparison tool has been updated to consolidate and extend its layer comparison functionalities. You can now evaluate elevation differences between two layers of various types: elevation, feature, point cloud, or 3D mesh.
A new "Skyline Base" output type has been introduced as a variant of the existing "Skyline" output type. This enhancement adds lines that radiate from the viewer's position to the perimeter of the ring, which is formed by the outline of the visible terrain and objects.
Working with SkylineGlobe Server
- Integrated SSO Authentication: TerraExplorer users can now enjoy a simplified login process when accessing SkylineGlobe Server 8.0, thanks to the newly integrated Single Sign-On (SSO) authentication. This feature is compatible with commercial Identity Providers like Google Workspace and Facebook, as well as enterprise identity provider servers, all supported by the OpenID protocol. This enhancement not only eases the login process but also adds an extra layer of security.
- Flexible Project Updates: When publishing a project that was opened from SkylineGlobe Server, you now have the option to either publish it as a completely new project or update the existing one. When choosing to update, a new version is created on the server, ensuring that users always have access to the most up-to-date information. Administrators can manage which version to serve to TerraExplorer clients via the SGS Manager.
Support for TerraExplorer Fusion
Publishing is now more streamlined, allowing a single project to be compatible across all three platforms: Desktop, Fusion, and Mobile.
Enhanced Support for BIM Models
We've enhanced our support for Building Information Modeling (BIM) models, including the latest IFC 4x3, and the ability to read coordinate systems from IFC files.
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