EVM overview
Enhanced Viewing Modes (EVM) is a powerful new feature which was introduced in Platform version 5.0. It allows for multiple viewer instances which means you can run different IafViewer windows, side by side.
This facility is useful as it provides the following capabilities:
- Model comparison: You can compare models or different versions of the same model, side by side in split-screen.
- Enhanced viewing modes across multiple windows: You can render the same model with a range of new enhanced viewing modes in flexible windows alongside the main model.
Figure: Range of different graphics models supported by EVM
Model comparison#
Having multiple IafViewer instances allows you to compare two models or model versions side by side. This is achieved by rendering two IafViewer instances in split-screen.
The screenshot below shows one model, on the right, with windows and doors, compared to a previous version, on the left, of the same model without those model elements.
Figure: Comparing two versions of the same model
Enabling model comparison#
To enable model comparison, you need to take a series of actions. For a detailed description of the steps involved, refer to Enabling model comparisons.
Enhanced Viewing Modes across multiple windows#
You can render smaller IafViewer instance windows with the following Enhanced Viewing Modes (EVM) over the main IafViewer instance:
- View3D: A three-dimensional visualization tool used to display and interact with 3D models, environments, or data.
- View2D: A two-dimensional viewing interface for flat images, maps, plans, or diagrams.
- Gis (Mapbox): A geospatial visualization platform that allows developers to create custom, interactive maps using vector tiles and real-time data.
- Unreal Engine: A high-fidelity 3D game engine used for real-time rendering, simulation, and immersive visualization
- ArcGIS: A Geographic Information System (GIS) for working with maps, spatial analysis, and geographic data. It also supports data visualization, geoprocessing, and advanced mapping workflows
- ArcGIS Overview: 2D and birds-eye views using ArcGIS
- Photosphere: A 360-degree panoramic image viewer that allows immersive exploration of environments from a single point of view.
For more information, refer to the screenshot below.
Figure: EVM instances
| Callout | Description |
|---|---|
| A | 2DView instance with toolbar |
| B | Unreal Engine instance with toolbar |
| C | EVM window buttons |
| D | ArcGis overview window without toolbar |
Loose coupling#
The IafViewer instances are loosely coupled in the user interface. Each IafViewer instance has its own toolbar and controls when enabled.
Enhanced viewing modes configurations#
Each IafViewer instance rendering an enhanced viewing mode has its own configuration for that mode, which you can set in the IafViever component props.
For example, you can configure the following viewer options:
- Where on the screen the instance window should render
- Making the window split-screen with another, or full-screen
- Enable a toolbar for an EVM instance using its
showToolbarBoolean prop
Each viewing mode has its own uniquely relevant properties. For more information, refer to the following Enhanced viewing mode props:
ShowToolbar#
You can enable or disable window toolbars for any EVM mode using the showToolbar Boolean prop.
Note: showToolbar does not affect GIS mode.
App logic control#
Disable showToolbar to turn off automatic window toolbars for instances of that viewing mode.
This also hands over toolbar visibility control to application logic so that developers can implement custom UI controls.
EVM window buttons#
As well as the toolbars, disabling showToolbar hides the EVM window buttons for EVM mode instances.