LineVision Esri ArcMap Add-in
1.1.About LineVision Esri ArcMap Add-In
LineVision Esri ArcMap Add-In is a unique geospatial Full Motion Video (gFMV™) & Inspection Data Reporting Add-In designed for Grid and Critical Infrastructure Inspection Applications.
The all-new LineVision Esri ArcMap Add-In leverages Esri’s popular ArcMap GIS environment to map, analyze and package geospatial video, photos, annotations, documents, SHP files and raster imagery.
Now you can view this valuable asset location-based multimedia using enterprise maps and imagery provided by ArcGIS for Server, ArcGIS for Desktop and/or ArcGIS Online applications.
Key Features:
- Open & Create Portable geoProject Files Packages
- Map-based Playback of Geo-referenced Video Files
- Multi-channel HD & SD Video Viewing
- Simple import and viewing of High-resolution Oblique still Photos
- Snap & Save Geo-tagged Photos from Video
- Mark Features & Points of Interest with Annotations
- Add & Edit Documents and Files Right on the Map
- Create & Import Asset Inspection Flight Lines
- Add local Shapefiles & Raster Satellite & Aerial Imagery
- Leverage the Full Power of the Remote Geo & Esri Platforms via ArcGIS for Desktop
geoProjects
A geoProject file is a standard Remote GeoSystems open-format, and “Patent-pending” method for building, saving and collaborating on “location-based, immersive rich media data products and reports”.
geoProjects may include any one, or all of the following rich media and geospatial data types:
- Videos (With and without continuous geo-tagging)
- Photos
- Documents & Files (PDF, MS Office, CAD files, etc.)
- Audio Clips
- POI Waypoints & Keywords
- Shapefile (SHP) or “Vector” GIS Map Data
- Satellite & Aerial Imagery or “Raster” GIS Map Data
- URL links to Streaming Raster Imagery and other Vector Map Data
The benefits of using geoProjects over traditional methods of saving projects is that it is portable, immersive, licensed, and marketable.
LineVision Esri ArcMap Add-In is available in both Professional & Viewer editions.
Projects created and saved in LineVision Esri ArcMap – Pro can also be opened and reviewed in LineVision™ Google Earth – Pro & Viewer and of course LineVision Esri ArcMap – Viewer edition.
Please also see the Pro vs. Viewer edition feature comparison in the Appendix.
Contacting Support
For all questions about Esri ArcMap challenges or issue that do not have relation to the LineVision Esri ArcMap Add-In please contact the Esri ArcMap support staff listed below
ESRI Headquarters
380 New York Street
Redlands, CA 92373-8100
Email: support@esri.com
Phone: +1-909-793-3774
Toll-free Phone: +1-888-377-4575
Fax: +1-909-792-0960
Website Address: http://support.esri.com
Support Web Form: http://support.esri.com/en/webform
1.2.Specifications
Geospatial Video File Support:
File Format | .MP2, .MP4 (H.264), .AVI (MJPEG), .MOV |
GPS Companion File Format | .GPX, .FIT, .SRT (DJI drones), .RGPS, .CSV, KML, .TXT, .LOG, .MOFF (Sony action cameras), .XML (Cloud Cap Technology, Red Hen Systems) |
Imbedded GPS Metadata | Remote GeoSystems “Whisper” (Persistent GPS Encoding) |
Geospatial Photo Support:
.JPEG | GPS metadata in EXIF header |
Other Geospatial Data Support:
Data Files | Any Esri-compatible Shape Files (SHP) |
Raster (Imagery ) Files | Any Esri-compatible Raster Imagery files. |
Streaming Data Endpoints | Any Esri-compatible Streaming Data Endpoints (ArcMap for Server, ArcMap Online, etc.) |
Geospatial Project Packaging:
Single PC, Local Network or Portable Drive | Remote GeoSystems .geoProject file |
Portable Project File | Remote GeoSystems .geoProject “Uncompressed” file
Remote GeoSystems .geoProject “Pack & Go” .RGS file (similar to a zip file) |
2.Installation and Registration
2.1.System Requirements
Before you install LineVision Esri ArcMap, make sure your system meets these hardware and software requirements:
Minimum
Processor: Intel Core i3 or better
Ports: (1) USB 2.0
RAM: 4GB Minimum
Hard Drive: 320 GB Minimum (or more depending on recording length. Ample storage is recommended as video files can take considerable space).
Video Card: minimum of 1 GB of memory
Software: Windows 7 or 8, Esri ArcMap 10.0 or newer
Recommended
Processor: Intel Core i7 or better
Ports: (2) USB 3.0
RAM: 8GB Minimum, (Windows 7, 64 Bit or better)
Hard Drive: 1 TB Minimum (or more depending on recording length. Ample storage is recommended as video files can take considerable space).
Video Card: minimum of 1 GB of memory
Software: Windows 7 or 8, Esri ArcMap 10.2 or newer
If you meet these requirements, proceed to install the software.
2.2.Downloading the Software
Download the software with the link provided to you by your Remote GeoSystems contact. If you no longer have the link and need to download the software, please contact us
NOTE: Some web browsers may not recognize LineVision software and may flag it as dangerous. The error is a false. Select Accept, Allow, or Continue.
2.3.Installation
Please note you must have Esri ArcMap 10.2 or higher installed on your PC.
To install the Addin, you must first unzip the Installer. Right click on the file and click Extract All, then hit the Extract button.
Open up the LineVision-ArcMap folder that is created, then double click on setup. This will launch the installer.
NOTE: You may run in to a Windows Smartscreen error as seen below. Click More Info then Run Anyway to continue.
The installation will continue. After the installation is completed, there should be a LineVision Arcmap folder on your desktop. This folder contains the .esriAddIn needed to install the add-in to Arcmap.
To install (assuming you have ESRI ArcMap on your machine), all you should need to do is double-click LineVisionArcMap.esriAddIn. This should launch the ArcMap Add-In installer and automatically install the LineVision ArcMap add-in.
If it does not automatically install, open ArcMap, select Customize > Add-In Manager and then click Customize in the window that appears. From here, select the Add From File… button and browse to the LineVisionArcMap.esriAddIn file you downloaded.
Once installed, you should see the Remote Geo LineVision ArcMap toolbar appear.
The toolbar consists of 3 buttons. The first opens LineVision ArcMap. The second two buttons are ArcMap “Tools”. The “Click to Play Tool” enables the common features people are used to in standard LineVision — Clicking on the map point to advance the video, hovering over points to see metadata, etc. The second tool is for adding annotations.
Because of the architecture of Esri ArcMap, we added these separate “tools” to make the two programs work together.
2.4.Purchasing
LineVision Esri ArcMap Addin comes with a 7-day trial. After it expires, the software must be purchased if you wish to continue using it.
The purchase screen can be accessed by clicking the Buy Now button on the registration screen.
Already have an account: If you have a LineVision account, checking this box will allow you to log in and fill the fields with saved information
User Info: First Name, Last Name, E-mail, Phone Number and choosing a Password are required.
Billing Address: The billing address on file with your credit card company.
Credit Card Info: If you have used a credit card before, it will be filled in here. If not, enter the Card Number, Cardholder Name, Expiration Month/Year and CID (also known as the CVV2, usually a three-digit code on the back of your card).
Accept the Terms and click Purchase Now to complete the purchase. You should receive an e-mail that contains the purchase details along with your registration code.
If you have any problems ordering, please contact us at orders@remotegeo.com
For more information on purchasing, see https://www.remotegeo.com/purchase/
2.5.Registering the Software
IMPORTANT! Your LineVision Esri ArcMap software license key is unique to a specific PC and cannot be transferred. Do not enter the license key on a computer if you do not intend to use that computer with LineVision Esri ArcMap in the long term. If you need to transfer a license to a new PC please contact Remote GeoSystems.
IMPORTANT! You will need to be connected to the Internet in order to complete your one-time registration.
1. When LineVision Esri ArcMap launches, you will be prompted to enter your software license key, copy and paste the license key in the Registration window. Click the Continue button
2. In a few seconds you should receive confirmation that your software has been successfully registered.
2.6.Launch LineVision Esri ArcMap Add-in
To launch LineVision Esri ArcMap ArcMap Add-in click the LineVision icon on the menu bar.
3.Application Interface
IMPORTANT! This manual covers both the Pro and Viewer editions of LineVision Esri ArcMap. If a menu item or feature is only available in the Pro edition then it will be noted with Available in Pro edition Only. Please also see the Pro vs. Viewer edition feature comparison.
Once you launch the LineVision Esri ArcMap – Pro Add-In, the application appears by default with Video Viewer & Photo Viewer above the Media Browser on top of the Esri Window in the factory default layout. Like most traditional Windows programs there is also a “Menu Bar” across the top.
Let’s first cover the different components of the LineVision Esri ArcMap application interface.
3.1.Viewers and Panels
Video Viewer, Photo Viewer Panel:
This Panel will show either the Video Viewer or the Photo Viewer panel with a video stream or photo, respectively. User may select which one is displayed by clicking on the labeled tab. NOTE: When you load multiple geo-synchronized videos, you will see additional Video Viewer Panels.
Media Browser Panel:
This Panel will show a thumbnail image representing videos, photos and annotations.
NOTE: All panels are movable and can be “floating,” “docked” and resized. Simply left mouse-click the top of the panel and drag it to where you want it on the screen to float the panel. Alternatively you may “pin” the panel to one of the arrows that appears when you begin dragging the panel. You can also resize the panel by clicking on one of the edges or corners and move your mouse accordingly.
4.Viewing and Interacting with Videos & Photos
Open Video:
Select the Open Single Video or the Open Multiple Videos items in the File menu. LineVision Esri ArcMap can play up to 4 simultaneously collected geospatial video files. See Open Video and Open Multiple Videos menu descriptions in the File Menu section above for more detail.
Go to File > Open Video
Select the video file(s) you want to load.
NOTE: A GPS companion file must accompany the video file in order for it to load properly into LineVision Esri ArcMap.
The video will load and begin playing. A red track will appear on Esri ArcMap in the Map Panel showing the “path” of your recorded video. A yellow marker will be moving along the video path as the video plays indicating the location where it was recorded at that moment.
5.Working with Photos
Snap a Photo from Video
If something of interest is detected in the video, users may pause and “snap” a still image from the video, which is then geo-tagged and can be saved as part of a .geoProject file for data portability and future analysis. First, pause the video by clicking the Play/Pause button, then press the Photo Snap button indicated by the Camera Icon in the lower right-hand side corner of the Video Viewer panel. The Image Viewer will then appear with a geo-tagged still photo from the video.
Inspect a Snapped Photo:
To inspect a photo select the Image Viewer and zoom into the photo using either the scroll wheel on your mouse or selecting the Magnifying Glass Icon.
Save a Snapped Photo:
To save the photo click the Save Icon to the left of the magnifying glass icon and choose the location where you would like to save the file.
Load Geotagged Photo:
To load saved the geo-tagged photos snapped from video (or other sources), select the Load Photo(s) menu item in the File Menu and navigate the folder where you saved the photos. The photos will load and be visible as thumbnails in the Media Viewer and as lime green dots on Esri ArcMap indicating where they were taken.
5.1.Image Editor
The fully-featured image editor allows you to make many changes to captured images, without having to rely on third party software.
The following options are available:
Resize
Resize the photo, reducing the file size of it.
Canvas
Resize the drawing area of the photo
Rotate 90°
Rotates the photo 90 degrees clockwise.
Rotate 180°
Rotates the photo 180 degrees clockwise.
Rotate 270°
Rotates the photo 270 degrees clockwise.
Round Corners
Applies a rounded corner effect to the image.
Flip Horizontal
Flips the image upside-down
Flip Vertical
Flips the image rightside-left
Crop
Crops an area of the image and removes the area not selected.
Draw Text
Adds customizable text to the image
Draw
Draw lines on top of the image.
Shape
Add a shape to the image.
Hue Shift
Shifts the hue of the image, changing the colors.
Saturation
Shifts the saturation of the image, to make it more or less vibrant
Contrast
Shifts the contrast of the image, changing the contrast ratio.
Invert Colors
Invert the colors of the image to their opposites.
Sharpen
Sharpens the image. Sharpening too much can create artifacts.
Blur
Blurs the image.
6.Using the Waypoint Browser
The “Waypoint Browser” is triggered by right-clicking on the video icon in the Media Browser and selecting “Browse Waypoints” from the drop-down menu.
NOTE: If waypoints are not present in the video, this menu item will not appear.
Once “Browse Waypoints” is selected, a new tab will appear next to the “Media Browser” tab (in the lower left corner of LineVision) with thumbnails (typically only with geoDVR) or a generic icon representing the different waypoint(s) will appear.
If you hover above a waypoint in the Waypoint Browser, a “marker” in pink will appear on the map showing its location. Also, if you click on the waypoint thumbnail, the video will “jump” to the waypoint’s location.
7.The Media Browser
Right clicking on an item in the Media Browser will open a contextual menu with additional options to manipulate and work with videos, files, and annotations.
Zoom to…:
The Zoom to… function is used when a user is trying to find the Map Viewer location that corresponds with the image, video, or audio file. Right Click on an image, video, or audio icon in the Media Browser and select Zoom too…
Fit All Media in Map (Photos and Videos)
The Fit All Media in Map function is used when the user wants to view all Media Browser files location in the Map Viewer window at once.
Jump to Time (Videos only)
The Jump to Time code function is used when a user is trying to find a section of video that corresponds to some other data type such as a gas leak detection system alert. In these cases the geoDVR and leak detection system may be logging the same GPS data stream.
Right Click on a video icon in the Media Browser and select Jump To Time or the clock icon and select a point to play from.
Input the Hour, Minutes and Seconds and click the Jump to Time button to skip to this same time in the corresponding video
Remove item:
The Remove Item function will remove a file from the media browser and current project. Right Click on a file in the Media Browser and select Remove Item.
Browse Waypoints (Video and Audio Files)
NOTE: This option only appears if there are waypoints in the file.
The Browse Waypoints function is an alternate way to browse all of the Waypoints associated with the video. Right click the ‘Video” icon in the Media Browser and select “Browse Waypoints”. Once selected, all of the Waypoints associated with the video will appear in the Waypoint Browser
Extract Waypoints as GPX File (Video and Audio Files)
NOTE: This option only appears if there are waypoints in the file.
The Extract Waypoints as GPX File creates a .GPX file from the Waypoints associated with a video or audio file. After you have selected Extract Waypoints as GPX File, a File Explorer window opens asking where you would like to save the GPX File
View Info
This will display details information about the item, including Start Latitude/Longitude/Altitude/Time, number of GPS Points, GPS frequency, Waypoints and other data.
8.Managing Annotations
Creating Annotations
NOTE: Only available in Pro edition
NOTE: The Basic edition will be able to view the annotations and documents created and saved with Pro edition, but will not be able to add or modify annotations or documents.
To create an annotation or note on the map simply use your mouse to right-click on the desired location on the map and then select Add Annotation
The Add Annotation window will appear where you can enter notes and even add additional photo images, documents and other files related to the site.
NOTE: You should be able to attach virtually any document or file format type to the map location. However, you must have a native program for that document already installed on the same PC you wish to open or modify the document or file.
Once you click the OK button, a purple dot will appear on the map marking your annotation on the map.
Working with Annotations
NOTE: When using LineVision Esri ArcMap Basic, you can only view documents and images, and cannot edit annotations.
To view an Annotation, simply click the purple dot on the map or the icon in the Media Browser to bring up the Annotation Viewer window. Once in this window, you have the option to Edit Note, Add/View/Delete Image(s), and Add/Open/Delete Document(s)
NOTE: Because LineVision is an Add-In to Esri ArcMap you must click on the pan icon to return to normal map movement.
Opening Annotation Documents and Files
- Click the purple dot on the map or double-click on pencil and notepad icon in the Media Browser to bring up the Annotation Viewer window.
- Select the document or image you want to open.
- Click on Open Document or Open Images.
- The native program of the image or document, such as Acrobat Reader or Microsoft Word, will open automatically.
Add a New Document or File: (Available in Pro edition only)
To add a new document or file use your mouse to right click on the desired location on the map, then select Add Annotation. Give your Annotation some notes and then click the Add Doc(s) button .
.
Select the documents and files you would like to add to your geoProject and click the Open button in Windows Explorer. Note: You should be able to attach essentially and document or file format type to the map location. However remember you must already have the native program already installed on the same PC if you wish to open or modify the document or file
9.Using the Different Save Options
Available only in Pro edition only
Save:
This option saves your current work as a .geoProject file so that you can continue working on it later. This is the recommended method if you are leaving for lunch or the day, and will be returning to work on the project, but will not be sharing it with anyone, yet.
NOTE: this save function is best suited for “a project or work in progress,” as it saves your local “absolute” file paths to the media and data. For packaging and sharing .geoProjects, it is recommended you choose either the Create Uncompressed geoProject File (.geoProject File) or Create “Pack & Go” geoProject File (.rgs File) menu options.
Save All:
Essentially the same functionality as above and is usually used when user wants to save a .geoProject under a new name. Note: this save function is best suited for “a project or work in progress,” as it saves your local “absolute” file paths to the media and data. For packaging and sharing .geoProjects, it is recommended you choose either the Create Uncompressed geoProject File (.geoProject File) or Create ‘Pack & Go’ geoProject File (.rgs File) menu options.
Create Uncompressed geoProject File (.geoProject file):
Select this menu item to save your LineVision Esri ArcMap project as an Uncompressed .geoProject file which creates a geoProject with all files copied to a common directory or folder. This is the most recommended method when saving a geoProject for sharing with a colleague or client.
Create ‘Pack & Go’ geoProject (.rgs file):
Select this menu item to save your LineVision Esri ArcMap project as a compressed or zipped .geoProject file. This method is recommended when saving a geoProject for sharing with a colleague or client and achieving the smallest possible folder size is important.
NOTE: Saving a compressed geoProject can take several minutes or more to create a .rgs file, especially when your project includes large video files.
10.Opening a geoProject
To open a geoProject go to File and select one of the menu items below based on how the geoProject was previously packaged.
Open a Remote geoProject (.geoProject File)
Select this menu item to open a previously saved .geoProject file or uncompressed .geoProject file on your PC, local area network or external drive.
Extract and Open a ‘Pack & Go’ geoProject (.rgs File)
Select this menu item to extract and open a previously saved portable ‘Pack & Go’ geoProject (.rgs file).
11.Important Disclaimer
REMOTE GEOSYSTEMS, INC.’s (REMOTE GEO) SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED ON AN “AS IS” BASIS, WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR ANY WARRANTY ARISING BY LAW, STATUTE, USAGE OF TRADE, OR COURSE OF DEALING. YOU ASSUME ALL RESPONSIBILITY AND RISK FOR THE USE OF THE SOFTWARE AND REMOTE GEO DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY LOSS, INJURY OR DAMAGE RESULTING FROM USE OF THIS PRODUCT, WHETHER DIRECT OR INDIRECT, AND WHETHER OR NOT REMOTE GEO HAS BEEN ADVISED OF OR HAS KNOWLEDGE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH LOSS, INJURY OR DAMAGE. IN NO EVENT SHALL REMOTE GEO HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FOR ANY COMPENSATORY, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF REVENUE OR PROFIT, LOST OR DAMAGED DATA OR OTHER COMMERCIAL OR ECONOMIC LOSS, EVEN IF WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, OR THEY ARE FORESEEABLE. WE ARE ALSO NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR CLAIMS BY A THIRD PARTY. THE LIMITATIONS IN THIS SECTION SHALL APPLY WHETHER OR NOT THE ALLEGED BREACH OR DEFAULT IS A BREACH OF A FUNDAMENTAL CONDITION OR TERM OR A FUNDAMENTAL BREACH. Some states do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages or the limitation of duration of an implied warranty so the above limitations may not apply to you.
ANY CONTENT OR MATERIAL DOWNLOADED OR UPLOADED OR OTHERWISE OBTAINED THROUGH THE SOFTWARE IS DONE AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION AND RISK. YOU WILL BE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER SYSTEM/NETWORK OR ANY LOSS OF DATA THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE DOWNLOAD OR UPLOAD OF ANY SUCH CONTENT OR MATERIAL OR THE USE OF THE SOFTWARE.