2/25 Update and Meeting Recap

Progress Report:
*Since ThinkMap is deeply integrated into GCAT, it would be extremely difficult to replace it with FreeMind. Currently we're waiting on a 30-day trial version of ThinkMap.

*ArcMap can only render animations over the entire map. ArcScene can animate object layers along a set path (seen here) but it requires environmental data which can be difficult to generate.

*Using the ArcGIS Javascript API seems to be the best solution now. The user is able to generate markers on a map and move it. Animation still needs some work.

*The PowerPoint presentation can be downloaded here.
*The dragPoint file can be downloaded here.



To Do:
*Figure out how to animate the markers using a timer in javascript.

2/19/2010 Meeting Recap

Notes:
*Since we're still in the process of getting a license of ThinkMap, Norm suggested looking into FreeMind, which is an entity-relation map and happens to be free.

*My idea of using coordinates on the ArcMap map display to display data didn't go through--Zooming in would cause the image to pixelate/degenerate, which is why we need an actual object/objects on the map.

*Random tidbits: Lockheed Martin has developed a software called CultureSim that we might use in place of GCAT should it prove to be insufficient.

To-Do:
*Figure out if ThinkMap can be replaced by FreeMind
*Which databases have we been given to pull all the components of GCAT together.
*Find out if it is possible to animate marker objects in ArcMap.

Edit/Update: Joe heard back from ThinkMap. Seems like they're not willing to give us a free license so that's most likely a no-go.

2/19/10 Progress Report

*Installed MySQL. Next step would be to look up tutorials/become familiar with the program.

*From the documentation Norm sent me it seems like GCAT needs an additional software, Thinkmap, to fuction. I emailed them about obtaining a limited license and Joe will be taking care of the rest of the process.

*It seems like ArcMap can support animation from this tutorial I found. From the introduction:

Animations can be created in ArcMap™, ArcScene™ or ArcGlobe™. With an animation, you can visualize changes to the properties of objects (such as layers, the camera, or the map extent). By altering layer properties, such as the time stamp that is displayed or layer visibility and transparency, you can create interesting animations that can be used to analyze data through time or to view information in various layers. By altering the extent (ArcMap) or the camera position (ArcScene or ArcGlobe), you can create an animation that moves around a map, scene or globe. Examples of applications that would benefit from being viewed as an animation include:

• The occurrence of events through time, such as hurricanes or precipitation, the spread of a disease, or population change
• The navigation of an object (such as a car) through a landscape (example here)
• A visualization of information in multiple layers by applying transparency

The second bullet seems close to what we're looking for, although I'm not sure what the effects would be if we had multiple objects (possible lag?). Also, judging from the videos, it seems that ArcMap is more suited for animating a spread rather than single points of data. If GCAT doesn't work, this may be a viable option.

More references:
Animation in ArcMap tutorial index
Animating data through time
Sample animation videos

2/12/10 Meeting Notes

*Try to see if it's possible to move dots from one latitude/longitude to another in GCAT using a simple or loop

*See if trail can be updated/erased. Some ideas for erasure was to put a street-colored on the old dot and masking it out, since redrawing the whole map would be expensive

*Next meeting will be at 2pm