How to use maps in InfraField on desktop

This article describes how to navigate the map view under Locations using the desktop application.

It covers the features of areas, structures, map layers, GIS data, alignment files, zones, ortophotos, and drawings most commonly used in InfraField projects.

Map overview

Go to Locations Map to access the map view of the project.

Key components include: 

1. Map menu: The map menu is the main tool for changing views and filtering data. It allows you to switch between map and area/building views, and control which datasets are displayed on the map. The number in the circle next to the name indicates how many items from a filter are selected and displayed on the map, and you can click the to remove all selections from a dataset.
2. Search bar: Search for tasks, checklists, and photos you have permission to see.
3. Cursor coordinates:  As you move the cursor around the map view, the coordinates of the cursor are displayed here. Click on these coordinates to switch from local to global coordinates.
4. Toolbar: As you change views, different tools become available here. With Measure, you can add line and area measurements to the current view.
5. Map layers: From here, you can change the map layer. Click the currently selected layer to view available options. Standard and satellite layers are always available, along with any custom layers added to the project. Hover over the map layer to adjust its transparency using the slider.

2D data on the map

This section describes how different types of map data – such as GIS files, alignments, zones, drawings, and orthophotos – can be displayed and used in the map view.

GIS

GIS (Geographic Information System) data can be added to the map view, and components from these files can be selected for display (1). Selected GIS files appear as layers above the base map, and the map view zooms to the combined extent of all selected files.

By clicking an individual component on the map (2), its properties appear below the map menu (3).

Alignments

Each alignment file contains one or more alignments (1), which are displayed as red lines on the map. When you move the cursor over an alignment, it turns gray, and after selecting a point, you can click on Show section (2) to open the section view.

The graph below the map area provides information about the height measurements along the alignment.

You can adjust the graph’s display area by dragging the grey divider line. You can also zoom in or out on the x-axis by using your mouse wheel while hovering over the graph.

Click the forward or backward arrows on the map or graph to move to the cross-section of that area in the 3D viewer.

Navigate along the alignment using Ctrl + mouse wheel or by entering the station increments (PK) on the right.

To return to the map view, click Map.

Zones

To select one or more zone layers, go to the Zones filter. 

To view information and registrations attached to a zone, such as tasks and checklists, click the zone on the map or in the list view. Then select the thumbnail on the left (1) to open it.

Hide the legend with (2) if it clutters your view, or use (3) in the list view to zoom in on a zone.

Drawings

Mapped drawings of areas can be displayed on top of the map. You can select multiple drawings from multiple areas, and the map view will adjust to the extent of all selected drawings. The example shows this in the context of the standard (color) map with adjusted transparency.

Orthophotos

Orthophotos can be displayed alone or alongside other data in Locations. 

You can compare a selected photo with others from the same area.

OrthophotosSelect orthophotoClick on the photo on the mapOpen the photo, then click Compare in the new view.

3D formats

This section describes how areas and structures, point clouds, and 3D map surroundings can be displayed and interacted with in Dalux InfraField, enabling visualization of models, terrain, and drawings in the map, and in 3D formats.

Areas and structures

Areas and structures can contain similar types of data, such as models, terrain, and drawings. However, they are structured and navigated differently in Dalux. Structures are used for building-like or fixed elements, while areas organize linear infrastructure projects. Areas can include terrain models, design models, and mapped drawings.

Areas are displayed in the map view when at least one BIM file with coordinates has been uploaded, and you can navigate the Map menu to see them in 3D.

Models appear as blue footprints on the map and always show the combined models of an area or structure.

Point clouds

Point clouds can be added to the map by selecting them in the Point clouds filter. Once selected, they will be displayed on the map.

When Models (1) is also activated, you can click on the map within the point cloud and select Open 3D (2). This opens the point cloud in a split view together with the model. You must select at least one model to use this option.

3D map surroundings

See your InfraField Pro projects in the context of the real world in 3D, with the 3D map feature found in Surroundings.

Combine zones, point clouds, models, and 3D maps to get a real-world representation of your project. The 3D map will load as 3D geometry. You can use measurement tools to measure between your model and the 3D map.