The Camera Tool allows to create and manage camera views within the urban planning projects. This guide outlines the steps to effectively use the tool for capturing and customising views.

1. Open the Camera Tool
   Click on Camera to open the Camera Tool.
   
   
2. Select a Target
   • For long-range views, select a target by clicking Select and then clicking on the desired model(s) in the 3D scene.
   • The selected building(s) will be highlighted in red.
   • Click the Select button again to confirm targets, indicated by the button turning red.
     
3. Place a Camera
   • Click Place Single Camera and then click on the 3D map to position the camera.
   • Place Multiple Cameras
     • Use the Continuously Add Cameras button to place multiple cameras without entering the View Options menu each time.
     • Toggle off the Continuously Add Cameras button when finished.
   • Enter the view, and the View Options menu will open for further adjustments.
     
4. Fine-Tune Camera Settings
   • Manually adjust settings using the + / - buttons, text fields, or sliders.
   • If a camera is placed on a vertical surface, the Eastings and Northings fields will be disabled.
   • Toggle the Highlight Building switch to turn the red highlight on/off for the target building(s).
     
5. Save and Manage Views
   • Click Save to save changes, Reset to revert settings, or Exit to close the view.
   • Thumbnails of saved views will appear in the main menu.
     

Camera types

In VU.CITY, users can create different types of cameras to capture various perspectives.

• Walk cameras are positioned at street level, providing a pedestrian’s view.
• Building cameras are placed on vertical surfaces, allowing detailed examination of specific structures.
• Aerial cameras offer a bird’s-eye view, useful for large-scale urban planning and overview shots.
  
  

Selecting target

When setting up a camera, users can choose to focus on a specific target or leave the view untargeted. A selected target means the camera will automatically orient towards a chosen building or object, highlighted in red. Without a target, the camera will capture the general scene based on the user’s manual adjustments.

Editing camera settings

Editing camera settings in VU.CITY is comprehensive, allowing fine-tuning of:

• Location (Eastings, Northings): Adjust geographic coordinates.
• Height (AOD): Set altitude above sea level.
• Pitch and Bearing: Modify the vertical and horizontal angles.
• Camera Lens: Change focal length for different perspectives.
• Highlight Target Toggle: Turn target building highlighting on/off.
• Model range: Set the amount of tiles to load.
• Environmental Settings: Adjust trees, leaves, time of day.

When finished editing the details and settings of the camera, users have the options to save (save the edited settings and exit to the main camera screen), reset (reset the edited settings back to the initial state when the camera was first entered) and exit (leave the edited camera without saving any of the settings and return to the main screen).

Exporting camera views

Users can export camera views in multiple formats:

• PNG: For high-resolution images.
• CSV: To capture camera settings and survey information.
• Panoramic 360/180: For immersive views.

Exports can include a minimap and can be saved to the Project Drive, Personal Drive or the local drive (desktop users only).