Virtual SRER Instructions

1) Installing the plugin

2) Navigating with the VRML browser

3) Using the virtual model

4) Problems & Suggestions

5) Feedback/Tech Support

1. Installing the plugin - CosmoPlayer

Once again, I strongly suggest using CosmoPlayer.  If you are using Netscape and the installer does not give you the option to install CosmoPlayer for Netscape, you will need to select "Netscape - Unsupported Browser".    Then click on Browse and navigate to the Netscape plugins directory (probably c:\program files\netscape\communicator\program\plugins if you are using a Windows machine), then click OK.  When you are finished, restart Netscape and try viewing the VRML Campus. 

If the model does not work after installing the plugin, try uninstalling the plugin via the Control Panel: Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs.  Then select CosmoPlayer (all versions that appear), and click on Remove.   Then attempt to install the plugin again.

If you are still having problems or your needs are not addressed here, please proceed to the Feedback/Technical Support section of this document.

2. Navigating with the VRML browser

First of all, I'd like to reiterate my recommendation that you use CosmoPlayer 2.   Cosmoplayer has a built-in tutorial and summary of features.  Just click on the question mark at the bottom right side of the browser's navigation bar and a new browser window will pop up with the tutorial and feature summary. 

Cortona is pretty intuitive.  If you are having problems with Cortona or CosmoPlayer, please fill out the form under Feedback and we'll get back to you a.s.a.p.

3. Using the virtual model

This model was designed for the user to navigate through the Santa Rita Experimental Range, as well as view 3D representations of historical data on the range.   Once you have mastered the navigation of the VRML browser, you will want to examine the models in closer detail.  When you move your cursor over one of the objects, it turns into a  starburst:

This model was designed specifically for viewing different GIS layers. At the time of this writing, support was provided for viewing these layers of the Santa Rita Experimental Range (SRER) Geographic Information System (GIS):

Polygon Data

Soil types
Pasture zones

Line Data

Contours
Roads

Point Data

Raingauges
Repeat Photos
Transects

There are several objects within the model that allow you to view data by clicking on them.

Raingauges

These blue cylinders represent raingauges on the SRER. Each one is georeferenced and many have rainfall data that goes back to the early 1900's. To see a table of this rainfall data, simply click on one of the blue cylinders when the cursor becomes a starburst.

Note that when you move close enough to the object, its name will appear above the object.

Repeat Photos

If repeat photos are turned on, you will see a number of red spheres populating the surface of the SRER. Simply click on one of the spheres to bring up a new browser window in which the repeat photos are displayed in order from oldest to newest.

4. Problems & Solutions

Okay, I don't have all ths solutions yet.  The number of platforms and computer setups I can try are limited, so feedback is encouraged.  Here are some potential problems, and suggestions are listed in the next section.

_{It's too slow!}

_{Not an uncommon problem.  To speed things up, close other programs with high memory-usage.}

_{It crashes!}

_{I've run into this problem myself, especially when Java is running.   I've found that Internet Explorer is more stable with the panoramas, and possibly more so with the VRML as well.}

_{The graphics don't look right}

_{Check if you are using Direct3D or OpenGL.  In CosmoPlayer, click on the Checkmark at the bottom right of the Cosmo Navigation bar (labelled Preferences below).} 

_{In the window that pops up, select "Graphics."  You can switch between Direct3d and OpenGL in that window.  Direct3D will provide higher quality graphics and be slower, while OpenGL will provide fuzzier graphics, yet higher speed.   Of course, this depends on your video card as well.}

_{Other Problems - Fill out the feedback form below}

5. Feedback

maintained by Aaryn Olsson (aaryn@ag.arizona.edu)