Overview

The TerraExplorer Application Programming Interface (API) provides a powerful way for integrating TerraExplorer and custom applications. It also provides a way to create extensions that can access external information sources such as databases or Geospatial files. All of the interfaces, based on the COM protocol, can be managed through a scripting language (e.g., JavaScript) as well as non-scripting languages (e.g., C++ or C#). This manual describes how to use these interfaces and capabilities to enhance the TerraExplorer 3D experience.

 

TerraExplorer also provides a set of ActiveX controls. It allows using the 3D window, Project Tree, and Navigation Map as ActiveX objects within a customized user interface. A RunTime module allows easy distribution of the customized application.

 

The following main issues are addressed by the TerraExplorer API:

§   Navigating in the 3D world.

§   Project management.

§   Feature and raster layers.

§   Objects management.

§   Terrain analysis.

§   Events notifications.

§   Embedding TerraExplorer ActiveX controls in web pages and windows applications.

 

In addition, TerraExplorer's API allows a variety of other operations such as controlling the content of the containers, querying the terrain for height information, taking snapshots, controlling the mouse and more.

 

What to do with the TerraExplorer API?

The API provides power tools to develop client applications such as:

§   Create extensions to add support for additional file and database formats.

§   Real-time movement of objects for command and control applications.

§   Editing of feature layers (e.g. road management).

§   Add of custom-made objects (e.g., danger zone dome).

§   Advanced terrain queries (e.g., terrain profile).

§   Combine of advanced map displays.

§   Combine HTML pages with advanced functionality as part of the TerraExplorer window (TerraExplorer tool).

§   Create advanced web application using SkylineGlobe server architecture.

§   Create custom RunTime applications, embedding the 3D Window and Project Tree as ActiveX components.