Overview

The TerraExplorer Application Programming Interface (API) provides a powerful way for integrating TerraExplorer, TerraExplorer Pro and custom applications. It also provides a way to create extensions that can access external information sources such as databases or GIS 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 Visual Basic). This manual describes how to use these interfaces and capabilities to enhance the TerraExplorer 3D experience.

The API that TerraExplorer v4.5 exposes is an enhancement to the API supported by TerraExplorer v3.1, v4.0 and v4.1. The new interface provides management tools for all the elements and events in a TerraExplorer project.

TerraDeveloper is an extension for TerraExplorer Pro that provides an extended set of interfaces and capabilities. It allows using the 3D window and the information tree as ActiveX objects within a customized user interface. A run-time module allows easy distribution of the customized application.

The following main issues are addressed by the TerraExplorer v4.5 API:

1.       Controlling the plane and camera.

2.       Information Tree management.

3.       Objects management.

4.       Events notifications.

5.       Creating customized run-time modules using the TerraDeveloper kit.

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.

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

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

·         Combine advanced map displays.

·         Combine HTML pages with advanced functionality as part of the TerraExplorer window (e.g., Fly to address).

·         Create custom run-time applications, embedding the 3D and information windows as ActiveX components (with TerraDeveloper).