Using ArcGIS Tracking Analyst - GIS-Labgis-lab.info/docs/books/arcgis-using/using_tracking_analyst.pdf · 1 Introducing ArcGIS Tracking Analyst 1 Tracking temporal data 2 Symbolizing

ArcGIS®

9Using ArcGIS® Tracking Analyst

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Contents 1 Introducing ArcGIS Tracking Analyst 1Tracking temporal data 2Symbolizing temporal data 3Displaying data 4Charting temporal data 5Creating and applying actions 6Tips on learning Tracking Analyst 7

2 Quick-start tutorial 9Exercise 1: Adding and symbolizing temporal data 10Exercise 2: Replaying temporal data 15Exercise 3: Applying actions 17

3 Working with temporal data 21What is temporal data? 22Simple and complex temporal events 23Adding temporal data in ArcMap 25Temporal data and date conversion 27Adding a tracking shapefile from ArcView GIS 3.x 29Complex data 31Using temporal layer properties 33Displaying the most current temporal event 35Setting temporal offset for a layer 36Saving and exporting data in ArcMap 38

4 Symbolizing temporal data 41About symbolizing temporal data 42Symbolizing point data 47Symbolizing line data 53Symbolizing polygon data 55Symbolizing a track 57

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iv USING ARCGIS TRACKING ANALYST

125 Displaying temporal data 59

About displaying temporal data 60Displaying symbolized temporal data 63Using the Animation Wizard 65Labeling temporal data 68

6 Charting temporal data 69About charting temporal data 70Using the Data Clock 72Using the Data Clock Manager 73

7 Creating and applying actions 75Applying actions to temporal data 76Layer actions in ArcMap 77Applying filter actions in ArcMap 79

8 Working with real-time data 81What is real-time data? 82Setting up a real-time connection in ArcCatalog 84Setting properties for tracking connections in ArcCatalog 86Setting properties for tracking services 87Applying actions to real-time data 89Applying custom VB actions in real-time 94Adding real-time data in ArcMap 96

Glossary 97

Index 101

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IN THIS CHAPTER

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Introducing ArcGIS Tracking Analyst1• Tracking temporal data

• Symbolizing temporal data

• Displaying data

• Charting temporal data

• Creating and applying actions

• Tips on learning Tracking Analyst

Welcome to ESRI® ArcGISTM Tracking Analyst, the extension for mapping

objects that move or change status through time. Tracking Analyst gives you

the power to:

• Track temporal data from disk and in real time. Tracking Analystsupports network connections to global positioning system (GPS) unitsand other tracking and monitoring devices, so you can map your data inreal time.

• Symbolize temporal data and change its appearance based on temporalcomponents.

• Display real-time or fixed-time data from disk at any speed, forward orbackward, using the Tracking Analyst Playback Manager.

• Chart temporal data using Tracking Analyst functionality to build anddisplay a data clock.

• Create and apply actions on real-time and stored data.

• Optimize your use of Tracking Analyst.

2 USING ARCGIS TRACKING ANALYST

Tracking temporal data

With the ArcGIS Tracking Analyst extension, you can create a new connection to a tracking service that can stream real-time temporal data to track events as they occur. Use ArcCatalogTM to set up the connection, and add data directly intoArcMapTM, where you can play the data on a map background. You can also add and symbolize fixed-time data to play onthe map.

INTRODUCING ARCGIS TRACKING ANALYST 3

Symbolizing temporal data

You can change the symbology of your temporal data by color, size, and shape from the Symbology tab in the ArcMapLayer Properties dialog box. Use Tracking Analyst customized settings to make changes and set preferences for the displayof your data, including temporal tracks to identify individual entities. You can adjust time window settings, color and sizeranges, and other temporal aspects of the display.


Displaying data

Using the Tracking Analyst Playback Manager, you can replay real-time data messages or data from a disk. The PlaybackManager allows you to set start and end times and replay data as it occurred—or as it is occurring—within that time frame,or playback window. You can play data backward or forward, change the playback speed, and adjust the playback windowon the fly.


Charting temporal data

Using Tracking Analyst charting tools, you can display the temporal distribution of data. You can determine what units andranges you want to show, summarize the temporal information, and display your charts with legends and labels to helpanalyze your data more easily and efficiently. You can also manage data clock charts using the Data Clock Manager.


Creating and applying actions

You can create and apply actions to alter your data, filter it, or perform some operation based on its contents, either in real-time data messages or in historical fixed-time datasets, depending on the type and location of the action. The TrackingAnalyst Actions tab in the ArcMap Layer Properties dialog box allows you to create and apply actions to temporal datalayers. You can also apply actions to the data itself as it comes in from the server using the Actions tab in ArcCatalog. Youcan apply actions to highlight and suppress data display, include or exclude data from a dataset using a filter, or convert adataset’s coordinate system reference. You can also create custom actions for real-time data using Microsoft® VisualBasic® for Applications.


Tips on learning Tracking Analyst

A working knowledge of ArcGIS and the ArcMap 8.xinterface is useful for learning the Tracking Analystextension. If you are unfamiliar with ArcMap, it issuggested that you work through the ArcMap ‘Quick-starttutorial’ in Using ArcMap.

Finding answers to questions

Like most people, your goal is to complete your tasks whileinvesting a minimum amount of time and effort on learninghow to use software. You want intuitive, easy-to-usesoftware that gives you immediate results without having tosift through pages of documentation. However, when youdo have a question, you want the answer quickly so youcan complete your task. That’s what this book is allabout—getting the answers you need when you need them.

This book describes the temporal data tasks—from basic todifficult—that you’ll perform using ArcGIS TrackingAnalyst. Although you can read this book from start tofinish, you’ll likely use it more as a reference. When youwant to know how to do a particular task, such as addingand symbolizing temporal data, just look it up in the table ofcontents or index. What you’ll find is a concise, step-by-step procedure to complete the task. Some chapters alsoinclude detailed information if you want to learn more aboutthe concepts behind the tasks. You may also refer to theglossary in this book if you come across any unfamiliarterms or need to refresh your memory.

Getting help on your computer

In addition to this printed documentation, Tracking Analystalso offers desktop and context-sensitive help as a valuableresource for learning how to use the software. To learnhow to use help, see ‘Getting more help’ in the TrackingAnalyst section of the ArcGIS Desktop Help system.

Contacting ESRI

If you need to contact ESRI for technical support, see theproduct registration and support card you received withArcGIS Tracking Analyst, or refer to ‘Contacting TechnicalSupport’ in the ‘Getting more help’ section of the ArcGISDesktop Help system. You can also visit ESRI on the Webat www.esri.com and support.esri.com for moreinformation on Tracking Analyst and ArcGIS.

ESRI education solutions

ESRI provides educational opportunities related togeographic information science, Geographic InformationSystem (GIS) applications, and technology. You can chooseamong instructor-led courses, Web-based courses, and self-study workbooks to find education solutions that fit yourlearning style and pocketbook. For more information, go towww.esri.com/education.

IN THIS CHAPTER

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Quick-start tutorial 2• Exercise 1: Adding and symboliz-

ing temporal data

• Exercise 2: Replaying temporaldata

• Exercise 3: Applying actions

The best way to learn Tracking Analyst is to try it yourself. This chapterguides you through three exercises that will help you gain some basic skillsin adding, symbolizing, and replaying fixed-time temporal data from disk inArcMap, as well as how to apply actions to the data.

You’ll be using data from hurricanes in 2000. You will add the temporalshapefile, customize how you want it to display on the map, and then playback the data. Then you’ll use the Actions tab to apply a highlight to ahurricane when its winds reach or exceed a certain velocity.

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The scenario for the following exercises involves hurricanedata from 2000. You’ll add a shapefile of hurricanes con-taining temporal information to an existing ArcMap docu-ment (.mxd file) using the Add Temporal Data Wizard.Then you’ll symbolize the data to indicate passing time. Forprocedures for adding real-time data, refer to Chapter 8,‘Working with real-time data’.

Adding a shapefile or feature class

The following exercise leads you through the steps ofadding a shapefile containing fixed-time data from disk.This shapefile contains simple temporal event data. Formore information on simple and complex events, refer toChapter 3, ‘Working with temporal data’.

1. Start ArcMap and open the hurricanes2000.mxd filefrom your sample data folder.

2. Click the Add Temporal Data Wizard button on theTracking Analyst toolbar. The wizard opens within theArcMap window.

3. Leave the first button clicked to browse for a featureclass or shapefile.

4. Click the Browse button to find the shapefile.

5. Click the 2000_hrcn.shp shapefile in your sample datafolder and click Add.

The file’s pathname appears in the Add Temporal DataWizard, and the two text boxes below it are enabled withdefault values.

Exercise 1: Adding and symbolizing temporal data

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QUICK-START TUTORIAL 11

6. Click the date/time field dropdown arrow and clickTA_DATE. This tells ArcMap to look in this field for thetemporal component of the data. Tracking AnalystSymbology settings will also use this field to determinehow symbols will draw during playback.

7. Click the track identifier field dropdown arrow andchoose EVENTID from the fields listed. The ID fieldidentifies each object in the dataset. Tracking Analystuses it to apply tracks to data and to join complextemporal events.

8. Click Next.

Note: If your date and time information resides in a datefield, as opposed to a string field, you will see a Finishbutton instead of Next.

9. Click the dropdown arrow to choose a locale corre-sponding to the data you are adding. Available date andtime formats may update automatically.

10. Click the dropdown arrow to choose a date format thatbest matches your data. Use the sample record fromyour data at the top of the dialog box panel for guidance.

Note: If this format differs greatly from the Windowsshort date format, the data may not be evaluatedcorrectly.

11. Click the dropdown arrow to choose a time format thatbest matches your data. Use the sample record fromyour data at the top of the dialog box panel for guidance.

Note: If this format differs greatly from the Windowsshort date format, the data may not be evaluatedcorrectly.

12. Enter AM and PM designators, if needed.Note: The first field on the panel is a sample of yourdata pulled from the first field of the dataset you areadding.

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A preview of the date and time format you have speci-fied appears in the last field fo the panel

13. Click Finish to add the data to your map.

The layer appears in the table of contents with a defaultbase symbol and a label of All Time, and the data appearson the map. In the next procedure, you will modify thedata’s symbology to indicate the passage of time as the dataoccurred.


Symbolizing temporal data

The Tracking Analyst extension allows you to set time-specific symbology so your data will display differentlydepending on its temporal components. Using the Symbol-ogy tab in the ArcMap Layer Properties dialog box, you canchange color, shape, size, and time ranges.

1. Right-click the temporal layer you just added and clickProperties. The Layer Properties dialog box opens.

2. Click the Symbology tab.

3. Check the Time Window check box in the Show panel.

4. Click Color in the Drawn As panel.

5. Click in the Period text box and type 14.

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6. Click the Units dropdown arrow and click Days.

7. Click the Classes dropdown arrow and click 7 to dividethe color range into seven classes of two days each.

8. Click the Color Ramp dropdown arrow and click on acolor range that will show contrast when replaying data.

9. Click Apply to accept these changes, which now appearin the legend panel of the Symbology tab.

For more information on the settings in this dialog box,you can click the Help button on the title bar and clickon the desired control to activate the Tracking Analystcontext-sensitive help.

10. Click OK to accept changes and close the dialog box.

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The new color range appears under the layer in theArcMap table of contents. At this point, you will not seeany data displayed on the map, because you have changedits temporal display properties. In the next exercise, you willdisplay the data using the Playback Manager.

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You’ve already gone through the procedure for symbolizingdata according to its temporal components, including settingtime ranges to display, specifying classes, and viewing thenew symbology in the ArcMap table of contents. Thefollowing procedure takes you through the steps of replay-ing the data using the Playback Manager.

Replaying symbolized temporal data

In the previous exercise, you’ve indicated that the data’scolor be modified according to its temporal components.Now you’ll use the Playback Manager to replay the data asit occurred. In the Playback Manager, you can set start andend times, the playback window of data to replay, the speedof the playback, and whether you want the data to replay ina continuous loop. For more information on any item in thePlayback Manager, you can click the question mark buttonand then the item to access Tracking Analyst’s context-sensitive help.

1. Click the Playback Manager button on the TrackingAnalyst toolbar. The Playback Manager opens.

2. Click Options to see a full view of the dialog box.

3. Click the Set playback window to temporal extent ofdropdown arrow and click 2000_hrcn, which is thetemporal data layer you just added.

Exercise 2: Replaying temporal data

Note: This setting adjusts the start and end times of theplayback window to include the temporal information forall data in the selected layer or layers. If you have addedmore than one temporal layer, you can set the temporalextent—start and end times—to all temporal layers, onlythose that are visible, or just a single layer.

4. Click the Playback Rate dropdown arrow and chooseDays as the unit.

5. Click the Play button. The Playback Manager remainsopen, indicating progress of the playback, and the databegins to replay on the map.

6. If you want to condense the dialog box, you can clickHide Histogram to show the Playback Manager withoutthe histogram.

You can speed up or slow down the playback rate byclicking and dragging the speed indicator in the center ofthe Playback Manager to the Slower or Faster setting.Click the Loop check box to play the data continuously.

The histogram at the top of the Playback Managershows the amount of data available at a given time in theset temporal extent. You can change the Start, End, and

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Current times by clicking the dropdown arrows besidethose fields, or you can click in the fields to edit the dateand time settings directly.

If you want to nudge the playback forward or backwardwhile not playing data, you can click on the Next andPrevious buttons to the right of the histogram. Thesebuttons adjust the current date being displayed by a setincrement, determined by the playback rate, plus anyadjustments made to the speed using the slider bar. Youcan only use the Next and Previous buttons when notplaying data.

You can also affect data display by clicking and draggingthe time indicator or by clicking on the histogram at anypoint, which will set that point to the current time.

Note: If you have applied labels to a layer, they will notdisplay on the map when you click and drag the timeindicator in this manner for performance reasons.


Exercise 3: Applying actions

You can create and apply actions that will affect the data’sdisplay or properties. In the following exercise, you willapply a highlight action that will affect the display of thetemporal data layer during playback. You will enter param-eters in the Action Wizard to highlight a hurricane’s pathwhen it meets or exceeds a certain wind speed.

Creating a highlight action for playback

In the previous exercise, you replayed your symbolized datausing the Playback Manager. In this exercise, you will addan enhancement to your playback by highlighting windspeeds of 75 mph and higher. You will use the Actions tab inthe Layer Properties dialog box to apply the highlight.

1. Right-click the 2000_hrcn temporal data layer in thetable of contents and click Properties.

2. Click the Actions tab in the Layer Properties dialog box.

3. Click New Action. The New Action dialog box opens.

4. Click the text box and type “windspeed” as a name forthe action.

5. Click Highlight / Suppression in the Type of Action toCreate panel.

6. Click OK. The Highlight / Suppression Action Param-eters dialog box opens.

7. Leave the Type dropdown default of Highlight.

8. Click the Highlight Symbol button to open the ArcMapSymbol Selector dialog box.

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11. Click the Attribute Query button.

12. Click Query Builder.

13. Click Load to access the Open dialog box.

9. Scroll down and click the bright green circle symbol.Then adjust its size in the Options panel to the right.

10. Click OK. The symbol appears on the Highlight Symbolbutton in the Highlight / Suppression Action Parametersdialog box.

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14. Click Windspeed attributes.exp in the sample data folderand click Open.

15. Click Apply to apply the new attribute query to the datalayer.

16. Click Close.

Note: In this example, you’re loading an existing expres-sion. If an expression doesn’t already exist, you can set

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up your own expression using the controls in this dialogbox.

17. Click OK in the Parameters dialog box. The new actionappears in the list panel of the Actions tab.

Note: You can highlight any action in the list panel to seemore detail about it in the Action Description panel atthe bottom of the tab.

18. Click OK.

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19. Go through the steps of Exercise 2 to run the PlaybackManager and view the changes you’ve made to thehighlight setting.

In the example below, the highlight symbol is a bright greencircle, which appears during playback but not in the table ofcontents. This circle indicates when a given hurricanereached a wind speed of 75 mph or higher.

IN THIS CHAPTER

21

Working with temporal data 3• What is temporal data?

• Simple and complex temporalevents

• Adding temporal data in ArcMap

• Temporal data and dateconversion

• Adding a tracking shapefile fromArcView GIS 3.x

• Complex data

• Using temporal layer properties

• Displaying the most currenttemporal event

• Setting temporal offset for a layer

• Saving and exporting data inArcMap

In this chapter you will learn the basics of working with temporal data usingTracking Analyst procedures in ArcCatalog and ArcMap. You will also gainconceptual knowledge about categorizing and structuring temporal events.

You will learn how to:

• Organize the concepts behind temporal data.

• Add temporal data in ArcMap.

• Set and change temporal layer properties.

• Save and export temporal data.


What is temporal data?

Temporal data, also referred to as tracking data, can be includedin an ArcMap document as an ArcMap layer using the TrackingAnalyst extension. This data includes time- and date-specificinformation for geographic locations, which enables you to trackreal-time and previously documented observations, both discrete—such as lightning strikes—and continuous—such as truckingroutes and flight paths.

You can add temporal data from a variety of sources in a varietyof data structures, adding this data as a new ArcMap layer. Thenedit the properties of this temporal layer based on the temporalcomponent of the data. You can determine how much dataappears at one time using time windows and alter symbology todisplay different aspects of your data.

Data sources

The Tracking Analyst extension accepts stored temporal datareferred to as fixed-time data, as well as real-time data sources,including the following:

Real-time sources

• ArcIMS® Tracking Server

Fixed-time sources

• Shapefiles

• Geodatabase feature classes

For more information on real-time data sources and structures,see Chapter 8, ‘Working with real-time data’.

Data structures

Tracking Analyst accepts the following data structures from bothreal-time and fixed-time sources:

• Simple event

• Complex stationary event

• Complex dynamic event

Date and time formats

ArcGIS Tracking Analyst depends on Windows®-based date andtime formats. To view these formats, go to the Start menu, clickSettings > Control Panel > Regional Options. This dialog boxshows acceptable date and time formats for use in temporaldatasets.

Note: Although the underlying architecture of ArcGIS TrackingAnalyst supports milliseconds, there are some limitations inadding data with this time value.

WORKING WITH TEMPORAL DATA 23

Temporal data includes information about a temporal event,which describes an observation or set of observations throughtime of a particular object or group of objects. Therefore, theevent includes information about the observation itself, such aswhen or where the observation took place, and what activity wasobserved, as well as identifying information about the object.

Tracking Analyst organizes this information into simple andcomplex temporal events. A simple temporal event contains allnecessary information in one message or record, called thetemporal observation component. A complex temporal eventincludes a second component, called the temporal object. In thecase of fixed-time data stored on disk, these components appearas files or tables. Real-time data streams in—both simple andcomplex—from the ArcIMS Tracking Server, and components areautomatically combined. For more information on real-time datastructures, see Chapter 8, ‘Working with real-time data’.

Using the track identifier field

Whether working with simple or complex temporal events, youwill need to become familiar with the track identifier field, or IDfield. The ID field contains an identifier for objects beingobserved through time. This value may be used to connectdifferent observations of the same object for display and analysispurposes. For example, you may be tracking several trucksthrough a day’s work, each with its own ID value, and you canconnect each truck’s activities, like connecting the dots. For U.S.citizens, social security numbers serve the same purpose. Thisfield does not need to be called ID, but it is important to makesure it contains the appropriate identifying value.

The line connecting the dots, which you can apply on theSymbology tab, is called a track. Tracks can be applied to simpleor complex temporal events when an ID field is set.

Simple events

The temporal observation component is one part of the datainformation. It includes at least the date and time of theobservation. If all the data is organized in one table, including thedate and other attributes, the record—in fixed-time data—ormessage—in real-time data—is considered a simple event. Thissimple event contains in one component all elements necessaryfor Tracking Analyst to process and display it.

Complex events

Complex events include two components: an observationcomponent and an object component. If the temporal observationcomponent does not include all of the needed information for theobject, additional information may be stored in a secondcomponent, called the temporal object component. The contentsof this component will depend on whether the observed object ismoving, static, or a discreet event—like a lightning strike. It willat least include certain static attributes and the ID field.

The merger of the temporal observation with the temporal objectcreates a complex event record or message. This merger uses oneidentical field in both tables—typically the ID field—to combinethe two, yielding a full picture of each object’s information.

Simple and complex temporal events


In the case of real-time data, this merger occurs automatically, soyou will see the data message stream in with all of its necessarycomponents already combined. For more information on real-timedata, see Chapter 8, ‘Working with real-time data’.

A complex event may further be described as either stationary ordynamic.

Complex stationary events

An example of a complex stationary event would be input from atraffic sensor. The sensor’s geographic location will not change,so its static coordinates or other location information are storedin the temporal object table. The temporal object component alsoincludes the sensor’s ID and possibly other attributes. Becausethis information is stored in the object component, the temporalobservation will include the ID, the date and/or time of theobservation, and possibly other attributes—but not thelocational information.

Complex dynamic events

An example of a complex dynamic event would be informationfrom an airplane. Its geographic location is changing all the time,so that information would be stored in the observationcomponent, in addition to its ID and the date and time of itsobservations. In this case, the temporal object table may include

ID Geometry Type ...

1 X1,Y1Model #

200

2 X2,Y2 Model #200

3 X3,Y3Model #

300

4 X4,Y4 Model #300

ID Time Status Value1 T1 Active 1002 T2 Active 801 T3 Active 1002 T4 Active 1103 T5 Active 902 T6 Inactive 04 T7 Active 1001 T8 Active 1001 T9 Inactive 0

Temporal Object Table Temporal Observation Table


1 X1,Y1Model #

200

2 X2,Y2 Model #200

3 X3,Y3Model #

300

4 X4,Y4 Model #300

ID Time Status Value1 T1 Active 1002 T2 Active


1 X1,Y1Model #

200

2 X2,Y2 Model #200

3 X3,Y3Model #

300

4 X4,Y4 Model #300

ID Time Status Value1 T1 Active 1002 T2 Active 801 T3 Active 1002 T4 Active 1103 T5 Active 902 T6 Inactive 04 T7 Active 1001 T8 Active 1001 T9 Inactive 0


Table join for a complex stationary temporal event

information like the make and model of the aircraft, its pilot andcrew information, and the age and capacity of the fuselage.

Adding complex events from fixed-time data

The procedures that follow include steps for adding fixed-timesimple and complex temporal events as new layers in ArcMap.When you add complex events from fixed-time data, the AddTemporal Data Wizard will ask you for the two componentsdescribed above. The wizard, however, uses differentterminology—input feature class and input table—to define howand where the data is stored. Both the feature class and the tablemust reside in the same geodatabase.

The input feature class always contains at least the geographicfeatures and the ID for the data you are adding. Its other contentsdepend on the type of event you’re adding—either dynamic orstationary. If dynamic, the input feature class will contain the datesand times of observations, but not static attributes. If stationary, theinput feature class will contain the object’s static attributes, but notthe dates and times of observations.

Likewise, the input table will contain at least the ID and attributeinformation. If the complex event is dynamic, the input table willcontain static object information. If stationary, the input table willcontain dates and times of observations.

ID Type Airline ...1 747 United2 727 American3 747 United4 767 United

ID Time Status1 T1 Green2 T2 Green1 T3 Green2 T4 Green3 T5 Green2 T6 Yellow4 T7 Green1 T8 Green1 T9 Red

GeometryX1,Y1X2,Y2X3,Y3X4,Y4X5,Y5X6,Y6X7,Y7X8,Y8X9,Y9



ID Time Status1 T1 Green2 T2 Green1 T3 Green2


ID Time Status1 T1 Green2 T2 Green1 T3 Green2 T4 Green3 T5 Green2 T6 Yellow4 T7 Green1 T8 Green1 T9 Red


T4 Green3 T5 Green2 T6 Yellow4 T7 Green1 T8 Green1 T9 Red



Table join for a complex dynamic temporal event

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Adding temporaldata in ArcMapIf you have temporal datastored on disk, called fixed-timedata, you will use the TrackingAnalyst Add Temporal DataWizard to add the feature classor shapefile as a new layer inArcMap. This procedurereplaces the typical ArcMapprocedure for adding datathrough the Add Data dialogbox.

Adding a shapefile orfeature class

1. Click the Add Temporal DataWizard button on the Track-ing Analyst toolbar.

On the wizard, the first buttonis selected by default, whichwill browse for a shapefile(.shp) or feature class. Leaveit at the default setting.

2. Click the Browse button andchoose the shapefile orfeature class you want.

3. Navigate to the desiredshapefile or feature class,highlight it, and click Add.

The file’s pathname appearsin the wizard. Default valuesappear in the Date/Time andTrack ID text boxes.

4. Click the date/time fielddropdown arrow and choosethe appropriate field.

5. Click the track ID dropdownarrow and click the appropri-ate ID field from the list.

Note: Click None if you’readding discrete events, suchas lightning strikes.

An ID field is required if youwant to apply tracks, labels,and the most current setting.

6. Click Finish to add the layerto ArcMap. u

Tip

Accessing the TrackingAnalyst toolbarIf the Tracking Analyst toolbardoes not appear in your ArcMapwindow, click View and clickToolbars, then Tracking Analyst.Click Customize and add a newtoolbar in the Customize dialogbox. Then drag the TrackingAnalyst tools from the dialog box.

Tip

Enabling the extensionIf the Tracking Analyst toolbarappears in ArcMap with one ormore of its buttons unavailable,you’ll need to activate the TrackingAnalyst extension. Click Tools andclick Extensions to open theExtensions dialog box. Click thebox beside ArcGIS TrackingAnalyst.

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Adding temporal data as alayer file (.lyr)Instead of using the Temporal DataWizard each time you want to addtemporal data, you can save thelayer as a .lyr file from ArcMap.Then use the regular Add Datadialog box to add the data to mapsin the future, or drag the file intoArcMap from ArcCatalog.

NOTE: If you have applied actionsto a temporal layer that you saveas an .lyr file, these actions will beread-only in the resulting .lyr file.

The layer appears in thetable of contents with adefault base symbol and anAll Time label, and the dataappears on the map.


Temporal dataand dateconversionBecause users bring data fromall over the world into TrackingAnalyst, the date and timeformats they include may notmatch system formats. Toaccommodate the variety ofdate and formats, the AddTemporal Data Wizard includesa panel that evaluates date andtime string field values andconverts them to the appropri-ate format to add and evaluatefixed-time data accurately.

This panel does not appear ifthe date and time values for thedata are in a date type field, asopposed to a string field. If youare using string fields tocontain your date and timeinformation, use the panel toinput correct date and timeformats to match your incomingdata.

Using the Add TemporalData Wizard with dateconversion panel

1. Click the Add button on theTracking Analyst toolbar.

2. Browse for the temporalfeature class or shapefile youwant to add.

In the case of complex data,you will browse for a featureclass and an input table.

3. Choose the date/time field forthe data.

Note: If this is a date field,you will not see the dateconversion panel.

4. Choose the EventID field toindicate the unique identifierfor each object.

5. Click Next.

Note: If your date and timeinformation resides in a datefield, as opposed to a stringfield, you will see a Finishbutton instead of Next.

6. Click the dropdown arrow tochoose a locale correspond-ing to the data you areadding. Available date andtime formats may updateautomatically.

7. Click the dropdown arrow tochoose a date format thatbest matches your data. Usethe sample record from u

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your data at the top of thedialog box panel for guid-ance.

Note: If this format differsgreatly from the Windowsshort date format, the datamay not be evaluatedcorrectly.

8. Click the dropdown arrow tochoose a time format thatbest matches your data. Usethe sample record from yourdata at the top of the dialogbox panel for guidance.

Note: If this format differsgreatly from the Windowsshort date format, the datamay not be evaluatedcorrectly.

9. Enter AM and PM designa-tors, if needed.

A preview of the date andtime format you have speci-fied appears in the last fieldof the panel.

10. Click Finish to add the datato your map.

Note: If the wizard detectsany problems evaluating thedata, a warning will appearat this time.

Note: For more informationon date and time formats,please refer to the WindowsRegional Settings, underControl Panel, on yoursystem.

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Adding a trackingshapefile fromArcViewGIS 3.x

1. Open a background .mxd filein ArcMap.


3. Click the Browse button tonavigate to the trackingshapefile you wish to import.

Note: A tracking shapefilefrom ArcView GIS 3.x willcontain temporal and trackidentifier information already.This procedure converts thefile into a feature class tomake it more compatible withArcGIS Tracking Analyst 8.x.

4. Navigate to the file you want,highlight it, and click Add.

The wizard changes toindicate the file’s identifierfield.

5. Click Browse to navigate to ageodatabase where the newfeature class will reside.

Note: If a geodatabasedoesn’t already exist, youcan create one inArcCatalog. See UsingArcCatalog for more informa-tion.

6. Click on the geodatabaseyou wish to contain the newfeature class and click Add. u

Adding a trackingshapefile fromArcView GIS 3.xThe procedure for adding atracking shapefile is very similarto the one shown here. If youchoose to add a shapefile fromTracking Analyst for ArcView®

GIS 3.x, the Tracking AnalystAdd Temporal Data Wizard willautomatically detect it. Theoptions in the wizard willchange accordingly. The wizardwill list the ID field automati-cally, recognizing that it hasalready been set up as atracking shapefile.

The final option in the wizardrequires you to save theshapefile as a feature class in ageodatabase. You must savethe tracking shapefile to anexisting geodatabase to add itas a layer in ArcMap. This stepeffectively converts the 3.xshapefile to a format compatiblewith the current version ofArcGIS Tracking Analyst.

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A progress bar appears atthe bottom of the wizard,indicating the status of the fileconversion.

7. Click Finish.

The new feature classappears in ArcMap as a newlayer, both on the map and inthe table of contents.

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Adding complextemporal data


2. Click A feature class and aseparate table containingtemporal data that this wizardwill join to the feature classbutton.

3. Click the Browse button andnavigate to the geodatabase(.mdb) you want. Click Add.

4. Highlight the input featurescomponent and click Add.

5. Click the Browse button andchoose the input table.

Note: Make sure the tableresides in the samegeodatabase as the featureclass you just selected.

6. Highlight the table you wantand click Add.

Its path and filename appearin the wizard, and the Date/Time Format buttons anddropdown lists are enabledwith default values. u

Complex dataWhen you add a complextemporal event as a new layer inArcMap, you will be merging,or joining, two components ofdata: temporal object andtemporal observation, bothdescribed earlier in this chapter.For more information, see‘Adding complex events fromfixed-time data’ in this chapter.

For real-time data, ArcIMSTracking Server manages themerging of the two compo-nents. For more information onreal-time data, see Chapter 8,‘Working with real-time data’.

Tip

Creating a feature classIf you have a shapefile or a tablethat you wish to make part of acomplex temporal dataset, you canuse tools in ArcCatalog to importthe shapefile into a geodatabase asa feature class. See UsingArcCatalog for more information.

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7. Click the button beside theappropriate input file contain-ing the date and timeinformation—either the inputfeature class or the inputtable.

8. Click the date/time formatdropdown arrow to choosethe appropriate date andtime field if it does not appearautomatically.

9. Click Next.

10. Click the Join Field in InputFeature Class dropdownarrow and choose theappropriate field to performthe join.

11. Click the Join Field in InputTable dropdown arrow, andchoose the appropriate fieldto perform the join.

12. Click Finish.

A message appears on thewizard that the joincompleted successfully. Thecombined feature classappears as a new layer inArcMap with a default layername and a label of AllTime.

Once the new layer appears in ArcMap, you can edit the symbology .

Tip

Time Field for stationary anddynamic complex eventsIf you are dealing with entities thatchange position through time,called dynamic complex events, thetemporal information will appearin the input feature class. If theentities are stationary, the date andtime will appear in the input table.

Tip

Using Join Field dropdownlistsThe fields you choose from thedropdown lists will contain thecorresponding ID field contained inboth the input feature class and theinput table. These fields are notrequired to have the same name,but they must contain the sameidentifying information to join thefiles successfully.

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Using temporal layer properties

The Temporal tab in the ArcMap Layer Properties dialog boxallows you to access specific Tracking Analyst settings fortemporal data layers in ArcMap.

Displaying the most current temporal event

You may decide to display only the most current temporal eventsin ArcMap. For example, if you’re monitoring a trucking fleet, youmay want to monitor only the trucks’ latest location. The mostcurrent setting hides the display of previous events, and it can beenabled or disabled on the Temporal tab. It uses the ID field todetermine each unique event to display. Click Events in theSettings panel and click the Display only the most current eventsin the layer button.

Using temporal offset

The temporal offset feature of Tracking Analyst allows you toadjust the temporal display of data so that it replays at a user-defined date and time. The offset will not change the temporalcomponent of the data itself, but it will allow you to display thedata as if it were happening at a different time.

Temporal offset has two basic purposes: analysis and planning.First, you can use it to compare two or more sets of past temporaldata and display them at the same time in ArcMap. This feature isuseful if you want to analyze multiple sets of fixed-time data andlook for temporal patterns within the data. For example, you cancompare the hurricane seasons for two different years anddetermine if more storms occur in any given month. This analysiscan help with weather predictions, travel planning, and othercases where these patterns would be helpful.

Another use for temporal offset is to help plan a mission or tour.A mission commander can plot several different scenarios fortroop movement and plan time-sensitive steps of the operationusing a fictitious time frame. If the need arises for the execution ofsuch an operation, the commander can open one of the plannedscenarios and adjust the temporal information to the current timeusing temporal offset.


Set temporal offset properties on the Temporal tab in the ArcMapLayer Properties dialog box using one of two methods. To use adate range for temporal offset, click Use a new start date to offsetthe data and type the desired date in the New Start Date text box.You can also click the dropdown arrow to choose a date from thepopup calendar. The Start Date method is the most likely option ifyou’re using temporal offset as a planning tool. If you useduration for temporal offset, click Use a duration to offset thedata. Then click either Past or Future and type the number valuefor the offset. Click the dropdown arrow and choose a unit. Usethis method when using temporal offset to compare and analyzetwo or more sets of stored fixed-time data.

Once you’ve changed these settings, you can click the Color foroffset line in histogram dropdown arrow and choose a color forthe offset line. This line will appear in the Playback Managerhistogram to indicate the offset data’s placement within theplayback window. You may need to adjust the start and end date/time settings in the Playback Manager to allow data that has been

offset to be played back. For more information on PlaybackManager settings, see Chapter 5, ‘Displaying temporal data’.

Note: If you offset data into the future, you may need to changethe end time before changing the start time. The PlaybackManager will not allow you to enter a start time that is later thanthe end time.


Displaying themost currenttemporal eventThe most current setting hidesthe display of previous eventsfor each ID in a dataset, and itcan be enabled or disabled onthe Temporal tab.

The following procedure takesyou through the steps ofenabling the most currentsetting to show only the mostrecent event on the map foreach record in the dataset.

Enabling the mostcurrent setting

1. Open an .mxd file and addthe temporal data you wantto display.

For more information onadding data, see ‘Adding asimple shapefile or featureclass’ or ‘Adding complextemporal data’ in this chapter.

2. Double-click the temporaldata layer you wish todisplay.

3. Click the Temporal tab in theLayer Properties dialog box.

Show is highlighted in theSettings panel.

4. Click the Display only themost current events in thelayer button.

Note: This setting will displaythe most current event foreach ID—that is, eachunique object—in thedataset. Previous events foreach ID will be hidden.

5. Click OK.

6. Use the Playback Managerto display the data with thenew setting.

Tip

Using tracks with the mostcurrent settingIf you have applied tracks to adataset and then used the mostcurrent setting, the tracks stillappear on the map. They will abideby the constraints of the timewindow if you have set one.

Temporal symbology will stillchange as the data ages. The color,size, or shape of the features willchange, and a track will connectthe features.

Tip

Setting an ID fieldIf you do not set an ID field whenadding temporal data, you will notbe able to apply tracks, labels, orthe most current setting.

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Setting temporaloffset for a layerThe following procedure takesyou through the steps ofoffsetting the time display ofone temporal layer so that it willdisplay simultaneously withother temporal data.

Here, hurricane data was addedfor 1994 and 1995—each year asits own layer. The two layerswere symbolized to differentiatethem on the map. In thisexample, you will apply a 365-day offset to the 1994 layer sothat it will replay with the 1995data.

Setting temporal offsetfor a fixed-time temporallayer

1. Open an .mxd file and addthe temporal data you wantto offset.

2. Click the Symbology tab inthe Layer Properties dialogbox to apply temporalsymbology to the layer.

3. Right-click the layer you wantto offset and click Propertieson the context menu.

4. Click the Temporal tab in theLayer Properties dialog box.

5. Click Temporal Offset.

Three buttons becomeactive.

6. Click Use a duration to offsetthe data.

7. Click Past or Future for theoffset.

8. Click the text box and type“365”.

9. Click the dropdown arrowand choose Days for theunits.

10. Click the Color for offset linein histogram button andchoose a color for the offsetline that will appear in thePlayback Manager.

11. Click OK to accept changesand close the dialog box.u

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12. Click the Playback Managerbutton on the TrackingAnalyst toolbar.

13. Change playback settings asdesired and click the Playbutton to replay the data.

Tip

Adding and symbolizingtemporal dataFor more information on addingand symbolizing temporal data, seeChapter 3, ‘Working with temporaldata’, and Chapter 4, ‘Symbolizingtemporal data’.

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Saving andexporting data inArcMapYou can save temporal data infour ways within ArcMap: savethe temporal layer or layers as a.lyr file or files, export the mapas an image file, using a numberof different image formats,export the temporal layer as ashapefile, or save the entire.mxd file.

Saving a temporal layer as anArcMap .lyr file or as ashapefile will save only thatspecific layer. The other twooptions allow you to eitherexport or save the entire map asan image or .mxd file.

Saving a temporal layeras a .lyr file

1. Right-click the layer you wantto save in the table ofcontents.

2. Click Save As Layer File fromthe Context menu to openthe Save Layer dialog box.

3. Navigate to the desiredfolder and click Save.

The file is saved with thelayer name by default. Youcan type a different name ifyou prefer.

4. Add this layer to any mapusing the ArcMap Add Databutton.

Note: If you have appliedactions to a layer that youexport as an .lyr file, theapplied actions will be read-only in the resulting file.

Exporting a map

1. Click File and click ExportMap.

The Export window opens.

2. Navigate to the folder whereyou want your image file, andchoose the file format youwant to use from the Save astype dropdown list.

3. Click Export to save theimage file.

Tip

Exporting a mapYou can export a map displayed inArcMap as an image file, whichcan then be used in other applica-tions or documents. Make sure tochoose an image file format thatsuits your needs.

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Tip

Exporting an AVI fileYou can also export temporal dataas a video file (AVI format) orindividual frames. See Chapter 5,‘Displaying Temporal Data’, formore information.


Exporting temporal data

1. Right-click the temporal layerin the Table of Contents andclick Export Data on thecontext menu.

The Export Data dialog boxopens.

2. Click the Export dropdownarrow and choose Allfeatures or All features InView Extent.

Note: If you have selectedfeatures in the layer, you canalso choose Selectedfeatures.

3. Click the appropriate buttonto either use the samecoordinate system as thelayer’s data source or use thesame coordinate system asthe data frame.

4. Click the Browse button andnavigate to the destinationfolder for the output shapefileor feature class.

5. Click OK.

A message will appear,asking if you want to add theshapefile to the current map.

6. Click Yes to include theoutput shapefile in thecurrent map document, or Noto save it without including iton the map.

The new layer will be savedas a temporal layer.

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Saving a map withtemporal data as anArcMap .mxd file

1. Click the Save button on theArcMap Standard toolbar.

Note: If the file has alreadybeen saved, it will automati-cally save the new informa-tion to the same filename.Otherwise, the Save Aswindow appears.

2. Navigate to the folder whereyou want the finished .mxdfile to reside.

3. Click the Save As typedropdown arrow, and chooseto save the map as anArcMap file (.mxd) or atemplate (.mxt).

4. Type a name for the file in theFile name text box and clickSave.

Tip

Viewing tabular dataYou can right-click on a temporaldata layer and click Open AttributeTable to open a tabular view of theselected layer, though data editingis not supported.

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Symbolizing temporal data 4• About symbolizing temporal data

• Symbolizing point data

• Symbolizing line data

• Symbolizing polygon data

• Symbolizing a track

Symbology for temporal data changes through time. In addition to changingdisplay attributes for regular discrete events, Tracking Analyst allows you tomodify symbology color, shape, and size according to the age of the data.You can also symbolize data according to tracks and modify other displayproperties. In this chapter, you will learn to:

• Symbolize a temporal event.

• Modify symbology to depict the age of data.

• Symbolize a track.


About symbolizing temporal data

The ArcGIS Tracking Analyst extension allows you to change thedata’s symbology by individual layers. This enables you todifferentiate symbology on the map and distinguish betweendifferent layers displayed on the map.

Symbology tab settings

You can use the settings on the Symbology tab to customize theappearance of your data based on its temporal attributes. Youbegin with base symbology for events in the layer, which you canthen modify based on the set time window. These modificationswill change color, size, or shape, depending on the type of datayou’re working with. For example, although point data can besymbolized by color, size, or shape, lines and polygons are limitedto color modifications. You can also choose to display the datawithin the time window with no changes to its symbology bychoosing the No modification option.

The following table shows what type of symbology modificationsare available for each type of data.

Setting base symbology

You can set a base symbol, or default symbol, for your data byclicking Events in the Show panel of the Symbology tab. TheDrawn As panel will show you which settings are available for thebase symbology. By default, the base symbology is a singlesymbol. Choose the best way to symbolize your data. The basesymbology will change based on the temporal symbologyoptions you choose.

Modifying data’s symbology to depict its age

The display properties of temporal data differ from those of otherdata because you can change data appearance as time passes.The data’s symbology can age, or change through time, based onthe temporal field specified in the fixed-time or real-time dataset.You can display these changes to visually enhance the datayou’re viewing on the ArcMap display.

For instance, you can use a color ramp to indicate the aging ofdata. The data may appear yellow when it depicts an event lessthan 10 days old, green for 10–20 days, and blue up to 30 days.This change in the data’s display over time helps you to clearlydefine events—not only by where they occur, but also by whenthey occur.

When you check the Time Window box in the Show panel of theSymbology tab, the Drawn As panel below it changes to displayyour options for symbolizing temporal data. You can choose Nomodification, Color, Size, or Shape for points. For lines andpolygons, options include No modification and Color.

Point

PolygonLine

Data TypeSymbolize by...

Color No modificationShapeSize

X

XX

XXX

XX

SYMBOLIZING TEMPORAL DATA 43

Note: Time window settings behave differently for real-time datathan for fixed-time. With fixed-time data, the time window defineshow much of the full temporal extent of the dataset displays onthe map during playback. For real-time data, the time windowlimits the number of visible features as they stream in and asthey’re replayed in playback mode. For more information on thesedifferent display behaviors for real- and fixed-time data, see thesection on time modes in Chapter 5, ‘Displaying temporal data’.

Note: When you change the Drawn As settings described below,the layer’s time window settings—Period and Units—will remainthe same. Other settings will reset to their defaults.

No modification

The No modification option in the Drawn As panel allows you tochange the time window settings to determine how much data willdisplay. Any data outside the parameters you set here will notdisplay on the map. Data within the time window will displayusing the base symbology. This option is available for point, line,and polygon data.

Color

The Color option in the Drawn As panel allows you to change theappearance of data as it ages by color. Use the Color Rampdropdown arrow to select the color gradation you want to displayas time passes. The legend panel at the bottom of the tab updateswith the colors you have chosen, dividing the color gradationinto classes. This option is available for point, line, and polygondata.

Shape

The Shape option in the Drawn As panel allows you to changethe way data appears as it ages by its shape. Double-click anyshape in the Symbol column of the legend panel and choose thedesired shape from the ArcMap Symbol Selector. You can do thisindividually for each class in the legend panel. This option willallow you to change only the shape of the symbol—not the size,color, or rotation, which are characteristics determined by thebase symbology. This option is available only for points.


Size

The Size option in the Drawn As panel allows you to change theway data appears as it ages by its size. Enter numeric integervalues to determine the size range of the symbols you want todraw during playback. The symbols will change accordingly inthe legend panel. With this option, type in From and To values forthe symbol size. This option is available only for points.

Other display settings

Period. The Period dropdown list allows you to set the timewindow in which the data will display. Choose a value from thelist or type in a decimal numeric value.

Units. The Units dropdown list allows you to set the time windowunits in which the data will display. Choose a unit from the list.

Note: You cannot enter a unit that does not appear in the list.

Classification settings. The Classification settings allow you toset how your data will display (past, past and future, or future), aswell as the number of classes, or divisions, for the time windowyou want to display.

How: Past and Future. Tracking Analyst also allows you to set a timewindow that will display data in the past, future, or both—spanningthe zero point of the present moment. Because real-time data canonly be viewed in the present and past, as it streams in, you won’tbe able to view it in a Future time window. But the Future timewindow gives the user a lot of flexibility in viewing fixed-time data.The time line below illustrates the variety of time window options forthe past and future.

For example, imagine you have a six-hour temporal window. Youcan set that window to show data from the present moment backin time to show the past six hours. Depending on the situation,you can also set the window to display data from the

Time Windows

Current Time

Past OnlyFuture Only

Future & Past{


present moment foward in time to show the next six hours. Or, ifyou wish, you can span the zero point and set the window toshow the past three hours, the current time, and the next threehours.

Classes. The Classes dropdown list allows you to divide yourtime window into several ranges to delineate the passage of time.Choose a value from this dropdown list.

Legend panel. The legend panel gives you a preview of how thedata will appear based on its age. This panel offers a preview ofhow your data will appear based on the settings you haveindicated for temporal symbology. It shows the number ofclasses, how each class is divided—by color, size, or shape—the

range included in each class, and the label for each range that willappear in the ArcMap table of contents.

You can click in one of the legend fields to manually change arange or label. When you change a range manually, you can enterdecimal numeric values for these ranges, which Tracking Analystwill truncate to three decimal places. Tracking Analyst will onlyallow you to change the end of a given range. If another rangefollows the one you’ve changed, it will update automaticallybased on your changes. If you edit the range to totally includethe next range, the legend panel will automatically eliminate thefollowing range and change the number of classes accordingly.

Note: All changes to ranges and labels in the legend panel will beoverwritten if you go back to the time window and classificationsettings and make further changes there.

You can also access other options for changing symbology byright-clicking on the legend panel. The context menu that appearsincludes commands to Flip Symbols, Ramp Colors, and accessProperties for All Symbols. Not all options are available for alltypes of temporal symbology.

• Flip Symbols will invert the order of the symbols for theranges you have set up. For instance, if you have modifiedsymbology by size, the range with the smallest symbol willhave the largest, after using the Flip Symbols command. Thiscommand is available only if you’ve chosen to modifysymbology by color or size—that is, not available for shape.


• Ramp Colors allows you to manually define a color ramp.Change the colors for the first and last classes, then use theRamp Colors command to fill in the colors for ranges betweenthe first and last classes. This command is available only ifyou’ve chosen to modify symbology by color.

• Properties for Selected Symbol(s) accesses the SymbolSelector dialog box, where you can change settings for thesymbol or symbols you have highlighted in the legend panel.

• Properties for All Symbols accesses the Symbol Selectordialog box, where you can change the appropriate aspect ofsymbology. For instance, if you have modified symbology bycolor, the Symbol Selector will allow you to change only color.If you have modified by size or shape, the Symbol Selectorwill allow you to choose those symbols.


Symbolizingpoint dataFor the example shown in thefollowing procedures, you’ll besymbolizing a point datasetgenerated from simulatedsatellite information. This isfixed-time data stored on disk.You’ll modify its display bycolor, size, and shape.

Symbolizing point databy color

1. Open a background .mxd fileand add the desired tempo-ral data.

For more information onadding temporal data, referto Chapter 3, ‘Working withtemporal data’.

When the temporal data isinitially added, its defaultsymbology appears in theArcMap table of contents,showing default basesymbology and a label of AllTime.

2. Double-click the temporaldata layer in the table ofcontents and click theSymbology tab of the LayerProperties dialog box.

The tab shows default basesymbology, and the Eventscheck box is checked in theShow panel.

3. Click Events in the Showpanel and edit your basesymbol shape if you wish.

4. Click Apply to acceptchanges and keep thedialog box open.

5. Click the Time Window checkbox in the Show panel.

6. Click Color in the Drawn Aspanel to activate the colorramp and other fields. u

Tip

Modifying the time windowIf you want to modify the timewindow but not the data’s symbol-ogy, you can click No modificationin the Drawn As panel. If youdecide to change symbology (bycolor, shape, or size) at a latertime, the time window settings—Period and Units—will remain thesame.

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All Time settingIf you decide not to apply a timewindow to the data layer, the settingof All Time will remain. All data inthe layer with a date/time stampearlier than the current system timewill appear on the map.

Tip

Navigating through fieldsUse the Tab key to move quicklyfrom one field to another in theLayer Properties dialog box.

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7. Click the Period dropdownarrow and choose a numericvalue from the list or type anumeric value in the field.

8. Click the Units dropdownarrow and choose a unit fromthe list.

9. Click the Color Rampdropdown arrow and choosean appropriate color range.

10. Click the How dropdownarrow under Classificationand choose a display optionfor the data: Past, Future, orFuture & Past.

11. Click the Classes dropdownarrow and choose a numberof time ranges from the list.

The legend panel updateswith each new setting.

12. Click in any of the Range orLabel fields in the legendpanel to manually changevalues.

Note: Any manual changeswill be overwritten if youcontinue to change displaysettings on the tab.

13. Click OK.

The table of contents showsthe temporal and basesymbology for the data layer.

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Setting period and classesThe settings for period and classesdepend on each other for accuratedisplay of temporal data. Forinstance, if you choose a periodwith a lower numeric value thanthe number of classes, you willreceive an error message. Theperiod you choose must have ahigher numeric value than thenumber of classes you havechosen, so that Tracking Analystcan divide that period into theappropriate number of classes.

If you receive this error, choose adifferent unit that will allow ahigher number of classes. Forexample, instead of using 1 month,you can set the period to 30 days.

Tip

Using MOLE symbologyYou can also add Military symbol-ogy (2525B) using the MilitaryOverlay Editor (MOLE) extensionto ArcMap. When MOLE symbol-ogy is enabled, you can accesssymbols by clicking Events in theShow panel. Then scroll to the topof the Drawn As panel, andhighlight Military. The Symbologytab will update with MOLE symboloptions.


Symbolizing point databy size

1. Open an .mxd file and addthe desired temporal data.

For more information onadding temporal data, referto Chapter 3, ‘Working withtemporal data’.

When the temporal data isinitially added, its defaultsymbology appears in theArcMap table of contents,showing default basesymbology and an All Timelabel.

2. Double-click the temporaldata layer in the table ofcontents and click theSymbology tab in the LayerProperties dialog box.


4. Click Size in the Drawn Aspanel.

5. Change the settings forPeriod and Units as needed.

6. Click in the fields for Symbolsize and enter numericvalues to define the sizerange for the symbols.

7. Click the How dropdownarrow and choose Past,Future, or Future & Past. u

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Symbolizing points by sizeThe procedure for symbolizingtemporal point data by size is verysimilar to that used for symbolizingfor color. The Symbology tab willchange slightly, activating fieldswhere you can enter a range of sizevalues.

Tip

Editing the legend manuallyYou can click in a range or labelfield in the legend panel to changevalues manually. The table willallow you to edit only the end of arange, but the next range, if there isone, will update automatically.Manual changes will be lost if youcontinue to alter other displaysettings in the dialog box.

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8. Click the Classes dropdownarrow and choose a value.

9. Edit values in the legendmanually if you wish.

10. Click OK.

The table of contents inArcMap updates with thechanges you’ve made.

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Symbolizing point databy shape

1. Open a background .mxd fileand add the desired temporaldata.

For more information onadding temporal data, refer toChapter 3, ‘Working withtemporal data’.


2. Double-click the temporaldata layer in the table ofcontents and click on theSymbology tab in the LayerProperties dialog box.

The tab shows default basesymbology, and Events ischecked in the Show panel.


4. Click Shape in the Drawn Aspanel.

5. Click the Period and Unitsdropdown arrows to choosedesired values for thesesettings.

6. Click the How dropdownarrow and choose Past, Past& Future, or Future. u

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Adjusting the size ofshape-symbolized temporalpointsWhen modifying temporal points byshape, you will not be able to definepoint size at the same time. Toadjust point size for a shape-symbolized data layer, click Eventsin the Show panel, and change thesize of the base symbol.

Tip

Editing ranges and labelsmanuallyYou can click in a range or labelfield in the legend to change valuesmanually. The table will allow youto edit only the end of a range, butthe next range, if there is one, willupdate automatically. Manualchanges will be lost if you continueto alter display settings.


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7. Click the Classes dropdownarrow and choose thenumber of classes to appearin the legend panel.

8. Double-click a symbol in thelegend panel to open theSymbol Selector dialog box.

9. Scroll down and click theshape you want, then clickOK.

The new symbol appears inthe legend panel.

10. Repeat steps 8 and 9 foreach range whose symbolyou want to change.

If you change any otherdisplay setting, your symbolswill reset to the default.

11. Click OK.

The table of contentsupdates to show thechanges you have made.


Symbolizing linedataFor the example shown in thefollowing procedures, you’ll besymbolizing a line dataset bychanging its color as timepasses.

Note: Because line data cannotbe modified by size or shape,these items will not appear inthe Drawn As panel of theSymbology tab. Some steps willbe very similar to the ones youused for modifying othersymbology by color.

Symbolizing line data

1. Open a background .mxd fileand add the desired temporaldata.

For more information onadding temporal data, refer toChapter 3, ‘Working withtemporal data’.


2. Double-click the temporaldata layer in the table ofcontents to open the LayerProperties dialog box.


The tab shows default basesymbology, and Events ischecked in the Show panel.

4. Click the Time Window box inthe Show panel.

The No modification andColor options appear in theDrawn As panel.

5. Click Color in the Drawn Aspanel.

6. Click the Period dropdownarrow to select a numericvalue for your time window.

7. Click the Units dropdown andchoose a unit for the timewindow. u

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8. Click the Color Rampdropdown to choose a colorscheme.

9. Click the How dropdownarrow and choose to displaythe data in a time windowthat includes past, future, orboth.

10. Click the Classes dropdownarrow and choose thenumber of classificationsyou want for the data.

11. Click in the legend paneland manually change anyranges or labels if you wish.

If you change the value of arange, the subsequentranges will updateautomatically.

Note: Any manual changesto these values will be lost ifyou return to other settingson the Symbology tab.

12. Click OK.

The table of contents willupdate with the newsymbology information youhave entered.

Note: After you have applieda time window, data will notappear on the map until youopen the Playback Manager.

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Symbolizingpolygon dataFor the example shown in thefollowing procedure, you’llsymbolize a polygon datasetfrom the same satellite informa-tion used to symbolize the pointdata in previous procedures.

Note: Like line data, polygonsymbology can only bemodified by color.

Symbolizing polygondata by color

1. Open an .mxd file in ArcMapand add a temporal datalayer.

For more information onsteps for adding temporaldata, refer to Chapter 3,‘Working with temporal data’.

2. Double-click on the temporaldata layer in the table ofcontents to open the LayerProperties dialog box.



5. Click Color in the Drawn Aspanel.

6. Click the Period dropdownarrow and choose a numericvalue from the list (or type avalue in the field).

7. Click the Units dropdownarrow and choose a valuefrom the list.

8. Click the Color Rampdropdown arrow and choosean appropriate color range.

9. Click the How dropdownarrow and choose Past,Future, or Future & Past fromthe list.

10. Click the Classes dropdownarrow and choose anappropriate value. u

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11. Click in any of the legendfields to change ranges orlabels manually.

Note: Manual changes willbe lost if you continue toalter display settings.

12. Click OK.

The table of contentsupdates with the temporalmodifications you havemade.

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Symbolizing atrackA track is a line that connectsobservation points that share acommon object identifier, or IDfield. For instance, if you aremonitoring the movements of asurveillance vehicle, you canapply a track to connect thedots, so to speak. The trackwould link the observations ofthe vehicle through time.

Symbolizing tracks is verysimilar to defining symbologyfor line data. The followingprocedure includes steps forchoosing track symbology.

Symbolizing tracks usingunique values

1. Right-click the temporal datalayer you want to symbolizein the ArcMap table ofcontents and click Properties.


The tab appears with defaultsettings and no temporalcapabilities.

3. Click the Tracks check box inthe Show panel.

4. Click Unique values in theDrawn As panel.

Note: Even though tracksconnect features with thesame ID, you can symbolizeunique values on any field inthe dataset.

5. Click the Value Fielddropdown arrow and choosethe field for which you wantunique values displayed.

6. Double-click the line symbolin the center panel.

The Symbol Selector dialogbox opens.

7. Click the type of line youwant to use for the track andclick OK. u

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Using a single symbol todesignate tracksYou can also use a single symbol toapply tracks to temporal datasymbology in ArcMap. Follow thesteps for symbolizing a singlesymbol on the Events panel of theSymbology tab. For more informa-tion, see Using ArcMap.

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Setting an ID fieldYou can choose None as the IDfield if you’re working with discreteevents, such as lightning strikes.Tracking Analyst will use a defaultfeature ID field to apply labels,tracks, and the most currentsetting. 7

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8. Click the Color Schemedropdown arrow and choosea color range for the tracks.

9. Click Add All Values.

The center panel will updatewith the layer’s values for thespecified field, including theirnew symbology.

10. Click OK.

The table of contentsupdates with the tracksymbology you have added.

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Displaying temporal data 5• About displaying temporal data

• Displaying symbolized temporaldata

• Using the Animation Wizard

• Labeling temporal data

Once you have chosen your temporal data, added it, and set its displayproperties, you can display it in ArcMap using the Tracking AnalystPlayback Manager. In this chapter, you will learn about Tracking Analysttime modes, the Playback Manager dialog box, different playback settings,and how to display fixed-time and real-time temporal data. You’ll also learnhow to use the Tracking Analyst Create Animation dialog box.


Time modes

In Tracking Analyst, you can use one of two time modes to viewtemporal data: real-time mode and playback mode. In real-timemode, temporal data appears on your map as soon as a trackingservice receives it. Real-time mode is based on your currentsystem clock.

In playback mode, you can define the display of temporal datausing the Playback Manager. Opening the Playback Managerautomatically puts Tracking Analyst into playback mode. You canreplay real-time and fixed-time data. You can also use playbackmode to display data that is in the future.

If you receive real-time data from a tracking service, going intoplayback mode lets you display all of the data within the timewindow up to the instant that you opened the Playback Manager.Real-time data received while the Playback Manager is open isplaced in system memory, and the temporal data layer is updatedwhen you exit playback mode by closing the Playback Manager.

Using Playback Manager

The Tracking Analyst Playback Manager allows you to controlsettings for displaying fixed-time and replaying real-time temporaldata. The Playback Manager helps you monitor changes in yourdata. Because the data is temporally enabled, you can change itsdisplay to indicate time passing in the time window you define.

Real-time data is temporarily stored in memory as it streams in,and you can replay it using the Playback Manager. Its timewindow and temporal symbology are determined by settings onthe Symbology tab, though your settings may differ with the rateof the data stream.

Playback rate

Pay close attention to the temporal characteristics of the data youhave added. Its time window will determine an appropriateplayback rate for the Playback Manager. For instance, if you havea time window of one year, you can display the data at one monthper second. This setting would not work, however, if you had atwo-hour time window.

Temporal extent dropdown list

This dropdown list allows you to choose a layer or layers whosetemporal extent will be used to define the start and end times ofthe playback window. The temporal extent of a datasetencompasses the earliest and latest information for the data.

About displaying temporal data

DISPLAYING TEMPORAL DATA 61

Using the playback histogram

The histogram panel at the top of the Playback Manager indicateshow much data is available at a given time in the time range youhave specified.

You can use the play buttons, the time indicator, and the Next andPrevious buttons to the right of the histogram, to change thepoint in time that will display on the map. Next and Previous canonly be used when you’re not playing data. If playing data, clickthe Stop button first before using these buttons.

You can also click a point on the histogram with your mouse tomove the time indicator to that point in time. Like the Next andPrevious buttons, this method works only when not playing datausing the play buttons.

Note: If you adjust the time by clicking and dragging the timeindicator on the histogram, any labels you have applied to thelayer will not appear on the map for performance reasons. Labelswill reappear after you have released the mouse button.

Start, current, and end times

The first time the Playback Manager is opened, the start timedefaults to the earliest time of the temporal layers in your view,and the end time defaults to the latest time of the tracking layersin your view. The Playback Manager recognizes the temporalextent of the dataset or datasets you have initially added.

Current time changes as the Playback Manager steps through thetime sequence from start to end. To jump to a specific time, enterit into the current time text box. The Playback Manager shows adate and time (mmm dd yyyy hh:mm:ss) in each of the three textwindows. The date portion of the string is formatted as a three-character month, two-digit day, and four-digit year—Aug 13 1997.Tracking Analyst will not recognize the full spellings for months.The time portion of the string that follows the date is formatted in12-hour time with AM and PM indicators. Time includes twodigits for hours (01–12), two digits for minutes, and two digits forseconds—12:42:18.

Another way to enter dates is to click on the dropdown arrowbeside the start, current, and end time fields, below the histogram,to open a calendar widget. The calendar allows you to choose adate to begin and end your time window. If you wish to enter aspecific time for a chosen date, you can click in the field itself andenter the desired time.

If you accidentally enter an invalid date or time for any of thesefields, Tracking Analyst rejects the value and returns theprevious value for that field. The start and end times can beadjusted into the past and the future. Any changes that you maketo the start and end times are saved in the Playback Manager. Ifyou edit time values and close the Playback Manager for a view,the values will still be there when you next open it for that view.


Note: The start and end times are set for the first time PlaybackManager is opened. If you subsequently add temporal layersoutside this range or receive real-time data, the playback windowwill not update automatically. To reset the playback window, clickOptions and choose the appropriate layer or layers from theTemporal Extent dropdown list.

Note: You must adjust the end time before changing the starttime. The Playback Manager will not allow you to enter a starttime that is later than the end time.


Displayingsymbolizedtemporal dataIn the Playback Manager, youcan set start and end times, theextent of the data to display, thespeed of the playback, andwhether you want the data todisplay in a continuous loop.This example uses satellite datafrom a simulated dataset. Itincludes two datasets: one withpoint data and one withpolygons.

Displaying symbolizedtemporal data

1. Click the Open button on theArcMap toolbar and choosean ArcMap document (.mxd).

2. Add temporal data and editits desired symbology anddisplay properties.

For more information onsteps to add and symbolizetemporal data, refer toChapter 3, ‘Working withtemporal data’, andChapter 4, ‘Symbolizingtemporal data’.

3. Click the Playback Managerbutton on the TrackingAnalyst toolbar.

4. Click Options to see detailedsettings in the dialog box.

5. Click the Set playbackwindow to temporal extent ofdropdown arrow and clickthe extent you wish toinclude in playback.

This setting defines the startand end times of the play-back window to include all ofthe data in the selected layeror layers.

6. Click the Playback Rate unitdropdown arrow and choosethe appropriate playbackunits from the list. u

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Using temporal offsetduring playbackIf you’ve applied temporal offset toone or more layers, the PlaybackManager histogram updates itsdisplay with a colored line toindicate the offset data. You can setthe color of this line on theTemporal tab in the LayerProperties dialog box.

The histogram indicates theamount of data at a given time inthe time window. When you rewindand play the data, it will replay onthe map according to the offset youindicated on the Temporal Layertab. For more information on usingtemporal offset, refer to Chapter 3,‘Working with temporal data’.

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7. Click Options to make thePlayback Manager dialogbox smaller.

8. Click the Play button.

The Playback Managerdialog box remains open,indicating progress of theplayback, and the databegins to display within theArcMap window.

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Using theAnimation WizardThe Tracking Analyst Anima-tion Wizard allows you torecord playback information tosave on disk as BMP frames—to use in your own animationprogram—or an AVI video file—to play in a media player suchas Windows MediaTM Player.You can also use plug-and-playfunctionality with your ownanimation engine.

The recording feature enablesyou to distribute the TrackingAnalyst playback to differentaudiences without needing toinstall Tracking Analyst forthem. For instance, you canpost an AVI file on a Web siteor attach it to an e-mail. Thisway, your audience can see theresults without having to learnthe software.

Using the AnimationWizard

1. Open an ArcMap document(.mxd).

2. Add temporal data and editits symbology as desired.

For steps to add andsymbolize temporal data,refer to Chapter 3, ‘Workingwith temporal data’, andChapter 4, ‘Symbolizingtemporal data’, respectively.

3. Click Tracking Analyst fromthe Tracking Analyst toolbar,then click Animation Tool.

Note: The default settings inthe Animation Wizard comefrom the Playback Manager.

4. Click the Start Datedropdown arrow and choosea date from the popupcalendar, or type a start dateand time in the text box.

5. Click the End Date dropdownarrow and choose a datefrom the popup calendar, ortype an end date and time inthe text box.

6. Click in the Create a frameevery text box and type anumber of units to includeper frame.

7. Click the Create a frameevery dropdown arrow andchoose a unit from the list.

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Animation settingsThe Animation tool uses thesettings from the PlaybackManager as its default settings. Youcan change these settings using theAnimation Wizard.


Note: If the number of framesexceeds the system maxi-mum, an error message willappear. You can changeframe frequency or the startand end times to reduce thenumber of frames.

9. Click the Animation Formatdropdown arrow and choosethe frame or AVI engine togenerate the desired output.

10. Click Configure Engine.

11. Choose the type of framecompression you want fromthe dropdown list. Click OK.

Note: The default engine isFull Frames (Uncompressed).

12. Click in the Width text boxand type a numeric value forthe width of the frames.

13. Click in the Height text boxand type a numeric value forthe height of the frames.

14. Click Maintain Aspect Ratioto constrain the frameproportions.

15. Click Save As. u

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Minimizing AVI file sizeTo minimize file size for AVI output,you can reduce the number offrames by changing the start andend times or the frame frequency.You can also reduce the height andwidth of the output frames.

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Saving output as individualframesWhen you save output from theAnimation Wizard as an AVI file,the AVI will be saved to thedestination directory you indicate inthe wizard.

If you choose to generate frameoutput, the individual JPG files willbe saved to the destinationdirectory, with numbered suffixeson filenames.

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16. Navigate to the appropriatefolder and type a filename.Click Save.

17. Click Generate.

As the Animation Wizardgenerates an output file, theCreate Movie File dialog boxshows progress. U

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Labelingtemporal dataLike other types of data inArcMap, you can add labels totemporal data that will displayon the map. You can applylabels using the Labels tab ofthe Layer Properties dialog box.The following procedure takesyou through the steps ofapplying labels to a temporaldata layer.

Note: Labels will appear withthe most recent temporal eventfor each record in the datasetand are based on the ID field.

Applying labels to atemporal data layer inArcMap

1. Open an .mxd file in ArcMapand add and symbolizetemporal data as desired.

For steps to add andsymbolize temporal data, seeChapter 3, ‘Working withtemporal data’, andChapter 4, ‘Symbolizingtemporal data’.

2. Double-click the temporallayer you want to label.

3. Click the Labels tab in theLayer Properties dialog box.

4. Click the Label Most CurrentFeatures in this layer checkbox.

This check box toggles labeldisplay.

5. Click the Label Fielddropdown arrow and choosethe field whose text you wantto appear as the label.

6. Click Symbol to change thefont and style of the label text.

A preview of the label textappearance is shown in theText Symbol panel.

7. Click the Label Placementdropdown arrow and choosewhere the label will displayrelative to the feature.

8. Click OK.

Tip

Labels during playbackDue to performance issues, labelswill not appear on the map whenyou click and drag the timeindicator in the Playback Managerhistogram. If you want labels todisplay during playback, use theplay buttons in the dialog box,instead of manually moving thetime indicator.

Tip

Label placement optionsDepending on the type of data inthe layer, you will see differentplacement options. For example,polygon and line data will allowyou only to place the labels on thecenter of the feature.

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Charting temporal data 6• About charting temporal data

• Using the Data Clock

• Using the Data Clock Manager

Charting temporal data can help you see patterns you may miss whenviewing the data in a table or even on a map. Tracking Analyst providescharting methods that allow you to view and present these patterns and tohelp you analyze the data you have gathered. In this chapter you will learn:

• About charting temporal data

• How to create and manage data clocks


About charting temporal data

When you view data in its attribute table, and even when youdisplay it using the Playback Manager, you can’t alwaysdelineate patterns to the data. That’s why charting data is animportant way to help you analyze temporal data. Charts, such asthe Tracking Analyst Data Clock, help you to view temporalpatterns in your data.

Imagine you have a dataset showing the occurrences of violentcrime in a certain neighborhood over the last three months. Thetabular data may give you specific times and places, and thePlayback Manager may allow you to display the events insequence. The data clock, however, can indicate a dramaticincrease in crime observations, or hits, between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.on weekends, for example. This pattern may not be apparentusing other methods of data analysis.

The Data Clock chart

The Tracking Analyst Data Clock Wizard produces a circularchart, which is a table divided into cells and wrapped around acenter point. The cells are created using concentric lines, or rings,from the center of the chart outward. These rings are intersectedby lines coming out from the center like spokes in a wheel, whichdivide the chart into wedges.

These cells represent units of time you wish to set using theCreate Data Clock Wizard. The first unit of each option in theCharting Method dropdown list represents the division of theconcentric rings, and the second unit represents the wedges. Forexample, the data clock shown above uses Months of year bydays of month as its charting method option. This option dividesand labels the rings by month, and it further divides the wedgesinto numerical dates.

Data summary methods

Unlike other types of charts, such as bar graphs, the data clockallows you to modify the summary method for the data beforedisplaying it. You can use the Set Summary Method dropdownlist to define the data clock by days of the week or hours of theday or another option.

This flexibility allows you to interact with your data, dividing itinto different classifications to most effectively illustrate certaintemporal patterns in the data. For example, you may want toemphasize an increase in observations on a certain day of theweek, or a certain day of the month, or a certain time of the day.Use the charting method that most clearly shows the pattern youwish to emphasize.

CHARTING TEMPORAL DATA 71

Legend settings

The Create Data Clock Wizard allows you to define how you’dlike the legend to appear on the data clock, specifying the numberof classes, the colors used, and the display and placement of thelegend itself.

Data Clock Manager

Tracking Analyst provides a Data Clock Manager, which helpsyou keep track of multiple data clock charts you have created.With the manager, you can remove, rename, and edit data clocksyou have already created. The following procedures introduceyou to the capabilities of the Create Data Clock Wizard and theData Clock Manager.


Creating a data clock

1. Open an .mxd file in ArcMapand add and symbolizetemporal data.

For steps to add andsymbolize temporal data,refer to Chapter 3, ‘Workingwith temporal data’, andChapter 4, ‘Symbolizingtemporal data’.

2. Click Tracking Analyst on theTracking Analyst toolbar.Point to Data Clock and clickCreate Data Clock.

3. Click the Select Layer toChart dropdown arrow andchoose the temporal layeryou want to include in thedata clock.

4. Click the Set SummaryMethod dropdown arrow andchoose the method by whichTracking Analyst will dividethe data for the chart.

5. Click the Set the number oflegend classes dropdownarrow and choose a numberfrom the list.

6. Click the Select legendcolors dropdown arrow andchoose the color range toinclude in the data clock.

7. Click Finish.

The data clock chart opens,showing the results of thesettings you’ve changed inthe wizard.

Using the DataClockThe Tracking Analyst DataClock Wizard creates a circularchart of temporal data that youcan use to analyze patterns inthe data that you may misswhen viewing the data in a tableor on a map. You can modify thecolors, number of classes, andlegend settings to produce atemporal data chart that bestsuits your needs.

Tip

Choosing a summary method

The Set Summary Methoddropdown list presents a number ofoptions for dividing your dataclock chart. The first item for eachoption refers to the way the chart isdivided in concentric circles, orrings, from the center outward. Thesecond item refers to the divisionsaround the circle, or wedges,beginning at the top of the chartand going around clockwise.

Depending on the option youchoose here, you can show patternsin the data to highlight specificdays, weeks, times of day, ormonths of the year when observa-tions take place.

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CHARTING TEMPORAL DATA 73

Using the DataClock ManagerYou can rename, remove, andmodify a data clock after you’vecreated it using the Data ClockManager. You can also use theShow on Layout button toplace the data clock on yourArcMap document.

The following procedure takesyou through the steps ofmodifying the properties of anexisting data clock.

Modifying an existingdata clock

1. Open an .mxd file withtemporal data already addedand symbolized.

For steps to add andsymbolize temporal data, seeChapter 3, ‘Working withtemporal data’, andChapter 4, ‘Symbolizingtemporal data’.

2. Click Tracking Analyst fromthe Tracking Analyst toolbar.Point to Data Clock and clickManage.

The Data Clock Manageropens, showing a list of dataclocks you have created.

3. Click the data clock you wantto modify and click Open.

The data clock chart opens.

4. Right-click anywhere in thechart window and clickProperties.

Note: You can also use thiscontext menu to turn chartlabeling on or off and torefresh the view.

5. Click the Appearance tab. u

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Understanding the legendThe legend on the data clock showscolor variations based on thenumber of observations made in acertain time frame. For example,you may have set up your dataclock to show each day in a month.If you had 20 observations on acertain day, that day will appear onthe chart with a certain colorassigned to it. Refer to the legend tosee if that color indicates 20 ormore observations.

You can change the placement ofthe legend or turn its display on oroff using the Data Clock Propertiesdialog box.

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6. Change settings in theappearance to adjust thedata clock chart title, thecolors and legend classesused, and the placementand display of the legend.

Note: Changing the title onthe Appearance tab willeffectively rename the dataclock in the Data ClockManager.

7. Click the Data tab.

8. Make changes to thesettings on the Data tab,including the chartingmethod, as needed.

9. Click OK.

The data clock chartupdates with the changesyou have made.

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Creating and applying actions 7• Applying actions to temporal data

• Layer actions in ArcMap

• Applying filter actions in ArcMap

Tracking Analyst actions allow you to perform event-based operations ontemporal data to enhance your data analysis capability. You can definecertain criteria for the data, and any data that meets the criteria will havethe action or actions applied. Location and attribute criteria can be used toapply a filter features in a data set from further action processing, highlightor suppress display of the data, change its coordinate system, or perform acustom action that you can design in Visual Basic (VB). In this chapter youwill learn to:

• Apply actions to temporal data layers in ArcMap.

• Apply actions to temporal data in ArcCatalog.

• Set the order of actions.


Applying actions to temporal data

Actions can be applied to temporal data at three different pointsin the data flow: at the layer, service, or server level. You canapply layer actions, such as highlight or suppression of display,to data layers in ArcMap; service actions, such as coordinateconversion, to tracking services in ArcCatalog; and serveractions using the ArcIMS Tracking Server.

The following sections describe different actions you can buildand apply in ArcMap. For more information about service-levelactions, which are applied in ArcCatalog, see Chapter 8, ‘Workingwith real-time data’. For more information about server actions,see Using the ArcIMS Tracking Server.

Note: A custom Visual Basic (VB) action, which can be createdand applied to a real-time layer in ArcMap, is discussed inChapter 8, ‘Working with real-time data’.

Layer actions

You can apply layer actions to a temporal data layer in ArcMap.These actions will not modify the data itself. You can accessthese actions—filter and highlight/suppression—through theActions tab in the Layer Properties dialog box.

Once you define the parameters for a certain action, it appears ina list box on the Actions tab. Additional actions are listed in thisbox as you create them. The actions applied to the data layer intheir list order. Each layer’s actions are defined separately in theArcMap Layer Properties dialog box.

The Filter action will include or exclude data from further actionprocessing based on criteria you define from the Actions tab. Thefilter does not affect the data’s display on the map.

The highlight/suppression action allows you to set attribute andlocation conditions for the data. If the data meets theseconditions, you can dictate whether it is highlighted with asymbol on the map or not displayed at all—that is, suppressed.

Note: If you have saved a temporal data layer as a layer file (.lyr),any actions you have applied to that layer will be read-only. Youwill not be able to edit actions in a .lyr file.

CREATING AND APPLYING ACTIONS 77

Layer actions inArcMapOn the layer level, you canbuild and apply actions tohighlight or suppress thedisplay of temporal data orcreate a filter for further actionprocessing, given certainparameters. Use the Actions tabin the Layer Properties dialogbox to access the query builder.

Actions can be applied to real-time data as it streams in, aswell as to fixed-time data. Formore information on applyinglayer actions to real-time data,see Chapter 8, ‘Working withreal-time data’.

In the following procedures,you can apply a suppressionand a filter action to a fixed-timetemporal data layer in ArcMap.

NOTE: Once you have saved atemporal layer as a .lyr file, itsactions settings are read-only.

Applying a suppressionaction to a layer

1. Right-click the desiredtemporal data layer in thetable of contents and clickProperties.

2. Click the Actions tab in theLayer Properties dialog box.

3. Click New Action.

The New Action dialog boxopens.

4. Type a name for the action.

If you choose not to enter aname, the default “NewAction 1” will be used.

5. Click Highlight / Suppressionin the Type of Action toCreate panel.

6. Click OK.

The Highlight / SuppressionAction Parameters dialogbox opens.

7. Click the Type dropdownarrow and click Suppression.

8. Click the button beside thetype of query you want touse.

9. Click Query Builder.

Note: If Always or LocationQuery is chosen, the QueryBuilder button will bedisabled. u

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Service actionsYou can apply service actions todata in ArcCatalog using theActions tab in the Tracking ServiceProperties dialog box. Theseactions modify the dataset itself,applying coordinate conversion ora filter. For more information onapplying service actions inArcCatalog, see Chapter 8,‘Working with real-time data’.

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10. Double-click a field in theFields panel on the left sideof the Select by Attributesdialog box to place it in theExpressions panel below.

11. Click the control or controlsyou wish to use to set thequery conditions.

12. Click Get Unique Values toget a list of possible valuesfor the selected field.

13. Enter a value for the fieldfrom the Unique Values list.

The query will look for thisvalue in the field you havespecified and perform theaction on any featuremeeting this criteria.

14. Click Apply.

15. Click Close.

The Highlight / SuppressionAction Parameters dialogbox remains open, showingyour attribute queryexpression.

16. Click OK.

The new action appears inthe action list panel. You cancontinue adding new actionsas you wish, editing theorder in which to apply themusing the Move Up andMove Down buttons.

Note: You can disable orenable any action in theaction list panel by clickingits check box to the left.

Tip

Actions that stop furtherprocessingThe highlight / suppression andfilter actions will stop the process-ing of actions for a single feature.Highlight and suppression actionswill not process any further actionsif the condition that causes thefeature to highlight or suppresssucceeds. This prevents multiplehighlights on a single feature orconfusion in a case where, forexample, a feature qualifies forboth a highlight and a suppressionaction. The filter action is designedto stop processing further actionsfor a feature if it meets the filterconditions and is defined asexcluded.

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Using the filter actionAction processing can be timeconsuming. If you can eliminatefeatures from further actionprocessing by using a filter action,that may speed up the process. See‘Applying filter actions in ArcMap’later in this chapter.

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Applying a filter action

1. Right-click the temporal datalayer you want to filter in thetable of contents and clickProperties.

2. Click the Actions tab.


4. Click Filter as the Type ofAction to Create.

5. Click in the text box and typea name for the filter action.

If you choose not to enter aname, the default setting of“New Action” will be used.

6. Click OK.

7. Click the Type dropdownarrow and choose Include orExclude.

The Include filter will permitonly data that meets certainlocation or attribute criteriaand exclude all otherfeatures. Exclude will denyfeatures that meet thecriteria.

8. Click Always, Attribute Query,Location Query, or AttributeAND Location Query to setthe type of action trigger.

This example uses a locationquery. For steps in creatingan attribute query, see‘Applying a suppressionaction to a layer’ earlier inthis chapter. u

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Changing action orderYou can change the order of actionsin the list panel by using the MoveUp and Move Down buttons. Forexample, you may want to move afilter action to the top of the list tohelp reduce processing time forsubsequent actions.

Applying filteractions inArcMapTracking Analyst will allow youto apply a filter to data layers inArcMap that will either includeor exclude data from a dataset.

Applying a filter to a data layerin ArcMap will stop theprocessing of any subsequentactions for features that meetthe filter criteria and are markedas excluded. The filter will notaffect the display or inclusionof data on the map—unless itexcludes features from ahighlight or suppression action.

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9. Click the Layer dropdownarrow and choose a layerwhose location will somehowinteract with the temporallayer you’re working with.

10. Click the Trigger Whendropdown arrow and choosea relationship between thelayer you’ve chosen and thetemporal layer—for example,Intersects.

11. Click OK.

The new action appears inthe action list panel. If otheractions appear in the list,you can use the Move Upand Move Down buttons toput them in the order inwhich you want to applythem to the data layer.

Note: You can enable ordisable any action in the listby clicking on its check boxto the left.

Note: Applying an action willstop processing ofsubsequent actions in thelist for any feature meetingits conditions.

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IN THIS CHAPTER

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Working with real-time data 8• What is real-time data?

• Setting up a real-time connectionin ArcCatalog

• Setting properties for trackingconnections in ArcCatalog

• Setting properties for trackingservices

• Applying actions to real-time data

• Adding real-time data in ArcMap

• Replaying real-time data inArcMap

In this chapter you will learn the basics of working with real-time data usingTracking Analyst procedures in ArcCatalog and ArcMap.

You will learn how to:

• Set up real-time connections in ArcCatalog.

• Set properties for tracking connections and tracking services.

• Apply actions to real-time data.

• Add and replay real-time data in ArcMap.

Ch08.pmd 3/5/2004, 9:16 AM81


What is real-time data?

Real-time data is temporally enabled data that streams in from anArcIMS Tracking Server connection. This information facilitatestracking of features as they occur in real time—or near real time.Specific needs for real-time tracking of data include emergencyresponse systems, commercial and military fleet tracking, threatdetection for defense and intelligence agencies, and satellitetracking systems.

The term real-time needs to take into account the route the datamust travel from its input source through network connectionsand the Tracking Server before appearing in an end client viewer.Data rates will depend on the communication links to the dataapplications you’re using, server speeds, and network speeds.The data you receive from the Tracking Server is as close toactual real-time information as possible given the aboveconstraints.

Real-time data received in Tracking Analyst travels from theArcIMS Tracking Server. Services are first defined in the TrackingServer using the Tracking Server Configuration Utility, allowingdevelopers and administrators to configure connections to real-time devices. These devices communicate their messages to theTracking Server, which in turn takes the data and creates atracking service. Tracking services are managed through theTracking Server Administrator. Only services enabled throughthis application are available to clients. Once data is collected andenabled as a service it will be available to clients.

Using ArcCatalog to set up real-time connections

To enable real-time data output, you must first set up aconnection to the Tracking Server using the Tracking AnalystAdd Tracking Server dialog box in ArcCatalog. After setting up aconnection to the Tracking Server, you can add the real-timeservice as a layer in ArcMap. The data displays on the map as itis received from the server.

The Tracking Server Connection Properties and Tracking ServiceProperties dialog boxes in ArcCatalog allow you to configuresettings for the connection itself and the tracking services itcontains.

ArcIMS and ArcMap client viewers

Once you have set up your tracking connection and trackingservices, you can view your real-time data in a variety of clients.The best client for you will depend on your operation’s needs.

If your operation needs real-time data with powerful analysiscapabilities, you will want to use the ArcGIS Tracking Analystextension and ArcMap to view your data. This combination offersthe most functionality for real-time display and analysis.However, the performance of the real-time throughput will beaffected by the platform running ArcMap.

WORKING WITH REAL-TIME DATA 83

If you need a lightweight client without the complex analysiscapabilities, you may want to use the ArcIMS Tracking ServerWeb client. This client uses ArcIMS images service and trackingservices in a custom Web page, which you can modify to meetyour needs, using the Tracking Server Author and Design tools,which are similar in functionality to the ArcIMS tools of the samenames.

About the Tracking Server

The ArcIMS Tracking Server includes tools—including aConfiguration Utility and Administrator tool—that allow you toset parameters for the real-time data you wish to add to ArcMap.You can define what data service or services you wish to use,message definitions, actions, and other parameters. For moreinformation on setting up the Tracking Server, see Using theArcIMS Tracking Server.


Setting up a real-time connectionin ArcCatalogBefore adding real-time data toArcMap, you’ll need to create aconnection to a tracking servicethat will provide the data. Thisprocedure is accomplished inArcCatalog, using the AddTracking Server dialog box.

Connecting to a trackingservice in ArcCatalog

1. Start ArcCatalog from theStart menu or desktop icon.

2. Click the plus sign beside theTracking Connections folderin the Catalog.

3. Double-click Add TrackingServer.

The Add Tracking Serverdialog box opens, where youcan enter information aboutthe server and connectionname, as well as the servicesto connect to.

4. Click in the Server Name textbox and type the name of themachine that hosts theTracking Server.

5. Click in the ConnectionName text box and type thename of the new connection.

6. Click Advanced Settings.

The Tracking ServerAdvanced Settings dialogbox opens, where you canenter information about theconnection properties, proxysettings, and gateway portand service path. u

Tip

Enabling the TrackingServerYou may need to set up theTracking Server Manager beforeyou create a real-time dataconnection in ArcCatalog. Formore information on starting andconfiguring the Tracking Server,see Using the ArcIMS TrackingServer.

Tip

Testing the connectionIf an error appears when you clickTest Connection, make sure youhave the right name for themachine where the server resides,or type in the machine’s InternetProtocol (IP) address.

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7. The settings in the TrackingServer Advanced Settingsdialog box typically will notchange. Adjust the settings ifnecessary.

8. Click OK to return to the AddTracking Server dialog box.

9. Click Test Connection tomake sure the informationyou have entered is correct.

10. Click in the User Name andPassword text boxes andtype your username andpassword if required.

11. Click OK.

The new connectionappears in ArcCatalog.

Tip

Advanced SettingsThe fields available in theTracking Server Advanced Settingsdialog box allow you to adjust theconnection and proxy settings asdesired. Descriptions of the settingsare listed below:

• Command Timeout—theamount of time allowed for arequest’s response to bereceived by the client.

• Connection Retry Interval—the amount of time betweena failed connection, orconnection retry, and thenext connection attempt.

• Host—the name of theproxy server. If this entry isblank, then connections viaproxies are turned off.

• Port—the port number onthe proxy server on which toconnect.

• Primary Port—the primaryserver socket port numberon which the gatewayservlet listens.

• Alternate Port—the second-ary or alternate serversocket port number onwhich the gateway servletlistens.

• Service Path—the HTTPpath of the gateway servlet.

• Restoring Defaults—returnsto the proxy settings foundby the operating system.

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Settingproperties fortrackingconnections inArcCatalogYou can set properties for eachconnection you add toArcCatalog. These propertiesallow you to specify the serverand connection names, as well aswhich services can be accessedin the connection to view inArcMap.

Setting tracking serverconnection properties



3. Right-click on the trackingconnection you wish to editand click ConnectionProperties.

The Tracking Server Connec-tion Properties dialog boxopens.

Note: If you have not yetcreated a tracking connec-tion in ArcCatalog, see theprevious section, ‘Connect-ing to a tracking service inArcCatalog’.

4. Click in the Server Name textbox and make any necessarychanges.

5. Click in the ConnectionName text box and make anynecessary changes.

6. Click the Just the followingservices button and click onlythe services you want in theconnection.

7. Click OK.

The dialog box closes, andyour new connectionappears in the Catalog treeand Contents panel.

Tip

Specifying trackingservicesIf you click the Selected TrackingServices button in the TrackingServer Connection Propertiesdialog box, you can specify whichservices can be accessed within aconnection. This is useful when youhave many services set up andavailable but only want to access afew in ArcCatalog.

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Setting tracking serviceproperties



3. Click the plus sign beside theconnection you havecreated.

A list of tracking servicesappears below the connec-tion in the Catalog tree.

4. Right-click one of theservices and click Properties.

The Tracking ServiceProperties dialog box opens,including the name of theservice in the title bar,displaying the General tab bydefault.

5. Click the Auto Purge checkbox on or off to determinewhether data will be thrownaway once a certain thresh-old is reached.

6. Click the Threshold text boxand type a maximum numberof records to maintain inmemory.

7. Click in the Percent to Purgetext box and type a percent-age of records to purge whenthe Threshold is met. u

Settingproperties fortracking servicesYou can also define settings forindividual tracking services in atracking connection. Thesesettings can help you definehow long real-time data willremain in memory as it streamsin, what fields are coming in,and what actions to perform ona given message service. Formore information on performingactions on real-time data inArcCatalog, see the procedurefor Applying actions to real-time data, in this chapter.

Tip

Defining Auto PurgeSettingsThe Auto Purge settings allow youto determine how many featuresyou allow to stream into the dataflow before starting to deleterecords. Once you reach thethreshold you have entered, apercentage of the records currentlyin memory will be deleted.According to the default PurgeRule, the oldest records will bedeleted first, until you reach thedefined percentage.

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8. Click the Purge Ruledropdown arrow and choosea rule from the list.

9. Click the Fields tab.

The Fields tab includesinformation about the fields inthe tracking service.

10. Click any field to see itsproperties.

Note: Because fieldattributes are determined inthe Tracking Server, they arenot editable in this dialogbox. For more information ondefining real-time datamessages, see UsingArcIMS Tracking Server.


The next section describesthe procedures for creatingand applying actions to real-time data.

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Applying actionsto real-time dataWhen you’re working with real-time data from a Tracking Serverconnection, you can applyactions to temporal data inArcCatalog.

There are two real-time actionssupplied out of the box withTracking Analyst in ArcCatalog.These actions—the CoordinateConversion and Filter actions—will affect the dataset itself, notmerely its display as a layer inArcMap.

Applying a coordinateconversion action to datain ArcCatalog

1. Start ArcCatalog and navi-gate to the real-time connec-tion you have set up in theTracking Connections folder.

Note: For more informationon setting up a real-timeconnection, see ‘Connectingto a tracking service inArcCatalog’ in this chapter.

2. Right-click on the trackingservice whose coordinatesystem you want to convertand click Properties on thecontext menu.




5. Click in the text box and typea name for the action.

If you choose not to enter aname, the default NewAction 1 will be used.

6. Click Coordinate Conversionin the Type of Action toCreate panel.

7. Click OK.

The Coordinate ConversionAction Parameters dialog boxopens. u

Tip

Changing action orderIf you’d like to apply another actionto the same data layer, you canchange the order in which they areapplied to the data. Just highlightan action in the action list paneland click Move Up or Move Downuntil you have the actions in thedesired order.

Note: The filter action will removeall data meeting the Excludecriteria from the incoming datastream. It will include all data thatmeets Include criteria. Theexcluded data will not appear in thedataset.

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8. Click Select to browse for thedesired spatial referencesystem.

The New Spatial Referencedialog box opens.

9. Click the button correspond-ing to the method you wish touse for the coordinateconversion.

This example uses the Selectbutton to choose a pre-defined coordinate system.

10. Navigate to the spatialreference system you wish touse and click Add.

The new spatial referencesystem appears in the NewSpatial Reference dialogbox.

11. Click Next.

The second panel of theNew Spatial Referencedialog box appears. u

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12. Check the values in the textboxes and click Finish.

Note: If the values areincorrect, you can click Backto change previous options.

The new coordinatereference appears in theCoordinate ConversionAction Parameters dialogbox.

13. Click the Geometry Columndropdown arrow and choosethe field that contains spatialreference information.

This field’s contents will beconverted to the new spatialreference system you havechosen.

14. Click OK.

The new action appears inthe Actions list panel, whereyou can click it to read itsproperties.

15. Click OK again to close theProperties dialog box.

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Applying the filter actionto data in ArcCatalog

1. Start ArcCatalog and navi-gate to the real-time connec-tion you have set up in theTracking Connections folder.

For more information onsetting up a real-timeconnection in ArcCatalog,see Chapter 3, ‘Working withtemporal data’.

2. Right-click on the trackingservice whose features youwish to filter and chooseProperties from the contextmenu.




5. Click Filter in the Type ofAction to Create panel.

6. Click in the text box and typea name for the action.

Note: If you choose not totype a name, the default NewAction 2 will be used.

7. Click OK.

The Filter Action Parametersdialog box opens. u

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8. Click the Type dropdownarrow and choose Include orExclude.

Exclude will drop all featuresin a dataset that meet thecriteria you set in the querybuilder. Include will drop allfeatures that do not meet thecriteria.

9. Choose the appropriate typeof query you wish to build.

10. Depending on the type ofquery you have chosen, youcan either click QueryBuilder or the Ellipsis buttonbeside the Source text box.

11. Define your query asneeded.

Note: You will need to type ina unique value in theExpression panel in theQuery Builder dialog box.

12. Click OK.

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Applying a custom VBaction in ArcMap

1. Right-click the real-time datalayer to which you want toapply the VB action in thetable of contents and clickProperties.



4. Click in the Name the Actionbox and type a name for theaction.

Note: If you choose not toenter a name, the defaultNew Action 1 will be used.

5. Click Visual Basic as theType of Action to Create.

6. Click OK.

The VB Action Parametersdialog box opens.

7. Click the Project dropdownarrow and choose Project orNormal.

Note: A macro in the Normalfolder will affect all docu-ments opened in ArcMap.

8. Click the Module dropdownarrow and choose theappropriate module for themacro.

The default module name inVBE is ThisDocument.

9. Click the Macro dropdownarrow and choose the name ofthe macro you wish to use. u

Applying customVB actions inreal-timeTracking Analyst supports theuse of custom Visual Basic (VB)actions with real-time data inArcMap. These actions willapply to real-time data as itstreams into ArcMap, but not toany existing data already in thelayer prior to triggering theaction.

You can access the Visual BasicEditor (VBE) from the ArcMapMain Menu to create thisaction. The following proceduretakes you through the steps ofapplying a VB action to a real-time data layer as it streams intoArcMap.

For more information onapplying actions to real-timedata at the server level, seeUsing ArcIMS Tracking Server.

Tip

Creating a macroYou can create a macro that will beapplied through the TrackingAnalyst actions dialog boxes. ClickTools > Macros > Visual BasicEditor. For more information onusing macros in ArcMap, see‘Creating, Editing, and RunningMacros’ in the ArcMap section ofthe ArcGIS Desktop Help system.

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10. Click the appropriate buttonfor the kind of query youwant to use.

11. Click Query Builder to loador create a query for theaction.

All features meeting thecriteria defined in the querywill be affected by the VBaction you have created.

12. Click OK.

The new action appears inthe list panel on the Actionstab.

13. Click OK to apply the newaction to the specified layerand close the dialog box.

Note: Use a Visual Basicaction with caution. Forinstance, if you used theexample macro on a real-time data feed withthousands of recrods, andeach of those records metthe trigger criteria for theaction, you would have toacknowledge a MessageBox dialog box for eachfeature.

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Sample VB macroThis is a very simple Visual Basicmacro that can be used as anaction:

Public SubMyMacro(ParamArrayvarArgs() As Variant)

MsgBox varArgs(5)

End Sub

It takes the fifth argument in the listand presents it in a message boxthat appears on the screen. Themessage box will appear for everyfeature in the layer that meets thetrigger criteria for the action. Thenumber of the argument corre-sponds to the column number in theattribute table for the layer. The useof the ParamArray as the soleparameter to the macro providesyou with the most flexibility.Otherwise, all columns in theattribute table must be listed, andall data types must match.

Tip

Minimizing processing timeIf you perform a lot of processingin a Visual Basic action, it may takea good deal of time for it to finishworking on all features. The bestapproach is to develop and debugyour macro on a very small set ofdata before using it on largerdatasets. The filter action can helpreduce the size of the dataset you’retesting on.

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Adding data from a real-time tracking service

1. Start ArcMap from your Startmenu or desktop icon.

2. Open the desired .mxd file todisplay a background mapfor the new real-time tempo-ral layer you will add.

3. Click the Add Data button onthe ArcMap Standardtoolbar—or click File andAdd Data.

4. Go to the Tracking Connec-tions folder and click thetracking service you wish toadd as a layer in the AddData window and click Add.

Note: At this point you mayreceive a warning messageabout potentially incompat-ible geographic projections.

The new layer appears in thetable of contents andfeatures begin to appear onthe map.

5. Once real-time data isappearing on the map, youcan choose to open thePlayback Manager to replaydata stored in systemmemory.

The playback window fordata stored in systemmemory will start with thetime that data began stream-ing in and end with the timethat you opened the Play-back Manager.

Adding real-timedata in ArcMapThe steps for adding real-timedata as a new temporal layer arerelatively simple. Once youhave established a real-timeconnection in ArcCatalog, youcan add a tracking service as alayer using the ArcMap AddData function.

Tip

Adding real-time data onthe flyIf you haven’t already established areal-time connection, you can do sothrough the ArcMap Add Datawindow. For more information, seeUsing ArcMap.

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Symbolizing real-time dataYou can apply symbology tofeatures in the real-time data layerusing the Symbology tab.

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Showing future eventsYou can use the Display FutureEvents setting to make sure youinclude all real-time data as youreceive it from the Tracking Server.Open the Layer Properties dialogbox for the real-time layer inArcMap, click the Temporal tab,click Most current, and click theDisplay Future Events check box.

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12base symbolThe default symbol used to represent an event or a feature on the map.

complex dynamic eventA complex temporal event, including two components, that involves a moving object, such as anairplane. The plane’s geographical location changes through time, so its additional attributes arestored in the input table.

complex stationary eventA complex temporal event, including two components, that involves a stationary object, such as atraffic sensor. The sensor’s geographical location will not change, so its location information isstored in the input feature class.

complex temporal eventAn event containing two components: one with peristent object information, one withobservations of the object through time. The merger of the temporal observation with thetemporal object creates a complex event record or message. There are two types of complextemporal event: dynamic and stationary.

eventSee temporal event.

fixed-time dataStored temporal data that can be viewed in past, future, and past-and-future time windows. Thisdata is stored in a shapefile or as a feature class in a geodatabase.

ID fieldSee track identifier field.

input featuresThe component of a complex temporal event that includes shape and attribute information for atemporal event. The input features may or may not contain date and time information, dependingon whether the event is dynamic or stationary.

Glossary


input tableThe component of a complex temporal event that includesattribute information. The input table may or may not containdate and time information, depending on whether the event isdynamic or stationary.

most current eventThe most recent position of a feature as defined by the trackidentifier (ID field).

playback modeThe time mode where data is displayed using the PlaybackManager, replaying either real-time or fixed-time data.

playback windowThe span of time defined by the Start and End text boxes in thePlayback Manager. You can set this window to include thetemporal extent of one or more layers.

real-time dataTemporal data that streams directly into Tracking Analyst fromthe ArcIMS Tracking Server.

real-time modeThe time mode where data displays automatically on the mapafter being added. See time modes.

serviceA real-time data stream accessed via a tracking connection.

simple temporal eventContains all necessary information in one temporal datamessage (for real-time data) or record (for fixed-time data).

temporal dataIncludes time- and date-specific information for geographiclocations that enables you to track real-time and future and pastobservations, which can be discrete, such as lightning strikes;moving, such as airplanes; or static, such as traffic sensors.

temporal eventDescribes an observation (or set of observations) through time ofa particular object (or group of objects). Also referred to as anevent.

temporal extentEncompasses all temporal information, including earliest andlast observations, of a data layer.

temporal objectAn object being observed through time.

temporal object tableThe component of a complex temporal event containing featureshape and attribute information.

temporal observationData gathered for a given object through time.

temporal observation tableComponent of complex temporal event containing featureattribute information and possibly time and date information.

temporal offsetA function that allows you to adjust the temporal display of datato play back as if it occurred at a user-defined date and time.The offset will not change the underlying data, but it will allow

GLOSSARY 99

you to display the data as if it were happening at a differenttime.

temporal windowTime range within which to display data in Tracking Analyst.Temporal windows can be set at the layer level (on theSymbology tab).

time modesThe two methods by which to display temporal data: real-timemode or playback mode. Time modes are determined by the useof the Playback Manager. If the Playback Manager is open, youwill be in playback mode, where data stored in memory will bereplayed. If you have a real-time data layer and PlaybackManager is not open, you will be in real-time mode, wherefeatures appear on the map as they occur.

trackA connecting line between two or more temporal events thatshare a common track identifier (ID field).

track identifier fieldA field containing a unique identifier for a given object orobjects being observed. This field is used to join the componentsof a complex temporal event. Commonly referred to as the IDfield.

tracking connectionA message or Internet connection whereby real-time data canstream into Tracking Analyst.

tracking dataSee temporal data.

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12Index A

Actionsapplying to temporal data 6in layer (.lyr) files 38

Addingcomplex temporal events 31fixed-time data 25temporal shapefile 25

Adding real-time data 96Animation Wizard 59

saving to AVI 65Applying actions

to a layer 76, 77filter 79suppression 77

to a tracking service 77to real-time data

visual basic 94Applying actions to data 6, 76Applying coordinate conversion action 89Applying filter action to real-time data 92Applying labels 68ArcIMS Tracking Server 83AVI file

saving animation as 65

B

Base symboldefined 97setting 42

C

Changinglegend values manually 51

Charting temporal data 70Complex dynamic event

defined 97

Complex stationary eventdefined 97

Complex temporal eventdefined 97

Complex temporal events 23adding 31dynamic 24stationary 24

Connection propertiessetting 86

Coordinate conversion actionapplying to tracking service 89

Creating animation 65

D

Data clockcreating 72modifying 73using 72

Data clock chart 70Data Clock Manager 5, 71, 73

using 73Data sources 22Data structures 22Data summary methods 70

choosing 72Displaying data 60Displaying temporal data 63Dropdown lists

Join field 32Time field 32

E

Eventdefined 97temporal 23

Exportingmaps 38temporal data 39


Exporting maps 39Extension

enabling 25

F

Feature classadding 25creating 31

Filter actionapplying to real-time data 92

Fixed-time datadefined 97

I

ID fielddefined 97

Input featuresdefined 97

Input tabledefined 98

L

Labeling temporal data 68Labels

applying 68Layer files

actions in 38saving 38

Legend valuesmodifying 51

M

Mapexporting 38, 39saving 40

Modifyinglegend values 51

MOLE symbology 48Most current event

defined 98displaying 35enabling setting 35

P

Periodsetting 48

Playbackoptions 63setting window 61

Playback Manager 4, 60start and end times 61, 62using 35, 37

Playback modedefined 98

Playback rate 60Playback window 4

defined 98

R

Real-time data 59, 60, 82adding to ArcMap 96applying actions to 89defined 98replaying 96

Real-time modedefined 98

S

Saving maps 40Saving temporal layers 38Service

defined 98

Settingclasses 48

Setting classes 48Setting period 48Setting playback window 61Setting tracking service properties 87Simple temporal event

defined 98Symbolizing

point databy color 47by shape 51by size 49

points 47using MOLE 48

Symbolizing line data 53Symbolizing polygon data 55Symbolizing tracks 57

T

Temporal classessetting 48

Temporal dataadding

as a layer file 26complex events 31simple event 25

applying actions 6applying actions to 76charting 5data clock

summary methods 70date and time formats 22defined 98displaying 4

symbolized data 63event 23exporting 39fixed-time

playing 60

INDEX 103

Temporal data (continued)in attribute table 40real-time 82saving 38saving as AVI 65sources 22structures 22summary methods 70symbolizing 3

about 42base symbol 42line data 53points 47polygon data 55tracks 57

time modes 60tracking 2

Temporal eventdefined 98

Temporal eventsdisplaying most current 35

Temporal extentdefined 98

Temporal layeroffset 33, 36properties

most current setting 33offset 33

Temporal objectdefined 98table, defined 98

Temporal observationdefined 98table, defined 98

Temporal offsetdefined 98setting 36

Temporal windowdefined 99

Time modes 60defined 99

Time windowclasses 48color 43no modification 43period 48settings 43shape 43size 44symbology 44

Toolbaraccessing 25

Trackdefined 99symbolizing 57

Track identifier fielddefined 99

Tracking connectiondefined 99

Tracking connectionssetting properties 86

Tracking datadefined 99

Tracking Server 83Tracking service

choosing 86creating connection 84setting properties 87

Documents

Using ArcGIS Tracking Analyst - GIS-Labgis-lab.info/docs/books/arcgis-using/using_tracking_analyst.pdf · 1 Introducing ArcGIS Tracking Analyst 1 Tracking temporal data 2 Symbolizing