Hello! I'm ippuku_time, a GIS implementation support consultant.
This is the 25th and final installment of the "5-Minute Guide to SuperMap iDesktopX" series. So far, we've explored a wide range of GIS capabilities, from basic to advanced. In this final episode, we introduce "2D/3D Dynamic Plotting," a specialized feature designed to intuitively visualize situations in fields such as disaster response, public safety, and infrastructure management.
1. What Is Dynamic Plotting?
Dynamic plotting is a function that places standardized symbols with specific meanings (such as disaster prevention symbols) onto maps or 3D scenes to create situation diagrams, including emergency response plans and infrastructure maintenance plans.
These symbols are not just static images—they contain attribute information such as team size, unit type, movement direction, and operational area. This allows users to quickly and accurately understand complex situations at a glance.
Figure: Plotting a disaster response situation diagram on a 3D city model
2. 2D Plotting: Traditional and Advanced Situation Mapping
Start by plotting on a standard 2D map.
(1) Plot Panel
iDesktopX provides a dedicated Plot Panel with standardized symbols. Users can drag and drop point symbols representing personnel or events, as well as line and area symbols indicating movement routes or activity zones.
(2) Properties Panel
Detailed attributes of each symbol can be edited in the Properties Panel. For example, users can adjust team size, modify arrow shapes to indicate movement direction, and add text labels—allowing flexible customization based on real-world needs.
3. 3D Plotting: A More Realistic View of the Situation
Dynamic plotting also works seamlessly in 3D scenes, enabling more realistic situation diagrams that account for terrain and building height.
(1) Symbol Placement in 3D Space
Just like in 2D, teams and vehicles can be placed in a 3D city model. This makes it possible to design precise operational plans, such as positioning guards on rooftops or deploying vehicles along specific roadways.
(2) Terrain-Aware Activity Areas
Circular and sector-based activity zones can also be plotted in 3D, allowing users to visualize realistic ranges of influence while accounting for visibility obstructions and terrain variation.
4. Situation Transition Manager: Time-Based Animation
The true power of Dynamic Plotting lies in the Situation Transition Manager, which enables timeline-based movement and changes for plotted symbols—bringing response plans to life through animation.
(1) Types of Animations Supported
① Route Animation – Teams and vehicles move along predefined paths
②Show/Hide Animation – Symbols appear or disappear at specific times (e.g., reinforcement arrival)
③ Flashing & Property Animation – Warning symbols flash, and colors or shapes change based on evolving conditions
(2) Use Cases
With this feature, users can visually present coordinated plans such as:"Response Team A moves from Point A to Point B and arrives at 14:00. Meanwhile, Team B begins operations from Point C."
These animated timelines significantly improve clarity, reduce misunderstandings, and enhance coordination among all stakeholders.
Summary
In this final installment, we explored iDesktopX's 2D/3D Dynamic Plotting feature. By combining standardized situational symbols with time-based animation, users can create intuitive, easy-to-understand operational diagrams—even for highly complex scenarios.
This capability highlights an important role of GIS in fields that demand rapid situational awareness and decision-making, including disaster response, law enforcement, event security, and facility management.
This concludes the "5-Minute Guide to SuperMap iDesktopX" series. Across 25 episodes, we've showcased the powerful and diverse features of iDesktopX, and we hope this series has helped deepen your understanding of GIS.
Thank you very much for reading!
