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HyperCities is a collaborative research and educational platform for traveling back in time to explore the historical layers of city spaces in an interactive, hypermedia environment.
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About HyperCities
Built on the idea that every past is a place, HyperCities is a digital research and educational platform for exploring, learning about, and interacting with the layered histories of city and global spaces. Developed though collaboration between UCLA and USC, the fundamental idea behind HyperCities is that all stories take place somewhere and sometime; they become meaningful when they interact and intersect with other stories. Using Google Maps and Google Earth, HyperCities essentially allows users to go back in time to create and explore the historical layers of city spaces in an interactive, hypermedia environment.
A HyperCity is a real city overlaid with a rich array of geo-temporal information, ranging from urban cartographies and media representations to family genealogies and the stories of the people and diverse communities who live and lived there. We are currently developing content for: Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Rome, Lima, Ollantaytambo, Berlin, Tel Aviv, Tehran, Saigon, Toyko, Shanghai, Seoul, with many more (big and small) to come.
The project asks a seemingly simple—but deeply fraught and often contested—question that is fundamental to identity: Where are you from? The answers, of course, are far from simple or straightforward.
As a globally-oriented platform that reaches deeply into archival collections and aggregates a wide range of media content (including broadcast news, photograph archives, 3D reconstructions, user-created maps, oral histories, GIS data, and community stories), HyperCities not only transforms how digital information is produced, stored, retrieved, and shared but also transforms how human beings interact with media and how we experience places. Born out of Web 2.0 social technologies, HyperCities represents a new digital media environment that links together cultures, languages, generations, and knowledge communities, mobilizing an array of technologies (from GPS-enabled cell phones to GIS mapping tools and geo-temporal databases) to pioneer a truly participatory, open-ended learning ecology grounded in real places and real times.
By connecting digital archives, maps, and stories with the physical world, HyperCities aims to become the first media platform for supporting the revolution of Web 3.0, the birth of the geo-temporal human web.
Hypercities maps can be navigated using both a mouse and/or keyboard. Functions in 2D mode (Map, Satellite, Hybrid, & Terrain modes) include zooming in/out, moving up/down/left/right, and resetting the view. Functions in 3D mode (GoogleEarth mode) include zooming in/out, moving up/down/left/right, tilting camera angle, turn camera direction, and resetting the view. Map views can be changed using the controls overlaid on the upper left corner of the map or by using the following mouse/keyboard functions:
| Functions | Mouse | Keyboard |
|---|---|---|
| Zoom In | Scroll Wheel Down or Double Left Click | ( + ) |
| Zoom Out | Scroll Wheel Up or Double Right Click | ( - ) |
| Move Up | Hold Left Mouse Button + Drag Down | ( ↑ ) |
| Move Down | Hold Left Mouse Button + Drag Up | ( ↓ ) |
| Move Right | Hold Left Mouse Button + Drag Left | ( → ) |
| Move Left | Hold Left Mouse Button + Drag Right | ( ← ) |
| Additional 3D Mode Functions | ||
| Tilt Camera Angle Up/Down | Hold Middle Mouse Button + Drag Down/Up | Hold (SHIFT) + ( ↑/↓ ) |
| Turn Camera Direction Right/Left | Hold Middle Mouse Button + Drag Left/Right | Hold (SHIFT) + ( ←/→ ) |
Search Locations
To search for a location or address, click on the green "SEARCH" tab located at the upper right of the Hypercities interface. To use the search function, type the location or address of interest in the search bar and click "GO" or press "Enter." The map view will shift to the queried location and a pinpoint will be placed at the location that was searched. This pinpoint will remain on the map, even when an object is created, however it will not be part of the object.
Change Map Modes
Hypercities allows you to change between several different map modes by selecting the mode of interest from the drop-down menu located at the upper right corner of the map.
2D Map Modes
Satellite - Satellite imagery
Map - Stylized street maps
Hybrid - Street names and borders superimposed on satellite imagery
Terrain - Street names and borders superimposed on terrain maps
Google Earth (3D) Mode
Google Earth (3D) mode can be selected from the same drop-down box as the other map modes. In order to use Google Earth mode, a Google Earth plugin must first be downloaded and installed.
In Google Earth mode, users are able to change camera tilt angle, change directional orientation of the map, and also view 3D buildings and models.
Enable 3D Models & Buildings
To enable 3D models and buildings from the WORLD tab of the Hypercities interface, check the box labeled "3D Buildings" on the right side of the Hypercities interface.
To enable 3D models while viewing a collection in Narrative Mode, click the "Options" link located towards the upper right corner of the narrative column. An options menu will appear with the option to turn 3D buildings on.
View a Collection
Once you've found the collection of interest, you can view that collection in Narrative Mode. To open the collection in narrative, click on the icon of the "Book" located to the right of the Collection name. Once in narrative mode, sub-collections (indicated by an arrow in a grey box to the right of the collection name) could be opened from Narrative Mode by click on the grey arrow to the right of the collection name.
After opening a collection in Narrative Mode, you can navigate the objects in the collection in order by clicking the "Next" or "Prev" links at the top of the column. To jump to a particular object of interest, locate the object in the column and click on the object box.
To close a collection, click on the "X" button at the top-right of the Narrative column.
Login
Logging in is required to add collections and objects to Hypercities. To log in, click the red tab labeled "LOGIN" at the upper right corner of the Hypercities interface. A pop-up screen will appear with login options. You are able to log in to Hypercities using pre-existing accounts from any of the providers given on the screen. Note: Logging in from different providers will act as different accounts on Hypercities.
Preparing/Obtaining Files for HyperCities Use
KML Files
Obtain a KML File from Google MyMaps
To obtain a KML file from your personal Google MyMaps account, first make sure you are logged onto your Google account. Once in the Google Maps webpage, click on the My Places button (highlighted in the screenshot) to list all the maps you have worked on. Next, select the map you would like to obtain by simply clicking on it. To download the KML file, click on the blue KML button (highlighted in the screenshot). The KML file should automatically download, and you may be asked to choose a destination to save it to.
Obtain a Network Link from Google MyMaps
To obtain a KML file from your personal Google MyMaps account, first make sure you are logged onto your Google account. Once in the Google Maps webpage, click on the My Places button (highlighted in the screenshot) to list all the maps you have worked on. Next, select the map you would like to obtain by simply clicking on it. To obtain KML network link, right click on the Network Link button (highlighted in the screenshot). Select copy link address from the drop-down menu. The KML network link should now be copied to your clipboard.
Export a KML Collection from HyperCities
To export a HyperCities collection as a KML, start by opening the collection in Narrative Mode. Once in narrative mode, click the link labeled "Link" at the top-right of the Narrative bar. Two links will be provided; right-click the link of interest and "save as" to download the KML file.
Edit KML Files
- Brief guide on KML code
3D Models
Obtain a KMZ File for a 3D Model from Google 3D Warehouse
If a 3D Model is available for download on Google 3D Warehouse, there will be a "Download" button on the model page. Clicking this button will provide links to different formats of the file such as .SKP, .KMZ, or .ZIP. Click on these links to download the desired format. (Only KMZ files are supported on HyperCities)
Obtain a URL to a 3D Model on Google 3D Warehouse
If a 3D Model is available for use on Google 3D Warehouse, there will be a "Download" button on the model page. Clicking this button will provide links to different formats of the file such as .SKP, .KMZ, or .ZIP. Right-click the .KMZ file and "Copy Link Address" to obtain the URL to the 3D Model.
Map Services
Preparing a Map Service for use on HyperCities
- CONSULT WITH RYAN?????
Adding to Hypercities
Add a Collection
To add a collection, start by clicking the ( + ) icon on the upper left corner. This will present a drop-down menu of various items you can add. Select the COLLECTION icon (shown as a FOLDER) at the very bottom of the drop-down menu.
A panel will pop up on the right side of the window asking you to input information for your new collection. You will need to give your collection a title. Your username will automatically be inputted as the author, however, you may change this if you wish. There will also be an option to give the collection you just created a description.
To save your collection, simply click on the save button on the bottom right corner. Your new collection will automatically be saved to "My Collections" by default. If you would like to also save this new collection to another collection (for example, your professor may request that you save it into a collection for the class) simply click on the the drop-down menu next to BELONGS TO and search for the collection of interest.
Add Objects
All objects added in HyperCities are bound to a set base map, narrative, and map view determined by its creator. Objects that can be added in Hypercities include pinpoints, lines, polygons, and KML Files. Every object is stored within a Collection.
Before adding an object, make sure you have selected your desired map mode (i.e. satellite, map, hybrid, terrain, earth), found your location, and set your appropriate zoom level.
Add a Pinpoint
To add a pinpoint, click the ( + ) icon on the upper left corner. This will present a drop-down menu of various items. Select the push-pin icon, then drop the pin-point on the location of interest by left-clicking it on the map.
Add a Path
To add a path, click the ( + ) icon on the upper left corner. This will present a drop-down menu of various items. Select the paths icon, then left-click onto the map where the beginning of the path will be. Continue to left-click on the map to set the next point in the path (A minimum of 2 points are required to make a line/path). Once the desired path is complete, click on any part of the already drawn path to finish the object.
Add a Polygon
To add a polygon, click the ( + ) icon on the upper left corner. This will present a drop-down menu of various items. Select the polygon icon, then left-click onto the map where one of the corners of the polygon will be. Continue to left-click on the map to set the next corner-point in the polygon (A minimum of 3 points are required to make a polygon). Once the desired polygon is complete, click on any part of the already drawn shape to finish the object.
Add a KML File
To add a KML file, click the ( + ) icon on the upper left corner. This will present a drop-down menu of various items. Select the KML icon. A panel will appear on the right side (as shown in the screenshot). You will be presented with two options for adding a KML file.
Upload a KML File
To upload a KML, click the "Upload File" button to find and select the KML file of interest. Once selected, the KML file will be uploaded. When uploading is complete, the option to "Preview" or "Delete" the KML will appear. Click "Preview" to check if the KML displays correctly. Once the desired collection to be saved in is selected, click "Save" to finalize the upload.
Make a KML Network Link
To make a KML Network Link, Paste the URL of the KML network link into the "URL" Line. Once the URL has been inputted, click "Preview" to check if the KML displays correctly. Once the desired collection to be saved in is selected, click "Save" to finalize the upload.
Add a 3D Model
To add a geographically referenced 3D Model, click the ( + ) icon on the upper left corner. This will present a drop-down menu of various items. Select the KML icon. A panel will appear on the right side (as shown in the screenshot). You will be presented with two options for adding a KML file, KMZ files for 3D models can also be added here.
Upload a KMZ File
To upload a KMZ, click the "Upload File" button to find and select the KMZ file of interest. Once selected, the KMZ file will be uploaded. When uploading is complete, the option to "Preview" or "Delete" the 3D Model will appear. Click "Preview" to check if the model displays correctly. Once the desired collection to be saved in is selected, click "Save" to finalize the upload.
Make a KMZ Network Link
To make a KMZ Network Link, Paste the URL of the KMZ network link into the "URL" Line. Once the URL has been inputted, click "Preview" to check if the 3D model displays correctly. Once the desired collection to be saved in is selected, click "Save" to finalize the upload.
Add a Map Service
- HELP, RYAN!
Edit Objects and Narratives
Edit Narratives
The option to create and edit narratives appear once an object has been created. Narratives can also be edited after an object has been saved by opening the the collection in which the object is saved and collapsing the narrative. Once collapsed an "edit" icon (pencil icon) will appear to the right of each object, click on this icon to open the editing menu.
Narratives can be edited through two modes, "Rich Text" (Default editing mode) and HTML. HTML editing mode can be accessed by clicking the left-most button in the editing menu. Switching between modes of editing in the process of creating a narrative is possible.
Add an Image
To add an image to your object, start in the editing mode. Next, be sure to click and place your mouse cursor where you wish for your image to be added. Click on the "insert/upload image" icon (highlighted in green in the screenshot. You will be given two options for adding images.
Insert an Image via Direct URL Link
To insert an image via a direct URL link, paste the direct URL to the image in the URL link and click "insert image". (The link image will work on HyperCities as long as the direct URL is functional)
Upload an Image from Hard Drive
To upload the image from your hard drive, click on "upload image" and select the desired image from your hard drive. The image will automatically be uploaded and inserted. The image will be uploaded and hosted on HyperCities.
Make Blinking Text
Text can be made to "blink" through the HTML editing mode. By placing <blink> in front of the desired text and </blink> after the desired text, all text in between these tags will blink.
Create an Image-Map
Image maps can be used as a form of navigation for HyperCities collections. To create an image-map, an image must first be created with "buttons" or "objects" in the image that can serve as clicking points for links. Once the image is created, it must be hosted and an image map can be written in HTML. A guide to creating HTML image maps can be found here: Image Map Guide.
Image map HTML codes can also be easily generated for free through www.image-maps.com
Set Base Map
To set the base map of an object, edit the object of interest and click the "Select Base Map" menu shown as the icon of continents of America (2nd Icon from the left). On this menu, a list will be generated of the maps that are available in the map view that is currently set. Clicking on the desired map will add it to the object and it will also display in the map view. Multiple base maps can be set in each object.
To set the opacity of the map, click the downward arrow to the right of the added map and use the opacity slider to change the transparency.
To remove the map from the object, click the downward arrow to the right of the added map and select "Remove This Map."
Hide Map Marker
Every object added to a collection is designated by a marker on the map that was placed when creating the object. These markers can be a pinpoint, line, or polygon that appears on the map; these markers can be hidden if desired.
To hide the marker, edit the object of interest and select the "Advanced Settings" menu shown as the pencil icon. To hide the marker for that particular object, check the check-box. Save the object to finalize the edit.
To share an object, start by opening the object in edit mode. Click on the "privilege setting" icon. Enter the email of the co-author you wish to add, then press enter on the keyboard to finalize the task. You should now see the co-author's e-mail appear in the list of authors.
To share an entire collection, start by opening the collection of interest in narrative view. Next, click on the edit icon. Once inside the collection edit view, click on the "privilege setting" icon. Enter the email of the co-author you wish to add and be sure to check the box to "share all objects..." Press enter on the keyboard to finalize the task. You should now see the co-author's e-mail appear in the list of authors.
