Using the Viewpoint window

The Viewpoint window enables you to change the order of multiple overlapping images in an image service to view a location from different angles or viewpoints. This is a useful feature when you are working with large-scale imagery in urban built-up areas where large buildings can cause blind spots on the ground, since this functionality lets you see buildings from various angles. By using the Viewpoint window, you can shift the obstructing entity in the image and see the terrain entities. You can also see all sides of buildings, which can be useful in a range of applications, such as civil defense.

The Viewpoint window can be used in image services with overlapping images where the Closest To Viewpoint mosaic method has been enabled by the administrator of the image service.

1. Add the Viewpoint tool to a toolbar.
   1. Click Customize on the Main menu and click Customize Mode.
   2. Click the Commands tab.
   3. Click Image Server in the Categories list.
   4. Drag and drop the Viewpoint command onto a toolbar.
   5. Click Close to close the dialog box.
2. Add an image service in ArcMap.
3. Enable the mosaic method.
   1. Right-click the image service layer and click Properties.
   2. Click the Mosaic tab.
   3. Click the Mosaic Method drop-down arrow and click Closest to Viewpoint.
   4. Click OK to close the dialog box.
4. Click the Viewpoint button to open the Viewpoint window.

   

5. Click the Image Server Layer drop-down arrow and choose the image service.
6. Zoom in to an area in the image service where you can see the features clearly, such as individual buildings.
7. Click the Centerpoint button on the Viewpoint window.

   The autocalculated center point x- and y-coordinates of the area of interest are displayed on the dialog box. You can type your own values to replace the autocalculated values. This will enable you to change the center point.

8. Click any of the arrow buttons to change the coordinates in the specified direction.
9. Click Apply.

   You will notice the change in the viewpoint of the image service from the selected direction. If you do not notice a change in the viewpoint, the raster for the particular view is not available or you may need to zoom in farther to be sure the overlapping source images are being displayed.