Basic flight controls
- Last UpdatedOct 17, 2025
- 3 minute read
This section provides details on options available to fly through point cloud data. You can switch to any of these modes when viewing scan data.
Normal movement in the 3D window
This is the default flight mode when viewing 3D points. However, you may switch to steering mode at any time.
Rotate
Select the Rotate button shown below to set the flying to rotation mode.
Alternatively, hold down the Ctrl key while flying in translation mode. Rotation is achieved by moving the cursor within the 3D window while holding down any one of the three mouse buttons.
The following table displays the different actions that can be performed with each mouse button:
|
Mouse Button Operation |
Action |
|---|---|
|
LEFT BUTTON |
To rotate the 3D data along the vertical axis, drag the cursor horizontally (Changes the yaw.) |
|
MIDDLE BUTTON |
To rotate the 3D data along the horizontal axis, drag the cursor vertically (Changes the pitch.) |
|
RIGHT BUTTON |
To rotate the 3D data about the into-page axis, drag the cursor vertically (Changes the roll.) |
Translate
Select the Translate button shown below to set the flying to translation mode.
Alternatively, hold down the Ctrl key while flying in rotation mode. Translation is achieved by moving the cursor within the 3D window while holding down any one of the three mouse buttons.
The following table describes the different actions that can be performed with each mouse button:
|
Mouse Button Operation |
Action |
|---|---|
|
LEFT BUTTON |
To translate viewpoint along the horizontal axis, drag the cursor horizontally (Moves left / right) |
|
MIDDLE BUTTON |
To translate the viewpoint along the vertical axis, drag the cursor vertically (Moves up / down) |
|
RIGHT BUTTON |
To translate the viewpoint along the into-page axis, drag the cursor vertically (Moves forwards / backwards) |
The 3D flight control within Point Cloud Manager can be changed by setting the mouse mode in File > Options > View. For more details, see Server Home help.
Steering mode
This is the default flight mode when viewing HyperBubble data. However, you may switch to normal mode at any time.
Select the button shown below to set the flying to steering mode.
Movement is achieved by moving the cursor within the 3D window while holding down any one of the three mouse buttons.
The following table describes the different actions that can be performed with each mouse button:
|
Mouse Button Operation |
Action |
|---|---|
|
LEFT BUTTON |
To move the viewpoint forward, click and hold the left mouse button while moving the mouse forwards. After moving forward, if you hold the mouse stationary with the left button pressed down, movement will continue until you release the button. There is a minimum movement of the mouse that must be exceeded for the view to move at all. If you move the mouse left or right with the left button pressed down, the view rotates about the viewpoint in the corresponding direction. If you are already moving forward then a combined move and rotate will take place. |
|
MIDDLE BUTTON |
To translate the viewpoint along the vertical axis, drag the cursor vertically. (Moves up / down) |
|
RIGHT BUTTON |
To change the elevation, click and hold the right mouse button while moving the mouse back and forth. Use the space bar to level your view so that you are looking at the horizon. To pitch your view up and down, click the middle mouse button and hold it down while moving the mouse. If you then move forwards, the viewpoint moves in the x-y plane. Scroll the mouse wheel to move in the direction of the view. |