VistaFX 101

The following is a quick peek at some of the basic features of Visual Statement’s “VistaFX” screen and features (Aug05).

You will find the main screen easy to maneuver around, and its toolbars and ‘live’ symbol properties dialog, simple to navigate.

See below is VistaFX’s main start up screen.

With important, pull-down menu choices along it’s very top … toolbars, object library for various software purposes, ‘live’ properties dialog box appearing at the bottom center, and an additional Scene properties box located in the bottom right … it is a simple, ‘straight forward’ and very “friendly” screen entry that is preferred by an increasing number of Forensic Mapping Specialists.

The Library of Symbols is always open on the left, vertical portion of the screen.

Like no other public safety software available (Aug05), all symbols as they relate to Crashes and Crime Scenes of any magnitude, are “3D” ready, as well as able to be presented in user defined ‘color’ and ready for scene analysis and presentation using professional quality ANIMATION! 

Even a documented coordinate/symbol’s ‘Z’-component (its height above the ground) can be addressed, as measured by the electronic theodolite.

Particular surface features can be User modified as well.  Asphalt, new asphalt, gravel, grass, dirt, even ‘water’ properties can be quickly added accurately to your final scale diagram, based on your understanding of  the scene features.

A tour of the ‘Object Library’ reveals a tab just for Collision investigations … note here the ability to draw upon a library of EXACT VEHICLES ready, for full 3D animation!

Nothing is lost to the Criminal Investigation of an incident either. Structures can be created easily from hand-measurements, or “smart walls” can be literally ‘snapped’ to existing LINES diagrammed by the theodolite!  Actual moving human figures can be incorporated into your ANIMATED 2D or 3D scene analysis, including bullet trajectories and Library body shapes of individuals with guns in their hands!

Railway train incidences can also be documented and ANIMATED.

For those unique Marine or water related incidences, including the use of a  theodolite, ANIMATED scenes can be produced.   Fire / Arson investigations can studied and training coordinated or created from illustrations or ANIMATIONS created using a theodolite or hand measurements.  Even LIVE FIRE (shooting flames, an exclusive feature!) can be produced from viable physical evidence, an exclusive feature of this software, shown here:

Here is what the top toolbar looks like:

Here is what the bottom ‘properties’ dialog box looks like:

With the Yellow vehicle shape selected, here is example of the bottom ‘properties’ dialog box.  Specific vehicle measurements are noted here too.

With the Yellow vehicle shape highlighted, an additional Properties dropdown is seen to the screens bottom left:

If you were dealing with a vehicles’ motion analysis, from physical evidence, the added bottom dialog box is seen at screen bottom:

If TEXT has been added to your scale diagram, it too has certain features that you can change.  Notably, it can appear ‘flat’ as with most 2D scenes, however you have the option of ‘standing’ any text for a different viewing effect when using the 3D Animation scene modeler.

Question-  “…if I use a theolodite for documenting a scene, what kind of report does it provide?”  

Seen here is a simple diagram before LINES are connected.  Once the User picks the ‘Measurements’ tab, the below info appears (including, for this example, the option of displaying the RP1 position with the baseline x, y axis, seen on the diagram itself):

Additionally, by R-clicking any where’s within the database area, the below dialog appears for further properties control.

 << more info to be offered soon >>

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