> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.jakarto.com/guide-jakartowns/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.jakarto.com/guide-jakartowns/en/creating-and-managing-inventories/creer-et-editer-des-entites.md). # Create and Edit Entities Interacting with 3D point clouds lets you extract precise 3D coordinates from the captured environment. That's why all of Jakartowns' inventory tools switch you between imagery and the point cloud. Inventories you create are automatically saved in your browser. They persist from one session to the next. They can be exported to compatible formats for use in other software, using the buttons available in the inventory table. Inventories can also be imported from external sources, to complete or update existing ones. The accepted import formats are described on the [inventory table](/guide-jakartowns/en/creating-and-managing-inventories/tableau-dinventaires.md#data-import) page. ## Switch between imagery and point cloud This tool lets you switch easily between panoramic imagery and point clouds, and back again. Once one of the tools below is active, this button lets you return to panoramic imagery to see the context of the element you're creating or editing. {% embed url="" %} ## Create entities ### Collect the coordinates of a point This button allows you to obtain the coordinates of a specific point. This feature is particularly useful for accumulating and tracking asset inventories, providing precise information about their location. {% embed url="" %} {% embed url="" %} Points can be moved within the point cloud to adjust their position (select the coordinate collection tool, then drag and drop the point icon). The coordinates are automatically updated in the inventory table. ### Annotations In the quick tools, similar to coordinate collection, you have the option to add annotations to 3D points. {% embed url="" %} {% embed url="" %} ### Measure distances It is possible to measure the distance between two points. This measurement can be done by selecting a start and end point, providing the precise distance between them. This information appears in the inventory table, allowing it to be tracked for future consultations. {% embed url="" %} {% embed url="" %} #### Vertical measurement at a fixed height By enabling the **Vertical line** option in the inventory table, enter the height you want the line to have. A single click is then enough to create a vertical measurement, with its height set to the value you just defined in the **Length** field (in meters). This feature is used to quickly represent an element whose height is already known (a pole, a standard streetlight, etc.) without having to precisely aim at its top in the point cloud. #### Horizontal and vertical constraints When creating or editing a measurement, you can apply constraints to keep the line perfectly horizontal or vertical. To do so, use the Ctrl and Shift keys. This is particularly useful for clearance measurements or to make sure elements are properly aligned. ### Create polylines It is also possible to create polylines, meaning lines made up of several segments connecting different points. This can be particularly useful for representing the boundaries of specific areas. {% embed url="" %} {% embed url="" %} #### Several polylines at once You can display several polylines at the same time, without having to hide one to work on another. Editing is done one line at a time — make sure to select it before editing it.
Several polylines displayed and edited at the same time
#### Edit an existing polyline Several actions are available to edit an existing polyline: * **Click** on a measurement to select it and edit it. * **Click** on a vertex of a selected measurement to move it. * **Click** on a segment of a selected measurement to subdivide it. * **Alt+click** on a vertex at either end of a selected measurement to extend it from that point. * **Right-click** to deselect the measurement being edited. A hint appears near the cursor to show, at all times, the action tied to what you're doing (starting a line, editing a vertex or segment, extending, snapping, applying a horizontal or vertical constraint, selecting or deselecting), to guide you as you work.
Extending a line or inserting a point in the middle of a segment
### Create polygons You can draw closed polygons directly in 3D, to represent areas (parks, maintenance zones, encroachments, etc.). For each polygon, Jakartowns calculates and displays side by side: * the **perimeter**; * the **(flat) area**, which ignores terrain slope; * the **(3D) area**, which follows the terrain's slope and therefore gives a surface area closer to the real terrain — it can be larger than the flat area on sloped ground. When importing a polygon, any holes are removed (only the outer boundary is kept) and multi-part polygons are automatically split into separate polygons; a message warns you when this simplification has been applied.
Polygon with perimeter, flat area, and 3D area displayed
### Insert a 3D model This tool lets you place a 3D model in the view, alongside the other inventory tools. This feature can be useful for representing an object whose actual shape isn't captured as-is by the point cloud (street furniture, vegetation, etc.). A model library is provided by default. It includes streetlights, flowers, utility poles, stop signs, benches, palm trees, as well as a simple generic cube. Once a model is placed in the 3D space, additional controls in the inventory table let you move, rotate, and resize it. You can also import your own model. Here's how: * accepted file combinations: `.gltf` (alone, or with `.bin`, or with `.bin` and `.png`), `.glb` (alone or with `.png`), or `.obj` + `.mtl` + a `.png`/`.jpg` texture from the same folder; * give your model a name and select the corresponding file(s); * check the **Model up axis is Z** option if your model was exported with that convention (rather than the more common Y axis). The imported model is then available in the drop-down list for the current session, alongside the default library models. ### Triangulate a point from a distance > \[!NOTE] This feature is only available if it has been enabled beforehand in the application settings. The triangulation tool lets you position a 3D point using only panoramic images, through triangulation techniques (casting rays from different viewpoints). This is the only feature that doesn't need access to the LiDAR point cloud to create 3D points. It's useful for retrieving the coordinates of an element that is very far away (and not captured by the point cloud) or poorly captured by the point cloud due to various obstacles. The principle: you aim at the same element from at least two different viewpoints; Jakartowns then calculates the 3D position of the point at the intersection of the sightlines. 1. Activate the triangulation tool. 2. From a first viewpoint, **right-click** on the element to position: a sightline is drawn in its direction. 3. Move to another viewpoint (marker, 2D map, or keyboard shortcut), then **right-click** again on the same element. 4. Repeat the operation from a third viewpoint if you like, to refine accuracy — the more the viewing angles differ, the more reliable the result. 5. Once at least two sightlines have been drawn, click the confirm button (✓) to save the point at the calculated intersection. It then appears in the inventory table like any other measurement. You can navigate normally in the panoramic view while the triangulation tool is active. ## Tips and tricks ### Snapping to existing points and lines (Snap) Holding down the **Alt** key while drawing or editing automatically snaps the cursor to points or lines already present in the inventory, with visual indicators to confirm the snap. This makes it easier to create networks of connected lines.
Automatic snapping to existing points and lines using the Alt key
> \[!NOTE] The colors and icons defined in the [symbology](/guide-jakartowns/en/creating-and-managing-inventories/tableau-dinventaires.md#symbology) also apply to polylines. ### Pausing an ongoing trace When creating a line, polyline, or polygon, you can pause the trace to navigate the panoramic view and adjust your position. To do this, click the **Pause** button in the toolbar. The trace is put on hold and you can move around freely. When you're ready to resume, click the button again. ### Creating Points in Series The series point creation feature streamlines the inventory collection process by making it easier to create multiple consecutive points with similar properties. {% embed url="" %} {% embed url="" %} Here's how to use batch creation: 1. Click the **Batch mode** checkbox in the point creation form 2. Fill in the **Name** field with the desired default value (for example, a P-Code like "PAC") 3. Begin entering your points 4. All new points created will automatically have the **Name** attribute filled with the defined default value This function is particularly useful for: * Users who use a specific code to identify the type of element being surveyed * Significantly speeding up the point creation process when inventorying multiple elements of the same type * Facilitating the import of points into external software such as AutoCAD Civil 3D When importing a point file (CSV, PNEZD) on external software like AutoCAD Civil 3D, points could be processed according to their description. This approach allows you to: * Save a lot of time when importing data * Automatically organize points according to their characteristics * Facilitate subsequent management of imported inventories This mechanism is particularly effective for large-scale projects requiring the import of numerous inventory points.