Interactive Maps

Purpose and Functionality:

The Interactive Maps module is a critical component of the BluSKY security platform, designed to provide a visual representation of a facility's security devices and events. It allows users to monitor and manage security devices, view live camera feeds, review event timelines, and control device states within an interactive floorplan interface.

Target Audience:

This module is intended for security personnel, facility managers, and system administrators responsible for the ongoing management and monitoring of building security within the BluSKY platform.

Accessing the Module:

To access the Interactive Maps module, select the icon from the 'Favorites' menu on the home screen or choose it from the 'Control' menu. The module will display the last accessed floorplan or default to the user's primary building if no recent activity is detected.

Prerequisites:

Users should have the appropriate permissions set to view and interact with the Interactive Maps module. Ensure that your system, facility, and device data are up-to-date within BluSKY for accurate representation on the maps.

Layout Overview:

The Interactive Maps interface features a central map area, left-side device and floor navigation, and a right-side control and event review sidebar. The map area displays device icons with color-coded statuses, while the sidebar offers tabs for alarms, events, and devices.
 

Feature List:

• Real-time and historical event timeline
• Device status indicators
• Live camera feeds
• Universal Device Control (UDC) for individual and associated devices
• Map view customization and editing tools

Feature Descriptions:

Each feature is designed to streamline facility monitoring and incident response. Device icons on the map can be interacted with to control and manage devices, while the timeline allows for the review of past and present events.

Step-by-Step Guides:

Using the Left Navigation Tree in BluSKY Interactive Maps

Overview

The Left Navigation Tree in the BluSKY Interactive Maps module is a hierarchical interface that allows users to navigate through facilities, floors, and devices to manage and monitor a building's security system effectively.

Interface Description

The Left Navigation Tree consists of expandable sections that represent different groupings such as systems, facilities, floors, and devices.

• Groups: Organizes devices by groups (e.g., security, HVAC).
• Systems: Lists all systems integrated within BluSKY (e.g., access control, video surveillance).
• Facilities: Displays buildings or properties managed within BluSKY.
• Floors: Shows all levels within the selected facility, allowing you to drill down to specific areas.
• Devices: Under each floor, devices are categorized and listed for easy navigation.

Interacting with the Tree

Expanding and Collapsing Categories

• Click the 'Twisty' icon next to a category to expand or collapse the list.
• Expanding a category reveals subcategories or individual items, such as floors or devices.

Selecting a Facility or Floor

• Click on a facility to view all associated floors and devices in the main Interactive Maps view.
• Drag a floor from the Left Navigation Tree onto the Interactive Maps stage to load that specific floor plan.

Viewing and Managing Devices

• Expand a floor to see categories of devices (e.g., cameras, doors).
• The number next to each category indicates the quantity of devices.
• Expand a device category to list individual devices.
• Devices can be selected for detailed management or dragged onto the Interactive Maps if in edit mode.

Best Practices

• Regularly update device listings to reflect any changes in your facility’s layout or device inventory.
• Utilize the search functionality within the Left Navigation Tree to quickly locate specific devices.
• Familiarize yourself with the organization of devices within the tree to streamline your monitoring and management tasks.

Overview

The Main Interactive Maps section of the BluSKY platform is a dynamic and interactive feature that enables users to visualize and control security devices within a facility. It provides a graphical layout of each floor, detailing the placement and status of security components.

Interface Description:

The Main Interactive Maps section is the focal point of the module, displaying a detailed and scalable floor plan of the selected facility.

• Floor Plan: A visual layout of the selected building floor, including walls, doors, and other architectural features.
• Device Icons: Representations of security devices, such as cameras, alarms, and access points, positioned accurately on the floor plan.
• Status Indicators: Color-coded icons indicating the operational status of each device (e.g., green for normal, red for alarm or offline).

Navigating and Viewing Floor Plans

• Use the dropdown menu in the upper left corner of the Interactive Maps section to select different floors within the facility.
• Zoom in or out for a more detailed view or a broader overview using the zoom controls.

Editing the Map

• Access edit mode by selecting the edit icon from the top toolbar to add or adjust device icons on the floor plan.
• In edit mode, you can drag devices from the left navigation tree onto the map, positioning them as needed.
• Device icons can be fine-tuned using directional arrows and rotation options available in edit mode.
• Save any changes to the floor plan layout by clicking the save icon.

Customizing Map View

• Toggle between different map icon views using the view control icon, choosing from a stacked view, an overlay view, or hiding icons.
• Adjust the map's opacity using the opacity control to ensure device icons are easily visible over the floor plan.
• Set the north orientation for the map using the compass icon, and apply this orientation across all maps for consistency.

Best Practices

• Regularly verify and update the floor plan and device positions to reflect any changes in the physical layout.
• Use the status indicators to promptly address any devices that may require attention.
• Utilize the zoom and customization features to adapt the map view to your needs for effective monitoring.

Overview

The Events Timeline in BluSKY's Interactive Maps is a tool designed to provide users with chronological visualization and management of security-related events within their facilities.

Accessing the Events Timeline

1. Open BluSKY by logging in with your user credentials.
2. Navigate to the Interactive Maps module by selecting it from the 'Favorites' or 'Control' menu on the home screen.
3. The Events Timeline is located at the bottom of the Interactive Maps interface.

Interface Description

The Events Timeline is a horizontal bar that spans the bottom of the Interactive Maps screen, displaying events as colored flags or markers that correspond to their occurrence in time.

• Timeline Bar: Shows a linear representation of time, with the ability to scroll backward and forward to review past and current events.
• Event Flags: Visual indicators on the timeline bar that represent individual events. Their colors and shapes may denote the type and priority of the event.
• Expand/Collapse Arrow: A button to extend or minimize the Events Timeline for a more detailed view or to free up screen space.
• Time Blocks: Segments on the timeline that group events within defined periods.

Interacting with the Events Timeline

Viewing Events

• Click the expand arrow to open the Events Timeline fully.
• Scroll along the timeline to view different time periods and the events that occurred within them.

Filtering Events

1. Open the Events filter to specify criteria for the events you wish to see, such as time zone, historical or real-time events, and event categories.
2. Use the Select All/Unselect All toggle to quickly adjust which events are displayed.
3. Apply the filter settings to update the timeline with your specified criteria.

Selecting Time and Date

• Click the calendar icon to choose a specific date and time to view on the timeline.
• Adjust the time blocks to focus on particular periods during the selected day.

Custom Time Blocks

1. Create custom time blocks for personalized event review by clicking the plus sign.
2. Name the time block and define its start and end times.
3. Once created, select the custom time block to adjust the timeline view accordingly.

Investigating Events

• Hover over an event flag to see a brief description or metadata.
• Click on an event to view it in detail within the Interactive Maps interface.
• Double-click on an event to send it to the right sidebar under the Events tab for further analysis.

Timeline Navigation and Zoom

• Use the zoom control to adjust the visible time span on the timeline, ranging from minutes to hours.
• Navigate through time using the arrow buttons, with the option to reset the timeline to the current moment.

Best Practices

• Regularly review the Events Timeline to stay updated on security matters.
• Utilize the filtering options to streamline the events display according to your operational focus.
• Investigate events promptly for timely responses to security incidents.

Overview

The Right Sidebar in BluSKY's Interactive Maps is a dedicated area for detailed monitoring and control of security events, alarms, and devices. It offers users the ability to investigate and manage various security components without obstructing the main interactive map view.

Accessing the Right Sidebar

Upon entering the Interactive Maps module in BluSKY:

1. Locate the Right Sidebar: It's positioned on the right edge of the Interactive Maps interface.
2. Understand the Tabs: There are three primary tabs labeled 'Alarms', 'Events', and 'Devices' that you can navigate between.

Not specified within the provided information.

Interface Description

Each tab within the Right Sidebar serves a specific function:

• Alarms Tab: Automatically populates with live alarms from the system, facilities, or specific floors.
• Events Tab: Displays events that have been selected from the Events Timeline for further action or review.
• Devices Tab: Shows details and controls for devices selected either from the map or the Left Navigation Tree.

Interacting with the Right Sidebar

Managing Alarms

1. Filtering Alarms: Choose to display alarms from the entire system, a particular facility, or just the floor plan currently in view using the filter icons within the Alarms tab.
2. Viewing Alarm Details: Click on an alarm to expand its details and access control options.

Reviewing Events

1. Selecting Events: Bring events from the Events Timeline into the sidebar by double-clicking on them.
2. Investigating Events: Up to 50 events can be examined in the sidebar. Click on an event to see detailed information and related video or device controls.

Controlling Devices

1. Accessing Device Controls: Devices can be added to the sidebar by double-clicking their icons on the map or selecting them in the Left Navigation Tree and using the arrow button.

Using Universal Device Control: Each device in the sidebar has a UDC interface that allows for full control and monitoring.

Best Practices

• Regularly utilize the Right Sidebar to keep the main map view clear for ongoing monitoring and situational awareness.
• Make use of the filtering capabilities in the Alarms tab to focus on the most relevant security information.
• Use the Events tab for in-depth examination of security incidents without losing sight of the live map.

Use Case Scenarios:

• Monitoring door access and releasing locks in case of an emergency.
• Reviewing camera footage following a security alert.
• Adjusting device configurations to respond to changing security needs.

Administrative Functions:

Administrators can enter edit mode to add or adjust device icons on the map, tailor the map view, and save layout changes.

Configuration Options:

Admins can also configure the visibility of devices by category, adjust map opacity, and set the north direction for consistency across maps.

Integration with Other Modules:

Interactive Maps work in tandem with other BluSKY modules like Alarms and Camera Management for a cohesive security operation.

External Integrations:

The module can integrate with third-party camera systems to provide live video feeds within the platform.

Common Issues and Solutions:

If a device does not appear on the map, verify its inclusion in the left-side navigation tree and ensure it's placed on the correct floorplan.

Support Resources:

For additional support, contact BluSKY customer service or consult the online forums.

Security Features:

The module enforces strict permissions for user access and control, ensuring secure management of facility security.

Compliance Information:

Interactive Maps adhere to industry standards for data security and privacy.

Glossary:

UDC - Universal Device Control

Providing Feedback:

Users are encouraged to provide feedback through the customer support channels or the feedback option within the BluSKY platform.