|
FAQs |  |
Frequently Asked Questions
|
|
|
|
| System Requirements: | (back to top) |
Internet Browser:
The system requirements for TerraExplorer Plugin are:
Operating System - Windows 95/98/NT/2000/Me/XP,
System Memory - 256MB RAM (512MB or more recommended)
Video Card - 64MB of memory (128MB or more recommended)
Internet Connection - Broadband connection recommended.
|
|
|
|
| General Comments: | (back to top) |
Most TerraExplorer problems are associated with improper system configurations,
outdated video card drivers, slow Internet connections and running the
application in "full screen" mode.
Video Cards - TerraExplorer runs best with at
least 64mb of Video Memory and the latest drivers from your Video Card
vendor. If you have limited memory its best to change your display settings
in the Windows Control Panel to 1024 x 768 mode, but not less then 16 bit
color.
Slow Internet Connections - Skyline's TerraExplorer
fly-through capability works with slow Internet connection, however
response time and image quality are significantly improved with a high-speed
connection such as T1 lines, Cable Modem or DSL.
Full Screen Mode - If TerraExplorer is responding
slowly, or the terrain is always fuzzy, try shrinking the application
window. This will put less strain on the data streaming and should improve
the experience.
|
|
|
|
| Video Card Problems: | (back to top) |
Question: Do I have to update my video drivers to use TerraExplorer?
Answer: Updating your drivers periodically ensures optimal performance from your computer. In most cases Installing TerraExplorer will not necessitate updating your video drivers. Cards with outdated drivers could receive one of the following errors.
- DirectX error messages ("cannot initialize DirectX", "try reinstalling and restarting the application");
- DirectDraw and Ddraw.dll error messages
("DirectDrawError: E_NOINTERFACE", "Error starting program:
A required .DLL file, DDraw.dll, was not found", "Direct draw error: DDERR_INVALIDPIXELFormat");
Question: I have a 32MB video card. Is it enough to run TerraExplorer, or should upgrade to a 64MB video card?
Answer: You can run TerraExplorer with 32MB of video memory but we recommend you set the monitor resolution to 1024x768, the display to 16-bit color. With 64MB of video memory or more, TerraExplorer performance will increase significantly.
Known video card limitations:
Make sure that you have the latest driver for your video card. If you are experiencing frequent crashes make sure that hardware acceleration is turned off under: Main Menu>View>Options…
Download and install updated video drivers for your card from http://www.3dfx.com/. We also recommend that you adjust the display settings to 16 bit color.
Various ATI video cards
ATI Range 128 Pro on Windows 2000 causes problems with labels within TerraExplorer. Download and install updated video drivers for your card from http://www.ati.com/. If this problem persists turn off hardware acceleration.
Dell STB NVIDIA ZX
Download and install updated video drivers for your card from http://www.support.dell.com/.
|
|
|
|
| Direct X: | (back to top) |
Question: When trying to run or install TerraExplorer, I'm receiving DDraw.dll error messages including: "A required .DLL file, DDraw.dll, was not found." Indeed, the file is not in my Hard Disk.
Answer: Check to confirm the file "DDraw.dll" is indeed missing from your computer. Try one of the following solutions to either update the file or correct a corrupted file.
A) Reinstall DirectX and restart your computer
B) update DirectX to the latest version.
Still having problems, try updating your video card driver.
|
|
|
|
| Fuzzy Terrain (slow Internet connection): | (back to top) |
Question: I downloaded and installed TerraExplorer and everything seems to work, but when flying the terrain looks fuzzy and I can't see any details. Why?
Answer: You probably have a very slow connection to the Internet. Try one of the following solutions.
A.) Try flying slower in TerraExplorer and let the terrain data "catch up" with you. Stop at a particular location and wait to see if the terrain sharpens.
B.) Reduce the size of the TerraExplorer application window so less data is transferred to you.
C.) Check your connection speed, anything below 40 Kbps may be unsatisfactory for flying. You can check your connection speed at the following web site:
http://www.bandwidthplace.com/speedtest
|
|
|
|
| Problems Loading Terrain: | (back to top) |
Question: After having successfully downloaded
and installed TerraExplorer, I tried loading a 3d tour, and received one
of the following error messages:
A) Terra explorer cannot load terrain data. A connection with the
server could not be established.
B) Terra Error:
C) MPT error: CAN'T OPEN MPT FILE
D) TerraExplorer error: File not found
Answer: When opening a TerraExplorer file, you
open a connection with the Skyline TerraGate server, where the 3D map
is stored. These error messages indicate our servers may be temporarily
down or unavailable. Please wait a while and try again.
Question: When starting TerraExplorer and "Loading"
is in process, the program seems to stop for a long time with no error
messages and the 3D tour never loads. What's wrong?
Answer: The problem can be caused by a slow connection,
Verify that your connection speed is adequate (see slow
connection)
|
|
|
|
| What is SkylineGlobe: | (back to top) |
SkylineGlobe by Skyline Software Systems is a customizable and expandable 3D web-portal. It lets you freely navigate a 3D environment rich with street level detail, fully textured 3D cities, information layers and much more. You can choose from a long list of tools to personalize the functionality and information you want. SkylineGlobe offers a turn-key solution for businesses to add their targeted content and tools thus providing their clients with a customized fully accessible solution. SkylineGlobe comes complete with a US imagery database, streets and a long list of tools featuring custom functionality and information.
|
|
|
|
| Technical Support:support@skylinesoft.com | (back to top) |
If you can't find any solution to your problem here, contact our technical support department at support@skylinesoft.com. Please include a complete description of your system configuration and a detailed message of the TerraExplorer related problem you are experiencing.
