Nodes, and the lines that connect them, are used to path end-users from their starting location to their final destination. In order for users to be led to or through a node, the nodes must be connected by a path.
Node Types
The below image illustrates the different types of nodes:
Yellow nodes are entrance nodes where both the node and the polygon have the same location attached.
Red nodes are entrance nodes where both the node and the polygon do not have a location attached.
Green nodes shows the node you have currently selected, regardless of what mapping tool you are in.
White nodes are regular nodes which help connect the path between nodes. White nodes with a blue pin marker have a location attached to them, but are not associated with a polygon and therefore are not entrance nodes.
Entrance Nodes
Entrance nodes are nodes that are attached to a specific polygon which also associates its information with the node. Entrance nodes are represented on the map by slightly larger nodes with a green infill. Entrance nodes can be created two ways, either by creating a new entrance node or converting an existing node to an entrance.
To create a new entrance node:
Using the Draw Tool (E), select the Path Layer from the dropdown.
Hold CTRL and right-click to create an entrance node.
To convert an existing node:
Using the Draw Tool (E), select the Path Layer from the dropdown.
Right-click to select the node you would like to convert.
With the node selected, hold CTRL + ALT and right-click on the polygon you wish to join the node to.
Creating and Editing Nodes
Once the structural shape of the map is complete, you can begin creating nodes and paths. To start, make sure you have the ’Path’ layer selected from the drop-down layer menu, and you are in Draw mode (E).
To create a node, right-click where you would like to place the node on the map. You will notice that the newly created node will have a blue highlight around it.
To create another node attached to the last node created right-click where you want to place the new node. Ensure your first node is still selected (highlighted in green) and the two nodes will automatically connect with a path.
To create a new node that is not attached to the last node created, left-click anywhere off the map to clear your node selection and then right-click where you want to place the new node. CTRL + D also works.
To connect two nodes that already exist with a path, left-click on the first node and then right-click on the other node.
To create a one-way path that will path users in only one direction, right-click on an existing path. Arrows will appear showing which direction the path is going. Continue to right-click to change direction and to revert to an unrestricted path right-click a third time.
To delete a node or path, left-click on it and press Delete on your keyboard.
The transform tool allows you to edit node and paths in bulk. To do this, hold SHIFT then left-click and drag to select multiple nodes and paths. Once selected, you can change the relative spatial relationship of what is selected by clicking on the black corner boxed and dragging. Have fun with this one!
*Once you have completed making changes to your nodes and paths, be sure to Save Map (CTRL + S) found in the File menu.
Node Properties
Node Properties
To access a node’s properties, click on the node using the Select Tool (W). In the properties window, you can add a label to a node, as well as one or more locations (Male Washrooms, Tenant X, ATM, etc). You can edit and manage any connections (e.g. Main Elevator) attached to the node.
A Weight or Multiplier value can be given to individual nodes to help path end-users more effectively. A node with a high weight or multiplier value greater than 1 is less likely to be included when pathing to a destination via the shortest path. This is helpful in avoiding congested areas or store fronts. Likewise, a node with a low weight or multiplier value less than 1 means a path is preferred for users to take. If you are unsure about using a Weight or Multiplier, we recommend leaving them at 0 or 1 respectively.