Annotations

In VRGS, annotations are non-geological elements such as scale bars, waypoints, measurements, labels and sketches. They all live on the Annotations tab of the ribbon (and on the Home ribbon if you have switched to the basic menus).

Measurements

The Measure Vertical option permits a user to measure features and distances on a 3D model. The measurement is saved in the Interpretations project tree. This option is a split button with the following extended options:

No.	Measurement	Description
1.	Vertical	The default option (same as the top half of the button). Select 2 points on the model to get the vertical (elevation) difference between the 2 points.
2.	Horizontal	Select 2 points on the model to get the horizontal or map distance between the 2 points, ignoring elevation.
3.	Measure 3D	Select 2 points on the model to get the straight line distance between the 2 points. The orientation of the line is calculated, and the difference between the x, y, z positions is reported alongside it.
4.	Measure Multi 3D	Select as many points on the outcrop as you need. A distance is measured between every consecutive pair, and the cumulative 3D distance along the whole path is reported.

All four are stored as objects in the Interpretations tree, so the numbers survive the session and can be read back in the group's spreadsheet view or exported. The Measuring guide explains which tool answers which question — and why a vertical measurement is not bed thickness on dipping beds.

Other annotations

No.	Annotation	Description
1.	Scale Bar	Select a point in the model to add a virtual scale bar at that point. The dropdown offers 5.0 m, 1.0 m, 10 cm and a triaxial 5.0 m bar. The default is 5.0 m high with 5 segments that are each 1 m. The scale bar dimensions, colour, and size can be modified by editing its properties in the Properties Panel.
2.	Tape Measure	This tool allows a quick bespoke measurement between two points. The distance, its x, y, z components, and the elevation and azimuth of the line are updated and displayed in real-time. Unlike the other Measurements (Vertical, Horizontal, Measure 3D, Measure Multi 3D), this measurement is not stored in the project.
3.	Waypoint	This is a simple marker. Click the model where you want to add a waypoint. Waypoints can also be imported into the model from the waypoints group in the Data tree.
4.	GCP	You have the ability to Add Tiepoint and Add Tiepoint and Target to the 3D model. This can be used to georeference a model if ground control data is acquired.
5.	Sample	Add a marker at the location where a field sample was collected. Samples are listed in the Interpretations tree, where the sample's details can be recorded in its properties.
6.	Multimedia	This allows you to link other kinds of media into your model such as photographs, videos, or presentations amongst others. The media will be launched into the appropriate external application. Click the location on the model that you wish to add a media item, then add the link to the relevant file in the options tab.
7.	Label	You can choose a point or location on the 3D model and add a text label.
8.	Web Link	Similar to Label and Multimedia, you choose a point or location on the 3D model, then attach a hyperlink to it.
9.	Billboard	Places an image in the scene that always turns to face the camera, so a field photograph or sketch stays readable from any viewpoint.
10.	Orthopanel	This tool allows you to create a 2D orthopanel view of the 3D model. You can create an orthopanel from 2 Points, from 3 Points, or From Viewpoint. The 3 Points option allows you to create an orthopanel at an arbitrary position and angle/view, and From Viewpoint uses the camera as it is now.
11.	Cross Section	Define a vertical section plane through the scene, to view or interpret the data along that line.
12.	Strat Marker	Pick a point and place a stratigraphic marker, then give it an age and unit names in its properties. Markers are listed under Stratigraphic Markers in the Data tree — see the Stratigraphy guide.
13.	Sketch	Draw freehand over the 3D view, with Colour and Size on the same panel setting the brush. Useful for talking through an interpretation before committing to one.

These attach to a place, not to the project

Multimedia, Web Link and Billboard all hang off a location: click the model where the annotation belongs first, then fill in the file or link in the Properties Panel.