Definition of Directions: Also called Direction graph, is used for the Indoor Mapping application to provide Wayfinding on the map. It is a set of lines and nodes configured in your instance that define a path to follow when a user searches for a specific route in the Location Directory.
With Directions you can indicate the different connection points between your different floors.
A Direction is related to a Direction Mode, thanks to this combination you’ll be able to know how long it would take to go from point A to point B whether on foot or in a wheelchair. To learn more about Direction Mode click here.
Directions are a feature of Indoor Mapping. In order to access this feature, your instance should be updated to the Rome family release or any other version after, and the following plugins must be installed Indoor Mapping and Workplace Indoor Mapping.
1. Creating a direction
To create a direction, you must first go to your ServiceNow instance. In the left filter navigator, search for the Indoor Mapping module and then select Map Studio. The one-stop-shop tool to create, configure and edit your interactive maps.
This article focuses on the direction creation and will not detail the steps taken beforehand which are the creation of a campus and buildings. For more detailed information on the initial steps to get started with Map Studio please use the following guide.
In Map Studio, select the Campus in which you want to set up new Directions and then click on Manage Workplace and select Directions.
Before drawing your directions you must select in which building you want to add them.
Note that you can draw directions at the Campus level too. Thanks to this you’ll be able to indicate to the user how to go from one building to another.
Once you have selected your building you can start to create directions by clicking on the draw button or press with Command + M (Use the Control key, instead of Command, for Windows machines). Every time you click, a node will appear; which will enable you to change the orientation of the following segment. The nodes are also used to create connectors. To stop drawing press escape or click on the select/mode button.
Note: Use the Control key, instead of Command, for Windows machines.
- Command + H: Show/Hide keyboard shortcuts
- Command + M: Toggle draw mode
- Command + S: Save everything
- Escape: Stop drawing
- Backspace: Delete selected elements
- Use ↑ + click or ↑ + draw to select multiple elements
When creating a direction, you have the possibility to configure each segment. You can choose which direction mode or modes can use it. The mode indicates with which means of transport the user can take this route (e.g. pedestrian, bike, truck, etc.). You can also indicate if the road is one-way and if extra time is needed by adding a penalty (in seconds).
By default, the segment will be marked as ‘Is Active’. If you do not want users to take this route, switch this field to off so it will not be considered by the wayfinding algorithm but will still exist in Map Studio for when it can be made active again.
Tips: Create routes with multiple nodes to have a rounded appearance.
When you've done your directions, don't forget to click on Save.
2. Creating Connectors
When you have done all your routes you can add connectors. A connector defines the physical means to change floors (e.g. stairs, escalators, elevators...). Select the node on which you want to add a connector, then on the right menu ‘Attach a connector’ will appear. From here you can either choose a connector already present in the list or create a new one.
You must enter all the information required. The building name will be auto filled based on where you are creating the directions. You will have to give a Name to the connector; it will be displayed on the list for the future floors, and you will be able to apply the same on each floor on which you need it. Indicate which connector type you are creating.
You can specify if the connector goes up and down or only one way. You can indicate an approximate waiting time (in seconds) for an elevator for example, and an approximate time between each floor (always in seconds). If you turn off the Active option, your connector will be inactive on your map but still appears on Map Studio.
Note that you can choose modes associated with each connector. The Accessible mode is turned on by default, don’t forget to turn it off for stairs and all the connectors which are not for people with disabilities. Once you have completed this information click on Save.
If you need to modify or create a connector type , click here to learn more
3. Verify your routes
If your floors are similar, you’ll be able to copy your directions from one floor to another.
Click on the three dots on the right and select Copy Direction.
To be sure that your connectors and floors are linked you can display your Connector links by activating “Connector Links” in the display setting (the icon next to Save button).
Additionally, there's a feature that allows you to set a specific path for entry into a room. To use this feature, navigate to Manage Workplace > Places > Select your building, and then choose the place where you want to designate a particular entrance.
Here you can select Edit
To mark the entrance location, click on Add an entrance:
A door icon will then be displayed.
You can adjust the position of this icon by dragging it to the desired location and then clicking Save.
Afterwards, if you go back to Manage Workplace > Directions, activate the Place Entrances, and the System Generated Paths to Entrance, you'll notice that the path leading to your space has been updated to reflect the new entrance you've set up in the place editor.
To make sure the directions are functioning you can click on Preview next to the View Editor. Here, you must inform from where to where you want to go. You’ll see the direction graph appear, the time it will take, and the itinerary details.
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