as.kml will generate a kml file from a tracking dataset and a movement model fitted to that dataset’s animals. This kml file can then be used within Google Earth Pro to record a tour, outputting an animation that will follow the animal along its path. Uncertainty estimations can be made in the form of simulations and error circles. Some examples are included as youtube videos here:
Day and night example: https://youtu.be/56nHcLmohVg Manual camera example: https://youtu.be/yfEp7f5hOec Overhead camera example: https://youtu.be/9cVsvhUwrGc Point of view example: https://youtu.be/8uCLJxMKs_c
as.kml(Cillia, CTMM = list(FIT), all_tour = FALSE, simulation_icons = TRUE, error_circle = TRUE, error_ellipses = TRUE, central_cam = FALSE, color_sim = "red", color_pred = "white", sequencetime = 3, duration = 60, circlepoints = 25, cam_altitude = 50, num_simulations = 10)
DATA = Telemetry object containing the animals.
CTMM = Movement model fitted to each animal, listed in the same order as Animals provided.
all_tour = Optional argument to generate an overhead tour with all animals moving
duration = How long the tour lasts
num_simulations = How many simulated paths are generated
animal_icon = Whether an animal icon is created or not
error_circle = Whether an error circle is created or not
simulation_icons = Optional argument to generate icons on the simulated paths.
camera_mode = Enter one of the following as such "pov"
pov = Camera mode that will attempt to simulate the point of view of an animal.
manual = Camera mode where the user will position a still view for the animation to be played from.
follow = Camera mode where an overhead view will be generated following an animals path
all_camera_mode =
central = Camera mode that will attempt center the camera to which all animals will be in view when the tour is played.
manual = Camera mode where the user will position a still view for the animation to be played from.
color_sim = Color for the simulation generated
iconsize = How large icons generated are if they are generated
icon_image = Link to the icon image desired. By default, will be googles red icon.
color_icon = Color for the icon generate
color_pred = color for the predicted path
sequencetime = Sequence time used for the simulations
opacity = opacity of the icons
circlepoints = How many points are generated in the error circle
confidence = 2d confidence value given to the error circle
path_altitude = Altitude of the generated paths
cam_altitude = Altitude of the camera
heading = where the camera is pointed
tilt = the tilt of the camera
range = the distance of the camera
filename = name of the output file
Coords = Optional argument to specify if column names deviate from the format longitude, latitude, timestamp.
A movement model must be provided that fits each animal in the dataset and is ordered appropriately (CTMM = list(x,y,z) and animals = list(x,y,z)). After the kml file is generated, color, icon size, and certain placemarks' visibility can be changed within Google Earth Pro.
as.kml outputs a kml file containing the animation to the users working directory
as.kml will return a message after each animal animation is written into the kml.