User Guide

Introduction

NavAtlas is an interactive web application that visualizes naval movements and operations during World War II. It combines historical naval data with mapping technology to show how ships moved across the oceans, where they engaged in battles, and how naval strategies evolved throughout the war.

The application allows you to explore naval history through an interactive timeline, tracking individual ships and fleets as they move across the map. You can watch historical events unfold, examine specific naval operations in detail, and understand the scale and complexity of naval warfare during WWII.

First Steps

Introduction Video

Start by watching this introduction video to get an overview of NavAtlas and its features:

Exploring the Map

How to Navigate

• Move Around: Click and drag the map to pan to different areas
• Zoom In/Out: Use your mouse wheel or the +/- buttons
• Keyboard Control: Use arrow keys to move the map

Understanding What You See

• Ship Icons: Each battleship has its own icon with a permanent name label
• Movement Paths: Red lines show where each ship has traveled
• Direction Arrows: Small arrows on paths show which way ships were moving
• Event Markers: Blue markers indicate where important naval events occurred

Using the Timeline

Timeline Slider

The timeline at the bottom of the screen is your main way to navigate through time:

• Drag the Slider: Move it left or right to jump to different dates
• Watch Ships Move: As you drag, you'll see ships move to their positions for that time
• See Events Appear: Blue event markers will appear when you reach dates with naval events

Date and Time Controls

Above the timeline slider, you'll find precise date and time controls:

Playback Controls

To the left of the date/time fields, you'll find playback controls:

Play/Pause Button

• ▶ Play: Click to start automatic playback
• ⏸ Pause: Click to stop playback
• Automatic Movement: Ships will move smoothly across the map

Speed Selection

Choose how fast you want to watch events unfold:

Understanding Events

Finding Events

• Blue Markers: Look for blue markers on the map
• Multiple Events: If several events happened at the same place, you'll see a red stacked event marker with a number
• Click to Learn: Click any marker to read about what happened

Reading Event Popups

When you click an event marker, a popup will appear with details:

• Ship Name: Which ship was involved
• Event Description: What happened at this location
• Date and Time: When the event occurred
• Operation View: Some events have an "Enter Operation View" button for more detail

Managing Multiple Popups

• Keep Multiple Open: You can have several event popups open at once
• Bring to Front: Click on any popup to bring it to the front
• Close Popups: Click the X button

Managing Ships

Ship Filter Panel

Click the ☰ button on the left side of the screen to open the ship management panel.

What You Can Do

• Show All Ships: Click "Select All" to display every ship
• Hide All Ships: Click "Deselect All" to clear the map
• Choose Individual Ships: Use checkboxes to show only specific ships

Switching Between Views

How to Switch Views

• To Operation View: Click "Enter Operation View" buttons in event popups
• Back to Campaign: Click "Return to Campaign View" button
• Time Preservation: Your campaign time is saved when you switch back