Overview
The Weather Map layer for mimoLive allows you to display a map with weather symbols, temperatures, wind directions, and other meteorological data overlayed on top of your live video production. Typically, this layer is used to present a professional-looking weather forecast segment during a livestream, broadcast, or recorded show.
Key Features
• Flexible Data Integration: Input weather data from various sources (e.g., CSV feeds, JSON APIs, manual input) to display current conditions, forecasts, and other meteorological parameters.
• Customizable Map Graphics: Use your own map image or select a pre-made background. You can highlight specific regions, color-code areas, and add graphics to better illustrate your weather narrative.
• Graphical Weather Symbols: Overlay conditions such as sunshine, clouds, rain, and snowflakes. Additional elements like wind arrows, temperature markers, or precipitation icons can be arranged and animated.
• Animation and Transitions: Smoothly animate weather icons onto the map to create dynamic presentations. Control symbol duration, delay, and sorting order for a polished, TV-quality look.
• Multiple Variants: Easily switch between different looks, data sets, or localized forecasts with Layer Variants, making it quick to adapt the same layer for multiple segments.
Layer Interface
Layer Stack
• Name & Status:
At the top of the Layer Stack, the “Weather Map” layer name and version (e.g., Variant 1) are displayed. The status indicator (Live, Preview, or Off) shows whether the layer is currently visible in your program output.
• Video & Audio Sources:
Located to the left in the mimoLive interface, the Sources section allows you to route video input (e.g., FaceTime HD Camera) and select audio devices (e.g., MacBook Air Microphone). The Weather Map layer will sit atop these sources when active.
Layer Controls
To configure the Weather Map layer, select the layer in the Layer Stack. On the right-hand side, you will find a variety of controls and options:
1. Triggers Panel
• Toggle: Assign a Record Shortcut or an Event trigger to quickly show/hide the layer.
• Layer Variant: Switch between predefined layer variants instantly. This is useful if you have multiple weather scenarios (e.g., a “Morning Forecast” variant and an “Evening Forecast” variant).
2. Content Section
• Weather Data Field: Input your weather data here. This can be a manually entered string of conditions, temperatures, and coordinates, or it may be linked to an external data source.
• Map: Choose a map image (e.g., a PNG or JPEG file) that serves as the geographical backdrop for your weather icons.
• Units & Format: Select how temperatures and other measurements are displayed (e.g., Celsius or Fahrenheit). Adjust formatting strings for temperatures, wind speeds, and other data points.
3. Transition
• Duration: Specify how long it takes for the layer to transition in and out of the Program output. Smoother, slower transitions can provide a more polished broadcast feel.
4. Animation
• Symbol Duration: Set how long weather icons remain visible on the map before changing or moving.
• Symbol Delay: Stagger the appearance of multiple symbols so they fade in one after another, rather than all at once.
• Symbol Sorting: Choose the order in which icons appear (e.g., Left To Right), enabling a guided narrative progression across your map.
5. Geometry & Positioning
• Position & Scale: Adjust the map’s size and position within the frame. You can also reposition individual icons, ensuring they precisely mark the location of a weather event (e.g., a rain symbol over a particular city).
• Safe Zones: Ensure crucial weather data stays within broadcast-safe margins, guaranteeing all viewers can see essential information.
6. Output Destinations & Audio Monitor (if applicable)
• Audio Selection: Typically, the Weather Map layer doesn’t produce audio, but you can manage the Audio Monitor settings here if needed. Adjust the Program Mix and routing as required.
Workflow Example
1. Add the Weather Map Layer:
In mimoLive, click the “+” button in the lower-right corner of the Layer Stack panel and select the Weather Map layer from your available layers.
2. Configure Map & Data:
Load your chosen map image and input the weather data. For example, you might paste a comma-separated data string such as:
temperature,-0.4789,0.1922,24.4
sunny,0.2001,0.4454
winddirection,-0.3538,0.0182,21.6
overcast,0.3181,-0.3325
temperature,0.4671,-0.0394,20.03. Refine Display:
Select Celsius or Fahrenheit, adjust the symbol animations, and position icons precisely over corresponding regions on the map.
4. Preview and Take Live:
Use the built-in Preview monitor to ensure all symbols are correct and positioned properly. Once satisfied, click “Live” to push the Weather Map layer onto your Program output.
5. Switch Variants:
If you have multiple sets of data or different presentation styles (e.g., a future forecast variant), quickly switch by using the Layer Variant buttons, ensuring a seamless transition during your broadcast.
Tips & Best Practices
• Data Updates: If connected to a live feed of weather data, refresh the layer regularly or automate data retrieval for real-time updates.
• Branding: Add your station logo or choose a distinctive color scheme for the map and icons to maintain consistent brand identity.
• Maintain Clarity: Don’t overload the map with too many symbols. Ensure that viewers can quickly understand the weather situation at a glance.
• Use Transition Effects Wisely: Small, subtle transitions between weather segments will give your show a professional polish without distracting from the information.
