GeoMap Animator – Quick Start Guide

Welcome to GeoMap Animator! This guide will help you quickly understand and get started with your new procedural world map animation tool in Blender.

1. Installation & Setup

• Download & Open:
  Download the GeoMap Animator .blend file from Blender Market and open it in Blender (version 4.2 or later is recommended).

• Updates:
  Check Blender Market regularly for new releases. All updates are free for existing buyers!

2. Scene Overview

• Collections:

  • Map Collection: Contains all 194 countries as separate objects or Geometry Nodes instances.
  • Camera Setup Collection: Includes the camera, the Empty_POV (for camera movement), and an optional extra empty for enhanced positioning.
  • Lights: Contains the cinematic spotlight setup and the global color controller (a Color Cube).

• Key Objects:

  • Empty_POV: Moving this empty changes the camera's view since the camera tracks it via a "Track To" constraint.
  • Global Controller (optional): Adjust global parameters such as overall color tone and animation settings.

3. Basic Usage

3.1. Animating Countries

• Selecting & Elevating Countries:
  • In the Modifier Tab (blue wrench icon), select a country and locate the Material & Fade or Elevate Country setting.
  • Adjust the "Elevate" value (range 0.0 to 1.0) to make the country rise.
  • Insert keyframes (right-click the value → Insert Keyframe) to animate the elevation over time.

3.2. Repositioning the Camera

• Using the Empty_POV:
  • Delete existing keyframes if you want to override the default camera animation.
  • For custom movement, parent the Empty_POV to another empty (for example, “Empty_Offset”) and move it to the desired location (e.g., Northern Europe).
  • This method retains any preset animations while shifting the focus.

3.3. Hiding & Fading Countries

• Hiding Countries:
  • In the Outliner, disable countries by toggling the eye (viewport) and camera (render) icons for unwanted countries.
• Fading Out Countries:
  • Duplicate the flag material and adjust its Alpha value.
  • Make sure the material's Blend Mode (in Material Properties → Settings) is set to Alpha Blend or Alpha Hashed.
  • Animate the Alpha value with keyframes for a smooth fade-out transition

4. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why does the camera snap back to Japan?
A: There may still be keyframes set on the camera. Delete them or use an extra empty to reposition the camera.

Q: Can I control how much a country rises?
A: Yes. In the Modifier Tab, adjust the "Elevate Country" value (e.g., 0.1 for a slight rise).

Q: My country isn't fading out smoothly. What should I do?
A: Ensure the material's Blend Mode is set to Alpha Blend/Hashed and animate the Alpha value properly.

Q: How can I add text or additional info?
A: Currently, you need to manually add empties or plane objects with text. Future updates will include a more integrated pin system.

5. Support & Contact

• Need Help?
  Contact me through Blender Market messaging or email me at [your email address].

• Feature Requests:
  I welcome your feedback and suggestions for future updates. Let me know if you have ideas for improvements!

Thank You!

Thank you for using GeoMap Animator! With this tool, you can create impressive, customizable world map animations quickly and efficiently. Enjoy exploring and animating your world in Blender!