topic Re: Object facing elevation camera in Libraries & objects

Object facing elevation camera

JGoode — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 14:20:04 GMT

Hi,
I have a 2D symbol that I need to be able to show in elevation. The issue is I always need it to face towards the camera. Is this possible for elevation? I have an object which does it with normal 3D views but not with elevations.
Any help would be appreciated.

Re: Object facing elevation camera

Erwin Edel — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 14:32:44 GMT

I think the way you are 'supposed' to do this, is by placing 2D objects in section elevation.

In our template we have layers for 2D and 3D vis elements for this reason.

The 2D billboard type objects that you have in 3D will not 'face' the elevation, as far as I know.

Re: Object facing elevation camera

JGoode — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 19:56:52 GMT

Erwin wrote:
I think the way you are 'supposed' to do this, is by placing 2D objects in section elevation.

In our template we have layers for 2D and 3D vis elements for this reason.

The 2D billboard type objects that you have in 3D will not 'face' the elevation, as far as I know.

The issue is that the specific 2D symbol contains information (an ID) that is set and that needs to translate onto the 3D elevation. The placing of the 2D in the 3d isn't what we're after unless it is the only way. Do you know how to make the object always face elevation or if it is even possible?

Re: Object facing elevation camera

runxel — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 07:17:58 GMT

Well, technically it is possible.
But it would require some additional GDL scripting, using GLOB_VIEW_TYPE.

Re: Object facing elevation camera

JGoode — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 08:11:46 GMT

runxel wrote:
Well, technically it is possible.
But it would require some additional GDL scripting, using GLOB_VIEW_TYPE.

I don't suppose you know where I would start do you?

Thanks

Re: Object facing elevation camera

Erwin Edel — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 08:32:05 GMT

Well, I have used that parameter on some objects for different floorplan symbols. It grabs the type of view.

GLOB_VIEW_TYPE=4 is a section, GLOB_VIEW_TYPE=5 is an elevation. This still doesn't tell you much of how to rotate the object though, as elevations / sections rotation on the XY grid of floorplan is not something you can query AFAIK. I mean, typically steps of 90 degree rotation will get you there for most projects, but not every design is a nice 4 sided equal box of elevations.

Are these actual building elements or just things like shrubs and people? If it is a building element, I would guess it is easier and quicker to model it in 3D if you have floor plan and elevations of it.

Re: Object facing elevation camera

runxel — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 09:39:25 GMT

It would be necessary to completey redraw the element in the different view types.
That's what I mean with "additional work". It is more like a complete overhaul.

There is a youtube video where a (spanish?) guy describes the method with the default 3D Archicad-car, so one could cut through it but still see it like it would be in elevation. Sadly it is unlocatable for me right now.

What kind of element do we even talk about here?

Re: Object facing elevation camera

JGoode — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 09:46:33 GMT

Erwin wrote:
Well, I have used that parameter on some objects for different floorplan symbols. It grabs the type of view.

GLOB_VIEW_TYPE=4 is a section, GLOB_VIEW_TYPE=5 is an elevation. This still doesn't tell you much of how to rotate the object though, as elevations / sections rotation on the XY grid of floorplan is not something you can query AFAIK. I mean, typically steps of 90 degree rotation will get you there for most projects, but not every design is a nice 4 sided equal box of elevations.

Are these actual building elements or just things like shrubs and people? If it is a building element, I would guess it is easier and quicker to model it in 3D if you have floor plan and elevations of it.

Unfortunately it's not a simple element as it is originally a 2D symbol. It needs to face the exact direction of the camera.

Re: Object facing elevation camera

JGoode — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 10:00:56 GMT

This is the symbol that I need to be displayed always facing towards the camera.

Re: Object facing elevation camera

Erwin Edel — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 11:08:04 GMT

Hmm, maybe you could re-think this object as a label? Have some very minimal 3D presence (small box, crosshair), so it shows up in Section elevation and with a quick find & select you can select them and label them. Would work in floor plan too.

Re: Object facing elevation camera

JGoode — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 11:38:41 GMT

Erwin wrote:
Hmm, maybe you could re-think this object as a label? Have some very minimal 3D presence (small box, crosshair), so it shows up in Section elevation and with a quick find & select you can select them and label them. Would work in floor plan too.

This wouldn't really work with what we are trying achieve unfortunately.

Re: Object facing elevation camera

runxel — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 12:53:38 GMT

But does it need to be shown in the 3D window as well?

Re: Object facing elevation camera

JGoode — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 13:17:33 GMT

It only needs to show in elevation/section and obviously in plan. The same thing needs to happen as if you were to place the 2D symbol on the elevation/section but it needs to display the ID that is put into the 2D symbol. Due to the fact they need to be scheduled, it's not much of an option to place each instance twice, both for elevation and plan.

Re: Object facing elevation camera

vfrontiers — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 15:49:16 GMT

So I'm stuck with the same issue... Only I want some 3d CUTOUT PLANTS (made with lines, not a picture) to rotate automatically to the ELEVATION... Obviously this means they'll need to rotate differently for each elevation..

I have successfully scripted them to rotate to camera in 3d views (great for SKETCH RENDERINGS and 3d documents) but as noted below there is NO GLOB VARIABLE for the rotation of the section or elevation as placed in the plan..

Can anyone verify this?

Note: it also does NOT work when the 3d window is set to PARALLEL PROJECTION... ugh...