topic Re: virtual string? in Modeling

virtual string?

Anonymous — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 15:13:35 GMT

Anybody know of a way to limit the length (or at least get live feedback) of a polyline during its creation? Element information pallette doesn't give you the length until you're done drawing.

My goal is to have a virtual piece of string for calculating egress distances, or fire extinguisher locations, etc.

It would be nice to start with a 75' line and have it's total length stay the same as you start adding points to turn corners.

Any ideas?

Wes

Re: virtual string?

Anonymous — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 16:00:41 GMT

Hi, When you type in the distance you require just right click the mouse and click OK and that ends that segment of line.

Regards

Terry Constable

P.S I have been using archicad for only 5 weeks, so I hope im correct with my answer.

Re: virtual string?

Anonymous — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 16:04:11 GMT

Sorry, but you need to hit enter on the keyboard before you right click on the mouse button OK.

Re: virtual string?

Anonymous — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 16:10:41 GMT

Sorry, but you need to hit enter on the keyboard before you right click on the mouse button OK.

Re: virtual string?

TomWaltz — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 16:16:10 GMT

Try this:
1) press R and type in your distance
2) press "option R"

Re: virtual string?

Anonymous — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 16:37:38 GMT

Tom- most interesting trick. could come in useful.

I'm thinking that what i want is not quite possible. Draw a polyline through points ABCD. Total length of 75'. move point B so the distance from A to C becomes longer. It would be nice if the 75' length could be locked, so that as I move point B, segment CD gets shorter.

It's not really that hard to eyeball it first. leaving the object selected in Element Info, move point B where you want it, then move point D by enough to bet the total distance back to 75'.

just a thought. I wonder if it could be done with a gdl object... something for a rainy day

Re: virtual string?

TomWaltz — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 16:57:55 GMT

Oh, I get you. A multi-part line with a total length... could totally be a GDL object

Re: virtual string?

andrewzarb — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 22:00:48 GMT

Sounds interesting, I'll have a go at it on the weekend.

I think it's going to be called the "Weston Blaney Line"

I'll post again when it's finished.

Re: virtual string?

Rod Jurich — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 08:32:50 GMT

andrewzarb wrote:
Sounds interesting, I'll have a go at it on the weekend.

I think it's going to be called the "Weston Blaney Line"

I'll post again when it's finished.

Thanks to WB for asking and TW for this little gem.
Even after 11 yrs it's never too late to learn. Look forward to using your next post Andrew.

Re: virtual string?

TomWaltz — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 11:29:06 GMT

Opt-A, Opt-X, and Opt-Y are also useful....

Re: virtual string?

Rod Jurich — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 22:54:20 GMT

TomWaltz wrote:
Opt-A, Opt-X, and Opt-Y are also useful....

Been aware of these GS short cuts, but like many, one part of manual not explored. Always wondered?
Thank you Tom, that's another set of gems.'8)'