VBE Edge Constraint?

[Anonymous]

I swear I read somewhere about the ability to save a slab in AC that would create a transparent edge constraint in VBE. Basically it would be a way to keep from falling of the edge of the model. This was handled through a specific layer name

The official documentation from Graphisoft is, as usual, piss poor.
Does anyone remember what that layer name was?

[Anonymous]

Found my own answer, leaving here for future generations.

From ACTemplate.com

It is possible to restrict where the camera can go or fly. Simply create a rectangular box using the Slab tool that encloses the navigation area (this could surround the entire model, or just part of it), aligned on the axes. It does not matter what material you are using, but you must set the ID value for this element to “zlimits” or “ZLIMITS.” During the conversion to VBE from ArchiCAD, this element will be detected and the camera movement will be restricted to this volume.

http://www.actemplate.com/tips-tricks/graphisoft-virtual-building-explorer/

[Anonymous]

Some other interesting documentation:

It's possible to place a slab with a hole in it to prevent users from falling off the edge of the world and also from entering a structure. (useful early on when interiors aren't modeled)

However, when a hole is cut in the boundary object the ZLIMITS object material (normally invisible) then appears at that hole... Weird bug?

Also this technique only works for simple walking; entering lightspeed mode (shift+CTRL) allows the user to pass through all boundaries.

[Link]

flamingjawa wrote:
Also this technique only works for simple walking

Sadly, you need it most when flying. Nothing worse than watching a director flying through the earth during a masterplan presentation.

Cheers,
Link.