Object facing elevation camera

[JGoode]

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.

[Erwin Edel]

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.

[JGoode]

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?

[runxel]

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

[JGoode]

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

[Erwin Edel]

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.

[runxel]

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?

[JGoode]

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.

[JGoode]

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

[Erwin Edel]

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.