Idea for script

[linea]

I don't know anything about Ruby but have had an idea that I think is worth mentioning. This might be the holy grail and currently totally unachievable, or straightforward, I don't know. I have thought for a long time it would be great if you could use SU for efficiently drawing basic 2d plans and surveys, therefore further removing CAD from the workflow. Would it be possible to write a script that allowed you to work in a plan view, drawing walls (some sort of double line tool maybe), and inserting intelligently placed parametric doors, windows and other components? Just the 2d set would be great, I have made my own components to do this at the moment, but what would be really brilliant if you could set wall, door, window z heights while working in a 2d view so that when you viewed in 3d, the basic geometry is drawn.

Please feel free to tell me if this is a daft idea.

[todd burch]

It could be written. It would take a custom Ruby toolset to do it. It would require new Line, Arc, Freehand, Rectangle and Circle tools. The existing Scale and Offset tools could be used. The existing Rotate & Move could also be used, but there would no constraints for staying in 2D.

Not trivial, but doable. It would take a couple months to write and test.

Todd

[dtrarch]

Jon

I use SU to to design in 3d export dwg for creating con docs from the SU design model.
My magic scheme depends on a dwg export to TurboCad, but may work for Acad as well but give it a shot and see how the export comes into Acad.

Here is the basics for for your info.
1-First I set construction lines for overall model limits.
2-Then I mess around a bunch to find the design form in 3d that will also work for interior space planning as well.
Save a copy to a 3d file now.
for multi-story projects the slice ruby will work for separating levels)
3-The trick for layout is to have single lines for perimeter and interior walls blocked first.
4-Using the [extrude along path] ruby you can now build walls of varying widths on edges or center lines on selected line segments.
(I set the height to only a couple of feet to keep the plan easily viewable.)
5-OK now you will have a selection of walls that are auto-grouped and selectable as such.
Next add dimensions and you will be able move the wall elements with the dimensions adjusting parametrically.
[[Save a copy to a 3d file now.]]
6-When all dimensions needed are set, select walls only not dimensions and explode.
7-Use the [flatten] ruby which should eliminate any double lines, but check to make sure.
The [remove unused edges] ruby will finish any cleanup needed.
8-Create a Plan View scene in ortho mode.
9-Export to a 3d (not 2d) dwg file.
I use the Acad 2004 format and do make sure to deselect the faces option box.

In Tcad the import brings in all the walls and the dimensions come in as parametric entities.
SU does not export text as editable words,but can be formated for font and size in Tcad.

Elevations and section cuts will work the same for dimensions when needed for the Con Docs.

Not a complete solution, but a start and Tcad
Standard will work and the dwg export back to Acad is very good.

I probably have missed some strokes, but here is a get started that I hope will help

dtr