Copy along path with correct alignment

Kenny · 26 Jul 2009, 17:31

I use 'copy along a path' for objects such as trees where it doesn't really matter how they are orientated. If however you have a horizontal object such as a hedge it's important that it is aligned parallel to the path. The attached image shows what I mean. The top result is the desired one, the bottom is the actual result when you use copy along a path. The other issue is that if the component has been rescaled, copy along a path uses the original size.

I'd be grateful if anyone knows of a plug-in that will achieve the top desired result? Failing that is it possible for one to be written? This would be a real time saver if it could be achieved.

Kenny

dylan · 26 Jul 2009, 20:59

I have had varying results, depending on where I set the axis of the component to copy.

simon le bon · 26 Jul 2009, 21:25

Hi Kenny,

I think you will find a good solution in using bending processes with these great plugins which are ChrisFullmer's ShapeBender and Fredo's FredoScale

PathCopy v.2.100 by Rick Wilson can be very interesting as you can see in these following links:

Copying Along A Path
Dylan's Cycle Bridge WIP
Copy along a path plugin

But you before need to hardly tame its wilde behavior !!!

simon

Dave R · 27 Jul 2009, 01:59

The trick with Copy Along Path is to set the axes So the red axes will align with the path. In the case of the hedge component, make sure the the red axis is aligned with the long dimension and if you want it to straddle the path, put the origin half way between front and back edge.

Kenny · 28 Jul 2009, 09:09

Thanks for the suggestions and links everyone. I'll try them out when I have more time.

Kenny