Working with coordinates: dumb question from veteran

Edson

this is admittedly a dumb question but here it goes: how do i find the exact coordinates (x, y, z from the origin) of an element in sketchup and how can i move something to a specific location defined by coordinates?

believe it or not, i never used coordinates in sketchup.

thomthom

To get co-ords I think there is a plugin - but I can't remember the name.

I just learned that typing using square brackets around coords; [200,100,300] when you type into the VCB when using the move tool should move it to this absolute co-ord. (Though I've not manage to do so myself, I wonder if there is a conflict with my locale (Norwegian).)

Jim

There is a Query Tool that comes with SketchUp, but needs enabled in the Extensions dialog. It is under "Utilities Tools" in extensions and under the Tools/Utilities menu.

massimo

If you want to know the coordinates of a point just use the text tool.

Edson

thanks, jim and massimo. the 1st part of my question has been answered and now i have two methods for find the location of a point.

but how do i place something in a specific location defined by coordinates?

TIG

In VCB type:
[1,2,3] = xyz or rgb, for Absolute from Origin
or
<1,2,3> = xyz or rgb, for Relative to picked Point

Text Tool on a Vertex gives the 'xyz'
I recently wrote a tool to find / add coordinate text to selected cpoints, add a cpoint+text from coordinate/point/vertex arguments etc etc - see here http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?p=238662#p238662

Jim

Edson,

You can move to a relative or absolute point using the Move Tool with the Measurements box.

Select the Move Tool
Select the point on the object to move.
Type in [x, y, z] and Press Enter (absolute position)
or
Type <x, y, z> and press Enter (relative move.)

Edson

jim and tig,

thanks.

thomthom

@jim said:

Edson,

You can move to a relative or absolute point using the Move Tool with the Measurements box.

Select the Move Tool

Select the point on the object to move.

Type in [x, y, z] and Press Enter (absolute position)
or

Type <x, y, z> and press Enter (relative move.)

Am I really the only one that can't get this to work?
I wonder if it's because of my locale. comma is a decimal separator usually... I tried <200,300,100> as well as <200.300.100> - both fails. Square brackets as well...

Edson

@thomthom said:

@jim said:

Edson,

You can move to a relative or absolute point using the Move Tool with the Measurements box.

Select the Move Tool

Select the point on the object to move.

Type in [x, y, z] and Press Enter (absolute position)
or

Type <x, y, z> and press Enter (relative move.)

Am I really the only one that can't get this to work?
I wonder if it's because of my locale. comma is a decimal separator usually... I tried <200,300,100> as well as <200.300.100> - both fails. Square brackets as well...

tom,

it is probably your locale. it is working for me with [x;y;z] and <x;y;z>. try another separator.

thomthom

@edson said:

tom,

it is probably your locale. it is working for me with [x;y;z] and <x;y;z>. try another separator.

 :tada:

Jean Lemire

Hi folks.

If, like me, you use the comma as the decimal separator, you need to use the semi colon ; as the list separator, unless you changed it in the regional settings of Windows or Mac OS.

Using <X;Y;Z> or [X;Y;Z] works OK for me.

Just ideas.

xrok1

@thomthom said:

@edson said:

tom,

it is probably your locale. it is working for me with [x;y;z] and <x;y;z>. try another separator.
 :tada:

there's a function to add to your vertex tool.

thomthom

@xrok1 said:

there's a function to add to your vertex tool.

Indeed it is.
adds to the TODO list

brookefox

Is there a way to get the relative input when drawing lines, for instance (the VCB accepts no input)?

Chris Fullmer

You need to click a start point with the line tool first, then you can enter a distance to the endpoint ( 10" ), a global location for the endpoint ( [10,10,10] ) or a relative location for the enpoint ( <10,10,10> ). But you do need to start the line first.

Chris

thomthom

Good point though, would be good if the tools allowed for co-ords to be typed for both ends.
One for the wishlist.

Chris Fullmer

I agree it would be better if it let you enter a coordinate right from the start.

But you can just make a random click, then enter the beginning coordinate's point, then enter the ending coordinate point. But I'm sure that could cause problems if the line made fromt he first random click to the beginning position intersects with geometry.

TIG

Guide Lines and Points are there to help you set up your 'drawing'...

brookefox

Well, thanks. And yes, to me that is a bit 'counter intuilligent': enter a point so that you may revise it. And thanks for the guides tip, TIG; I can get to point 'B' without the relative input, but it may save time to use it as would not having to use guides or draw additional geometry.