Imprted from AutoCAD but wierd and floating Lines in SUFree5
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Hello!
I am a newbie!
I just imported for the first time from AutoCAD to SU Free 5 (Op Sys: Windows 2000 via Virtual PC 6 on a MAC PowerBook G4). I imported a model of a development and weirdly, half of the model is perfect but the other half has the drawn items (in this case, houses)in odd places (not where they were drawn), and floating. For example on parts of a house are on the ground plain while the other lines of the house are on the roof line plain (approximately). Is it the way it was drawn in AutoCAD (Which by the way is 2000)? What would cause this? Thanks all. Appreciate you.
Tamera -
Hi Tamera and welcome!
I waited for some experts to answer, but here's what I have:
Some dwg files have 3d information, or heights in the z axis for objects. I get files like this all the time, although I do not use AutoCAD. It sounds like the person who made your file did this unintentionally, or it would look like a real 3d model in wire frame. But I have seen files where the 3d topo, for example, was "floating" above a site plan that is on the ground plane.
Good luck,
Peter
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Hello Peter,
That does make sense. I created the .dwg in AutoCAD and wonder how these random lines decided to become 3d. As far as I know I didn't do anything different to them than the other lines and etc. that came out 2d. Anyway, Should I correct it in AutoCAD (and how) or in SU (and how)?
Thanks again!
T. -
Hey Guys!
Even though I have no experience whasoeva with the AutoCAD format but I do know its a common problem. The only solution I can give is to use the Flaten plugin. At $10 its pretty cheap if your doing it commercially or regularly.
Probably you should update to SU7 if you can. Hope it helps!
~KXI
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Hey KX1,
I checked out the software you mentioned. Okay, that's cool but I sure would like to know why this occurs and avoid it in the future. I don't think it is SU version related right? Anyway, I imported the .dwg into SU to make it into a 3d model so wouldn't want to risk a problem with the model in SU if I was to use FLATEN (?). Can anybody clue me into what is going on with this so I can fix it? Thanks lots! T.
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CAD lines can have 'elevation' so they can be at something other than z=0 - even with different end heights !
When drawing a 2D CAD plan it might not be apparent but once you have snapped a line to a 3D object at an elevation of other than z=0 thereafter your lines can get messy.
AutoCAD has simple 3rd party lisps [free] to 'flatten' selected geometry so z=0 before you import into your SKP [I think 'flatten' is even shipped with the more recent versions of ACAD - perhaps as an Express Tool ?]. It's best to tidy up your CAD drawing [a copy will do] before importing it - erase all unwanted bits like text and dimensions, and excessive layers, explode polylines, remove any line thicknesses and flatten geometry... etc etc... then audit + purge and you are ready...If you can't edit CAD data or already have the imported problem then Sketchup does have the 'flatten' script [$10] OR you can do it for free = lift your whole model above a 2D rectangle and use the Sandbox tools to 'Drape' it onto that rectangle - that way the imported 3D geometry is mimicked in 2D for you...
If you posted an example - even an image it would help us help you better... -
The "flatten" command in AutoCad is part of the free Express toolset that ships with the full product and can be installed optionally.
Anssi
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TIG just wanted to say thanks so much for the great info. Fixed the problem.
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