User's Guide

Virtualwind SketchUp Plugin Tools   →   Launching Virtualwind   →   Related Tools

Related Tools

The Launch Tool works closely with the Export Tools, and indirectly with the Separate Solids and Canopies Tool.

Export Tools

Refer to the Export Tools section.

The Launch Tool works closely with the Export Tools. When the Launch Tool is invoked, it checks if the currently loaded SketchUp model has been exported, using one of the Export Tools. If the model has been exported, the Launch Tool automatically loads the most recent export of the model. If the models has not been exported, Launch Tool will inform you of this, and will ask if you want to load Virtualwind with no open VWS file. If you say "No", the Launch operation will abort, and you will be returned to SketchUp.

Note that the Launch Tool does not detect if the model has changed since the last Export. For example, suppose you perform an Export All, then you add another Group to the Canopy Layer; if you invoke the Launch Tool at this point, Virtualwind will start and the model will be loaded, but it will be missing the newly-added Canopy.

Separate Solids and Canopies

Refer to the Separate Solids and Canopies section.

The Launch Tool and the Separate Solids and Canopies Tool are related only through the Export Tools. This latter relationship is described in detail in the section under Exporting. However, one part of that section is worth reiterating, since it is a common mistake if you are not familiar with Virtualwind and SketchUp.

For any type of Export other than the Export All As Canopies type, the Separate Solids and Canopies Tool will have to be run at least once. If you do not run Separate Solids and Canopies and you use any Export type, the generated VWS file will be empty.

If you invoke the Launch Tool on an "empty export", Virtualwind will load up, but it will look like nothing loaded. In fact, the file loaded fine – the problem is that there is no geometry in the file. To correct this, run the Separate Solids and Canopies Tool, then perform an Export again, and finally invoke the Launch Tool again.