In part 2 of this blog, I am reviewing 4 powerful extensions that are both time times savers while performing powerful modeling tasks. As a quick recap:
SketchUp allows users and programmers to create their own tools, called extensions or plugins, by using the Ruby Script programming language. Extensions can greatly extend how SketchUp functions. Many are specialized tools that can save you hours of work or perform tasks beyond SketchUp’s native tool set. If you use SketchUp but have not tried extensions before they are a must to check out. ‘
So getting on with it here are 7-10.
(7) and (8) Vali Architecture Series – Instant Fence and Instant Wall
Chuck Vali, an architect by practice, programs SketchUp extensions for “beer money” (as he says it), has created powerful and must have plugins. He previously brought us Instant Road, Instant Roof and Instant Grade. He has two new scripts that are a must have. These low cost extensions can save you many hours of modeling. You can find these scripts at http://www.valiarchitects.com/sketchup_scripts
The two listed scripts below automate the creation of complex fences, gates, retaining walls and more. Simply draw lines and edges, combine them into a group and activate the scripts. You then choose from dozens of different types of fences or walls. The extension will automate the creation of the selected object along the selected edge, using the edges as a path.
Instant Fence allows you to select edges, then select a specific fence type. The extension
will automate the creation of the fence along the selected edges.
The extension creates the selected fence along the drawn edges.
The Instant Wall extension, like Instant Fence will generate different wall types from selected edges.
There are many (many!!) different fence and wall types that can be created with a simple click.
(9) Selection Toys by ThomThom
Selection Toys is a must have Extension for anyone using SketchUp. It simply allows you to select objects edges, components and groups with ease. It greatly extends the way you can interact, move, copy and organize your model.
Found on the Extension Warehouse; don’t be overwhelmed by the menu. This extension is worth exploring to the fullest. Read the documentation! You won’t believe how this script will help organize and interact with SketchUp model objects and components. While you’re at it, check out the other scripts by ThomThom who provided us with Selection Toys.
Selection Toys Plugins as seen on the extension warehouse. A must have tool for any modeling.
(10) TopoShaper by Fredo6
Last but not definitely not least is TopoShapder. This phenomenal tool can be considered From Contour on steroids.
TopoShaper will allow you to generate a grid or mesh terrain as opposed to TIN or triangulated irregular network which is what the Sandbox FromContour generates. A mesh terrain is much easier to work with allowing for better sculpting or alteration of terrain surface when using other terrain tools like Instant Road, Artisan and even the Sandbox Smoove Tool.
The generation of the mesh is a four step process:
(1) Import and select your contour lines and activate terrain TopoShaper(2) TopoShapder will enter the “CLEANSING” phase of the operation. The extension will indicate where missing contour data can be repaired and help you interpolate missing contour information. This can be a quick or long process depending on how refined you want the final terrain to appear, it’s up to you. During this stage you will be presented with a large flat grid representing your terrain. This is intended to make it easier to select and fix contour areas.
(4) After confirming the grid spacing and are happy with the how the terrain appears, select generate terrain which will provide you with the final result.
Check out Toposhaper on SketchUcation: http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=323&t=52039
It can also be accessed using the SketchUcation Plugin Store extension. It does take some getting used to but is not hard to use. The script was created by Fredo6 who has created a bunch of extension for terrain modeling.
Daniel Tal is a landscape architect who has published two books on SketchUp: Google SketchUp for Site Design and Rendering In SketchUp. Check out his website www.brightmantal.com
Daniel will be speaking with John Aikan and Scott Anderson at the ASLA Expo in Boston on November 15th on the topics of Lumion, Rhino and 3D applications for landscape architects.
No comments:
Post a Comment