Hi Yijia,
In terms of interactive placement, GC is different from conventional CAD modeling tools. In conventional modeling the placement is the prime opportunity to determine alignments; therefore, placement interaction is very elaborate to enable users to specify that alignment.
In GC the premise has been that these factors are determined parametrically. Therefore, Rotation on the StructuralMember is a parametric input, usually taken from nodes with which the StructuralMember needs to be aligned, for example a rotated CoordinateSystem that controls the rotation of a building or a building component. When working in a mixed mode, for example with MicroStation Line elements, users could convert characteristic Line elements and then determine from start and end points and a third point placed appropriately aligned with the global x- or y-axis, the angle of Rotation for alignment of the StructuralMember. Specific methodology usually varies situationally.
Thus, mixed mode may appear a bit more tedious than a parametric design from the ground up.
This is definitely yet another opportunity for enhancements especially if those can be conceived in a manner that does not reduce usability in other frequent situations.
Regards,
Volker
In terms of interactive placement, GC is different from conventional CAD modeling tools. In conventional modeling the placement is the prime opportunity to determine alignments; therefore, placement interaction is very elaborate to enable users to specify that alignment.
In GC the premise has been that these factors are determined parametrically. Therefore, Rotation on the StructuralMember is a parametric input, usually taken from nodes with which the StructuralMember needs to be aligned, for example a rotated CoordinateSystem that controls the rotation of a building or a building component. When working in a mixed mode, for example with MicroStation Line elements, users could convert characteristic Line elements and then determine from start and end points and a third point placed appropriately aligned with the global x- or y-axis, the angle of Rotation for alignment of the StructuralMember. Specific methodology usually varies situationally.
Thus, mixed mode may appear a bit more tedious than a parametric design from the ground up.
This is definitely yet another opportunity for enhancements especially if those can be conceived in a manner that does not reduce usability in other frequent situations.
Regards,
Volker