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Ruby Tuesday: Sketchup Plug-Ins

G

GaryGB

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I thought it might be interesting on Tuesdays, to present info on helpful Sketchup "plug-ins" written in the Ruby scripting language. :idea:


There are many such "Ruby" plug-ins which make working with Sketchup much easier, and <...dare I say it...> even FUN ! :p



Todays Feature: 2 freeware Ruby script plug-ins by Todd Burch


MoveToOrigin

http://www.smustard.com/script/MoveToOrigin


MoveToOriginAndCenter

http://www.smustard.com/script/MoveToOriginAndCenter



I suggest saving a reference copy of the web page for each of these scripts.

FireFox:

FireFox Menu > File > Save Page As > Save as type: "Web Page, Complete"; (accept or change submitted [page name].htm as desired)


Internet Explorer:

Internet Explorer Menu > File > Save As > Save as type: "Web Page, Complete"; (accept or change submitted [page name].htm as desired)


IMHO, all aspects of working with geometry in Sketchup (especially Edges, Faces, Inferences etc.) are allowed to function properly when a model is positioned with the outer-most sides of the object positioned in alignment along the 3D world axes in the default work space "quadrant".

This is when one might wish to use "MoveToOrigin"


When a model is "finished", it is also helpful to ones further work importing and positioning a scenery object into the FS world, if a model is first "moved" to and centered on the origin of the default 3D world axes in Sketchup... but still on the "ground".

This is also when one might wish to use "MoveToOrigin"



NOTE: Both above plug-ins can (and do) work without first "grouping" some or all of ones model; but they will also still work when 'grouping' is used. ;)



PS: Before centering a model at the 3D world axes "origin", one should first perform any intended special texturing operations such as photo-real rendering.

[EDITED]
FYI: For purposes of photo-realistic rendering, one may achieve lighting and shadowing more compatible with an intended real world destination for a scenery object by manually aligning the model and its "N-S-E-W heading" with the matching image position on a ground tile imported to Sketchup via:

Sketchup Menu > File > Geo-location > Add Location...


When a model is properly positioned relative to the Geo-location image ground tile, set the Sketchup Sun position as desired for ones rendering utility etc.


After all geometry and (ex: photo-realistic / rendered) texturing is finalized in Sketchup, one would then use the MoveToOrigin tool to place a model at the origin of the 3D world axes (and still on the "ground") ...prior to import into MCX.

[END_EDIT]


Hope this info helps ! :)

GaryGB
 
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Nice one Gary, and since it's still Tuesday for another hour here in Idaho, here's one I had a play with. I don't know if it's technically a ruby script as it's file extension is .rbs and it's a binary, but a SketchUp plug-in it is, so here goes:

It's "Instant Roof" and it's payware with some limited trial functionality. In trial mode it'll make a roof that you can save and export, but you're limited to the following pitch slopes:

1/8:12 (0.6 degrees)
2:12 (9.5 degrees)
6:12 (26.6 degrees)
16:12 (53 degrees)
24:12 (63 degrees)



Here's a 2:12 pitch roof made from a box in 1.3 nano-seconds:

instant_roof.jpg




Here's an elaborate 6:12 pitch roof to show what the plug-in can do:

instant_roof2.jpg




InstantRoof is available here:

http://www.valiarchitects.com/sketchup_scripts/instant-roof


To be honest I prefer to make my own roof because the 2:12 is too flat and 6:12 is too steep and I'm too cheap to buy the plug-in for the 3:12 and 4:12 pitch slopes. For my purposes it's too elaborate - I don't need rafters or mission tile, and I can make a roof like that shown in the first screenshot fairly easily and at whatever pitch I want. On the other hand it's a lot of fun to play with, so check it out if you haven't seen it already.

Jim
 
Hi Jim:

"Instant Roof" looks like another good option to have available when modeling numerous higher detail buildings which will be visible from the aircraft on ground as a 'multi-LOD' scenery object in FS ! :)


FYI: *.rbs Ruby files are scripts wherein an authors proprietary code has been "scrambled" (used for some commercial payware scripts)



BTW: Although we are fortunate to now have available the remarkably capable and innovative "GeoSketch" payware plugin to Google Sketchup announced here:

http://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/showthread.php?p=215586#post215586


...A "poor mans" free alternative (albeit much less full-featured) work-flow to facilitate derivation of both geometry and textures from aerial imagery in the Sketchup building and roof making process is described here:


Geo-modeling roofs: the Pop-Up method (another 'must-have' reference web page to "save", IMHO !) ;)

http://sketchup.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=167463



PS: For making "hipped" roofs, one might use this 'free' semi-automated approach:


SketchUp: Complex hip roofs and the Follow Me tool

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6WxE6oO3JU&NR=1



...And if local aerial / street view Google Earth imagery is available, one can facilitate texturing the sides of buildings farther away from one's on-ground aircraft via:


Using Street View images to photo texture buildings

http://sketchup.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=158683



[GaryGB's Infamous Horizon-Expanding]:

One can of course use the FS default scenery library or SDK-generated "Generic Building" objects to populate ones FS destination placement area peripheral to where the aircraft may be on-ground; but one could instead use more customized buildings from Sketchup.

To do this, one could create 'library-type' models as "Components" in Sketchup for repeated read once - write multiple functionality in one's scene.


Making a Pitch-Roofed Building (and saving it as a 'Component' or ex: re-usable 'primitive') in Google SketchUp

http://vbi.lakeforest.edu/instructions/roof.pdf


When multiple models are created in one project scene in Sketchup, they can be ex: individually "Grouped", making them capable of being "Hidden".

Grouping objects allows them to be individually displayed / modeled / rendered / textured / exported to MCX etc. if desired; however Sketchup will reportedly work best with a multiple object scene or project if all models are treated as a part of one "layer" (Layer '0')"


Does SketchUp support layers?

http://sketchup.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=38572


"* Be happy! Always draw your entities on Layer 0 and leave them there. (Did we say that already?)

* Controlling visibility versus isolating geometry. It's important to note again that layers control only visibility.
You can't isolate geometry (make it independent of other geometry) by associating different layers with it; you can only control whether it is visible or hidden by making the layer that is associated with it visible or hidden. The way to make selected SketchUp geometry independent is to make it into a group or component."


HEY ARNO:

It would sure be nice to have ModelConverterX accommodate a automated or semi-automated / sequential, multi-model *.SKP, *.KML, or *.DAE import, via routines that derive "relative" or offset reference point object placement (...such as used in SCASM RefPoint code) from a Sketchup 'Geo-located' scene. :idea:

I'm already envisioning creating scenes using multiple custom and component models in Sketchup imported via ModelConverterX, with output of MDLs / scenery library and XML object placement BGLs to named FS folder chains of one's choice (which are also added to / set active in the FS Scenery Library) ! :wizard:


Hope this helps ! :cool:

GaryGB
 
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I think Arno has left on vacation? He was testing the tent the other day..... :D
 
GaryGB said:
I thought it might be interesting on Tuesdays, to present info on helpful Sketchup "plug-ins" written in the Ruby scripting language. :idea:


There are many such "Ruby" plug-ins which make working with Sketchup much easier, and <...dare I say it...> even FUN ! :p



Todays Feature: 2 freeware Ruby script plug-ins by Todd Burch


MoveToOrigin

http://www.smustard.com/script/MoveToOrigin


MoveToOriginAndCenter

http://www.smustard.com/script/MoveToOriginAndCenter
Click to expand...

It seems like I might have used these in the past. Maybe you have a good way to proceed. It seems like if you download a GE footprint, the origin is aligned such that the axis are NS/EW. But it is almost impossible to model a building unless the axis are aligned to the building. Is there an easy way to make this happen? It might be good when you are done to at least rotate back to NS/EW, though it is easy enough to do via placement.

scott s.
.
 
Hi Scott:

Indeed, I agree that all aspects of working with geometry in Sketchup (especially Edges, Faces, Inferences etc.) are allowed to function properly when a model is positioned with the outer-most sides of the object positioned in alignment along the 3D world axes in the default work space "quadrant".

This is when one might wish to use "MoveToOrigin"



Later this morning, I will post links to some videos that nicely illustrate use of the so-called default work space "NE Quadrant" in Sketchup.


NOTE: The default Sketchup 3D world 'work space' is the "on-ground NE Quadrant" located within the 'upper' N-S-E-W axes.



Determining axis relationship to real-world 3D space

http://sketchup.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=116357




I'll also post some info showing the default tool and a 3rd party script which makes it both possible and easier to temporarily re-set the "Drawing Axes" (not the entire default workspace 'origin of axes') along the side of any model that is not located on the Sketchup 3D world N-S-E-W "on-ground" axes.




[EDITED]

OK, I found a few things I'd misplaced, and a few new things... all of which I hope may be helpful to these topics. :idea:



...Why drawing geometry in Sketchup works best when a model is positioned in alignment along 3D world axes in the default work space "quadrant":


Ensuring edge alignment to axes

"There are two methods to ensure your edges align to axes: change the cursor to the axes colors or change your edges to the axes colors."

http://sketchup.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=114011



...Some reasons why axis alignment is helpful in Sketchup:

SketchUp Tips and Tricks: A Good Reason to Color Segments "By Axes"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XUZHZAnrjk



SketchUp: Keeping an eye out for inferences

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHHYCwSlUjk



SketchUp: Giving instructions with the drawing axes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKKdf046j5o&feature=related



SketchUp: Using inferences to help you model (some very "encouraging" ideas in this one !)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fA_awunuoc&feature=relmfu



...Additional aspects of Axes, Inferences, Snap, and Constrain with 'other' drawing tools besides the "Line" tool :


Google SketchUp, Snap/Constrain

http://www.vtc.com/modules/products...ieCode=0302&movieName=Snap/Constrain&mode=flv



BTW: More videos on "Inferences" in Sketchup:

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=sketchup+inferencing&aq=f



...Working with objects positioned off the default Sketchup 3D world N-S-E-W axes by re-orienting "Drawing Axes" in alignment along the side(s) of a model:


Google SketchUp Toolbar Series: Axes <-- (Probably the one you're most immediately interested in to answer your question above !)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPqJovjd-sM



A longer video on use of the "Axes" tool (...with an interesting example work-flow to avoid hassles with "repulsion" or skew damage induced by "attraction stickiness" when rotating, moving, aligning, and joining 2 separately modeled objects oriented at angles to one another):


Sketchup #47: The Axes Tool

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5a5WAPDwqB4&feature=related


[END_EDIT]



PS: I made of couple of edits to my opening post above:

http://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/showpost.php?p=215268&postcount=1


Hope this helps ! :)


GaryGB
 
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Oh, and no Sketchup configuration is complete without "Homer Simpson" to proclaim our angst... when we goof, or get a 'Bug Splat' model crash! :rotfl:


The Homer Button

http://sketchuptips.blogspot.com/2008/01/plugin-homer-button.html


FYI: By default, "Homer" loads as a floating 1-icon toolbar; he can be drag-n-dropped onto another toolbar instead, if desired. ;)


Hmmm... I bet the "AutoDesk" 3D modeling world is too profit-oriented and stuffy to have so many cool things available for free ! :stirthepo


Enjoy ! :D

GaryGB
 
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JRobinson said:
InstantRoof is available here:

http://www.valiarchitects.com/sketchup_scripts/instant-roof


To be honest I prefer to make my own roof because the 2:12 is too flat and 6:12 is too steep and I'm too cheap to buy the plug-in for the 3:12 and 4:12 pitch slopes. For my purposes it's too elaborate - I don't need rafters or mission tile, and I can make a roof like that shown in the first screenshot fairly easily and at whatever pitch I want. On the other hand it's a lot of fun to play with, so check it out if you haven't seen it already.

Jim
Click to expand...
Hi Jim:

I just (re-)discovered a full-featured freeware "Roof" Ruby script Tool for Sketchup that you might be interested in: :idea:


Roof - by "TIG":

http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=323&t=3470&hilit=Roof+Tool



FYI: A Demo Tutorial Video for TIG's "Roof" is at:

http://vimeo.com/2254304



Hope this might prove helpful to your projects ! :)

GaryGB
 
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That "roof" script is awesome, but...

...there's WAY too many bloody "Icons" showing for my tastes. I much prefer to use a less cluttered workspace.
 
n4gix said:
That "roof" script is awesome, but...

...there's WAY too many bloody "Icons" showing for my tastes. I much prefer to use a less cluttered workspace.
Click to expand...

Hi Bill:

I know what you mean... we "plug-in" all these wonderful Tools, and their toolbars consume our Sketchup workspace area. :eek:


I am still porting my old SU-6 and SU-7 plugins over to SU-8, and had not yet updated this one, which may solve some toolbar configuration issues (it has been updated for SU-8 now): :idea:


[Plugin] Custom Toolbars Plugin - by Jim Foltz aka "Jim"

http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=323&t=10041&hilit=Hide+Toolbar


...To download (and for additional info on this freeware script):


SketchUp Custom Toolbars

http://sketchuptips.blogspot.com/2008/06/custom-toolbars-release-08-06-01.html


[EDITED]

TIP: This "Custom Toolbars" plug-in first needs to be enabled from: ;)

Sketchup Menu > Window > Preferences > System Preferences dialog

1.) In Sketchup, navigate Sketchup Menu > Window > Preferences (System Preferences dialog opens)

2.) In System Preferences dialog left pane, click "Extensions"

3.) In System Preferences dialog right pane, scroll down and 'check' "Custom Toolbars"; click "OK"

5.) Exit and re-start Sketchup


NOTE: "Custom Toolbars" are then accessed / configured via: Sketchup Menu > View > Toolbars

[END_EDIT]



BTW: Those working with the Sketchup Ruby Console may be interested in yet another one by Jim:


[Plugin] Ruby Toolbar - by "Jim"

http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=323&t=1542&hilit=Hide+Toolbar


...To download (and for additional info on this other freeware script):


SketchUp Plugin: Ruby Toolbar

http://sketchuptips.blogspot.com/2007/08/plugin-ruby-toolbar.html


Hope this helps ! :)

GaryGB
 
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I'm such a "minimalist" that I've even customized both Max and GMax to keep most of the "icons" hidden from sight.

By the time I navigate through several layers of "submenus" for a specific "icon group" I would have already been working from using only text menu selections... :rotfl:
 
Indeed, there's pros and cons to both approaches. :o

Every time I "re-organize" my Windows Programs Menu, I end up forgetting where I put things, and have to 'explore' to find them... thereby taking even longer to get things done. :banghead:

Hmmm... maybe that's why MS named the main Windows file browser GUI "Explorer.exe" ! :D

GaryGB
 
Last edited:
Hi Bill:

If you haven't tied Jim Foltz's "Custom Toolbars" for Sketchup yet, here's how well it now works in Sketchup version 8 ! :idea:


Once Jim's plug-in is loaded, nearly all 3rd party and default toolbars are controlled via:

Sketchup Menu > View > Toolbars


[EDITED]

...But a few must still be controlled via:


Sketchup Menu > Window > Preferences > System Preferences dialog

1.) In Sketchup, navigate Sketchup Menu > Window > Preferences (System Preferences dialog opens)

2.) In System Preferences dialog left pane, click "Extensions"

3.) In System Preferences dialog right pane, scroll down and 'un-check' any un-wanted Toolbars; click "OK"

5.) Exit and re-start Sketchup

[END_EDIT]

FYI: Toolbar positions can be saved (and toolbars can even be dragged to a 2nd or 3rd monitor).


And of course, one can make "custom" toolbars as well. ;)


Hope this helps ! :)

GaryGB
 

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If I ever find time to get back to 33MO again, I'll be sure to give SketchUp a whirl instead of using Max/GMax.

I really like the second screenie of the truly "minimalist" workspace. :D
 
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