QUESTION:

I was wondering how you created the images in the gallery that show 3D sections of ECOTECT models. They look really nice and communicate clearly, particularly with the section cut-line highlighted in red, and the "sketch model" settings. I am trying to generate an image much like that to show the shadows on the interior of a model.

ANSWER:

The model section cut is only available in the OpenGL display window. If you open this window (Display » OpenGL in the menu) you should notice 2 panels to the right of the new window, Display & Analysis. If you click on the Display panel and scroll most of the way down, you should come across a check box and slider labelled Section Plane. If you check this feature then slide the slider, you should see the red section cut lines you mention.

The section cutting plane is based on the ECOTECT model grid and will only slide within the extents of this grid and is limited to the XYZ planes of the grid (the small arrow menu to the right of the slider will let you choose the cut axis and direction).

With regard to the shadow casting, this will work as normal in the OpenGL window and at the same time as the section cut as long as you have both on at the same time.

As a note of caution relating to shadows in OpenGL, please be extra careful with this function and be sure to check any shadows cast in OpenGL with the shadows in the main ECOTECT window. Its not that they will be wrong necessarily, it's just that the software has less control over how the shadows are drawn because of the reliance on graphics hardware and driver implementation.

If you have any doubts as to accuracy, or for that matter if the OpenGL rendering is not working or not working as would be expected, please refer to the System Requirements page in the help file for full details and step-by-step instructions on the best methods to handle OpenGL issues.