Hi,
I'm new to Ecotect and trying to build my first model. I have 2D floorplans of a multi-storey building and would like to know the best way to use these to start building the model in Ecotect.
I've tried importing as DXF, but because of the large number of vectors in the file, it is slowing down Ecotect dramatically (moving a node takes 1 minute). Is there a way of using the DXF as a guide to trace the room outlines, without it being part of a zone?
All help gratefully received.
Regards,
Mark
Importing CAD file as starting point for Ecotect model
Think I've found the answer since I posted the above. When importing the DXF, assign all the elements on all layers as "Line". This seems to make them construction lines. In addition, the zones that they are on can be turned "off", so they don't afect calculations.
The information on this is difficult to find in the Help file.
Regards,
Mark
RE: Importing CAD file as starting point for Ecotect model
yes, info/support is lacking to put it mildly.
i've been using ecotect for a good while on very large projects with very complex geometry. i've tried every way you could imagine to import a 3d model from 3dstudio, rhino, acad (all flavors), digital project, so on and so forth, with very different results. sometimes i would just rebuild the model inside ecotect, or as you mention - trace it.
i think it all depends on what you want from the ecotect model. i try to define what type of analysis i want or whats required - first, then plan out the way i want ecotect to behave itself during.
3D:
i've had the best luck with importing 3ds geometry into ecotect, once i've pruned my source 3ds file of unnecessary geometry that would get in the way of all the number crunching that ecotect is expected to do, then render those numbers the way like.
2D:
yes, DXF seems to be the easiest and quickest for importing as a basis to build a quick model. for me the same rule applies before importing; prune all unwanted geometry from the source 2d file.
good luck and always make a back-up before editing!
mike