Editing Cross Section/Elevation Views

Cross section/elevation views are actual 2D representations of the 3D model and are very versatile. Architectural objects in the model can be edited directly from the view. See "Editing Objects in 3D Views". If dimensions are set to locate an object, such as cabinets or windows, these objects are located in cross section/elevation views, as well. If the 3D model is edited in another view, the cross section view updates.

CAD objects can be added to cross section/elevation views that save with the view. Any added objects need to be manually replaced, but if the model changes and the view must be updated. Note that when editing CAD objects in a cross section/elevation, the 3D model may obscure the CAD snapping grid.

You can convert everything in a cross section/elevation view to CAD objects, disassociating it from the 3D model completely. This allows for the most editing capabilities, but requires that all manual work be redone if the 3D model changes and the view needs updating.

Adding CAD to Cross Section/Elevation Views

The CAD text tools are accessible in cross section/elevation views. Any CAD information added to a cross section or elevation view, including dimensions and text, is stored in that view when it is saved.

Any added CAD objects are superimposed on the view and have no affect on the 3D model itself. If CAD objects are added to a cross section/elevation view, the program asks you to save the window before closing the view.

Cross sections and elevations are the only 3D views that can have information added using the 2D CAD tools. They can be fully annotated and dimensioned and then printed to scale. A cross section/elevation printed directly from the view can be printed to multiple pages if the scale requires it.

Auto-Detailing

To save time, use the Auto-Detailing tool to give you a head-start in detailing your cross section/elevation view. The auto-detailer automatically creates CAD objects for commonly detailed aspects of a view. To activate the auto-detailer, select CAD> Autodetail...

Wall Details - Add closed CAD polylines for each wall layer to a cross-section or elevation view where the wall intersects the viewing plane. The polyline fill defaults to the fill specified in the Wall Specification dialog. See "Wall Specification Dialog".

Insulation - Specify which wall layers in should display insulation fill when auto-detailed. See "Wall Specification Dialog". Specify which rooms should have insulation below the floor or above the ceiling. See "Room Specification Dialog".

Foundation Walls - Closed polylines are created for foundation walls and footings

Slabs - Closed polylines with a concrete pattern are created for slabs where the slab intersects the front clipping plane.

For more information on editing CAD objects, including closed polylines, see "Polylines".

When the auto-detailing tool is used, CAD objects are placed on the default CAD layer. Using the auto-detailing tool twice results in two copies of the same CAD objects.

CAD Detail From View

When you have finished modifying your cross section view, use the CAD Detail From View

tool to generate a CAD detail of the view. This converts all 3D lines to CAD lines, and copies them with any added items to a CAD Detail. This tool can be used in any view except render or raytrace views. CAD details created from a view do not update when the model is changed. See "CAD Detail from View".