3D Images for proposals

1. Draw all the surfaces on a building, even the ones that won’t have panels on them. Zoom in to increase accuracy, and make sure the edges of adjoining surfaces meet.

2. (adjust the heights of the surfaces from the default 3m if required)

3. Drop panels to surfaces

4. Click the 3D icon.

5. Select the panel render you want to use

6. In the 3D panel, choose the date and time for the sun position and optionally adjust the light intensity

7. To adjust the camera angle of the 3D view, click and move the mouse to rotate the image. You can also click the direction pointer and move the mouse to move the angle of the camera. Moving the mouse up and down rotates on the vertical plane, moving the mouse left and right rotates the image on the horizontal plane.

8. When you are happy with the view, click the Camera Icon to capture it for use in proposals. (if you don’t click on this icon, it will just use the 2D image.

Chimneys, air con etc.

We are still developing the ability to add obstructions such as chimneys, etc. The work-around is to create another surface the same shape as the obstruction, adjust the height, and move it to the surface that it will be above.

You can show the shading from a neighbouring building by drawing the surfaces of that building.

Map modes and Quick Keys / keyboard shortcuts

There are different modes for each task. You can switch between each by clicking on its icon, or using quick keys / keyboard shortcuts, or by clicking on certain points on the map.

• draw surface (ctrl d)

• edit surface (ctrl e) / double click on the edge of a surface to move the surface, click a 3rd time to adjust the shape of the surface.

• edit grid (ctrl g). If you are in edit surface mode, double click on an empty space inside the surface to switch to edit grid mode.

• set baselength.

• 3D preview (ctrl p)

• map markers

• trees