Hi,
I'm just learning how to use this program. I started by making a model of my own house, and I got quite far along before I discovered the "import trace image" feature. I would love to be able to import an aerial picture of my house so that I can trace the driveway and sidewalks. However, when I try to import the image all I see is the thick black cross-hair. The image doesn't appear.
If I open a new project and try to import the same image, it works. So there must be something about my model that's interfering with being able to view the trace image. I can't imagine what it could be. Does anybody have any suggestions?
Gary
Hi Gary,
Welcome to the Forum!
If you are importing the SAME image into the two projects the SAME way, then it should appear the same in both projects. I can't think of any reason why it would not appear in the one you are working on - the fact that the walls etc already exist should not make any difference. The only other factor may be a corruption in the existing model, although I have not heard of it causing this effect, (many other odd ones are reported however from time to time).
Try the File/ Repair Project and if that does not help, try looking manually for a corruption (usually a wall join). See this post for some pointers on this: http://forums.turbofloorplan.com/index.php/topic,2101.0.html (http://forums.turbofloorplan.com/index.php/topic,2101.0.html)
Allan
Hi Allan,
Thanks for the advice. I tried repairing the file (which did alter the model somewhat), but I still couldn't import the image. I hate to contemplate starting over, but I think I'm going to have to. I wish we could copy and paste elements, but it's my understanding that we can't.
Is there a way to print out the plan view with all interior and exterior dimensions showing? That, at least, would simplify recreating the model. Thanks again!
Gary
Hi Gary,
Even though the Repair did delete some things there could still be other corruptions so I would still check out the wall joins before redoing your whole project.
Unfortunately you cannot copy/paste between projects, only within a project (Duplicate).
To print a plan etc just go to File / Print.
If you want to trace your existing project you would find it easier to do a File / Export / 2D Drawing and save it as a DXF.
Then do a File / Import / Object Wizard and the file will come back in automatically at the correct size and you should find that when you trace it the walls should 'snap' to the DXF file corners. Import it into a new Building Location of its own - it will still show through for tracing - the image import doesn't show through from another Location. (is that maybe the problem with your existing issue - the image is not on the same location as the walls?)
Allan
Quote from: Allan Chesney on February 05, 2012, 11:59:01 PMTo print a plan etc just go to File / Print.
Unfortunately, that doesn't include any dimension lines. I don't know how to get dimension lines to show up in the plan view.
Quote't you want to trace your existing project you would find it easier to do a File / Export / 2D Drawing and save it as a DXF.
Then do a File / Import / Object Wizard and the file will come back in automatically at the correct size and you should find that when you trace it the walls should 'snap' to the DXF file corners. Import it into a new Building Location of its own - it will still show through for tracing - the image import doesn't show through from another Location. (is that maybe the problem with your existing issue - the image is not on the same location as the walls?)
Unfortunately, I don't think that's the problem. I've tried importing the image onto the ground floor (the house has only one floor) and I've tried creating a new level just for the image. Nothing works.
I love your idea of importing the plan view as a DXF. Unfortunately, when I tried it, the scale was way off. Walls that are supposed to be only 30' long were now almost 800' long. I don't know how to fix that.
Thanks very much for your help!
Gary
Hi Gary,
Re Printing:
If you turn on the dimensions in the plan view then they should automatically print.
Re DXF Import:
If you used File / Import / Object Wizard you have a series of dialog boxes, one of which is entitled "Define the Size of the Element". In that dialog box you must select the size the original was created in. If you do that it should com out at the correct size. It also shows you the size it is going to become. If that is wrong then choose one of the other settings in the dropdown list until the size indication is correct, then continue with the import.
Re the image import:
This does seem strange and I am still just guessing at a corruption being the problem. I assume you were not able to find anything that made any difference? Before you go to the trouble of re-doing the whole thing, would you like me to have a look at it for you to see if I can find the problem? You could post the BLD file and the image you are trying to import, on the forum (4MB limit) or you can email it direct to me if you prefer. My email is: alches (AT) iint.net.au
One other thing - what version of the program are you using? You will find the full version number in Help / About...
Allan
Quote from: Allan Chesney on February 06, 2012, 09:23:03 AMRe the image import:
This does seem strange and I am still just guessing at a corruption being the problem. I assume you were not able to find anything that made any difference? Before you go to the trouble of re-doing the whole thing, would you like me to have a look at it for you to see if I can find the problem? You could post the BLD file and the image you are trying to import, on the forum (4MB limit) or you can email it direct to me if you prefer. My email is: alches (AT) iint.net.au
That is
very kind of you! Fortunately, though, I stumbled across the solution to the problem. In the view filter, under the "notation" tab, "Drafting" was turned off. I have no idea how it got turned off, nor do I know what constitutes "drafting," but when I turned it back on, the trace image appeared!
Needless to say, I'm quite relieved that I don't have to start over. Thanks very much for all of your help!
Gary
Hi Gary,
I thought it was strange - I did not even think of the view filter!
Glad to hear it is all sorted out. No fun starting again - although it is much quicker the second time around!
Allan
Quote from: Allan Chesney on February 05, 2012, 11:59:01 PM
Unfortunately you cannot copy/paste between projects, only within a project (Duplicate).
Allan
Allan, I have an idea, un-tried, maybe you have done so and can confirm or not if this is effective or 'more trouble than it is worth'.
I agree cannot copy/paste from one .bld file to another.
But, one could group a set of objects (such as a whole furnished room) and export as a .bim or other file format, then import that "object" in a new .bld file. Done in cleverly made groupings, a new file could be created/re-assembled more quickly than re-drawing from scratch....and then additions could be made.
The downside I can see is either the textures won't transfer well/correctly/not-at-all and/or in the new file, objects could no longer be changed easily as they lose their native individual object status; meaning individual position and texture changes not possible.
But for a quick "fixed" setup for some parts, this may be acceptable....such as making an "add-on" re-model.
Maybe I missed something? Have you done this? Will it work? or a waste of time?
Of course, I'd think it would be easier and more useful to duplicate the original file, rename it, then open and delete un-wanted stuff and add to that. To protect certain objects from accidental change, they can be locked, or all new stuff used on a new "layer" (location).
Hi Doug,
The idea is good but unfortunately it doesn't work. The BIM export only exports the elements and materials used, not the actual structure. So it would export the walls for example, complete will sizes, textures, trim etc and does that exactly but only as a wall type to use in the next project. The BIM takes no notice how the walls are assembled so everything would still have to be redrawn. It would save time re texturing of course.
The only way is to export as 3DS or DXF but there are then Texture issues but more importanly the model cannot then be edited.
Allan
Quote from: Allan Chesney on February 07, 2012, 09:02:39 PM
Hi Doug,
The idea is good but unfortunately it doesn't work.
Allan
Thanks, good to know.