GDL ToolboxTM 1

Archi-data Ltd. - July 2000.

GDL ToolboxTM

The interactive GDL editor

GDL Toolbox is anArchiCAD Add-Onapplication, which enablesArchiCAD users to haveaccess to the geometricalpossibilties offered byGDL programming basedexclusively on theirknowledge of ArchiCADand geometry.

Main features of GDLToolboxTM

� Fully integrated into ArchiCAD.Interactive definition and editing of3D geometrical shapes within theArchiCAD working environment.

� ArchiCAD-like way of thinking.No GDL knowledge is needed.

� Free 3D space for creating, editingand transforming GDL Toolboxelements.

� Intelligent geometrical ObjectTools.

� Editing possibilities for exisitinglibrary parts created with GDLTolbox.

� Easy and intuitive Library partdefinitions.

� Cooperation with the standardArchiCAD elements.

� GDL ToolboxTM fully fits intoArchiCAD�s familiar operation, inorder to avoid any interruption in thearchitectural work carried out withArchiCAD.

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The aim of GDL ToolboxTM

GDL Toolbox provides a solution for two main requirements:1. It supplements the Architectural tools of ArchiCAD with

intelligent 2D/3D geometrical elements;

2 It allows the ArchiCAD Users smart and interactive generatingand editing of most sophisticated GDL objects in the well-knownediting environment of ArchiCAD.

ArchiCAD alone does not support the interactive generating of simple andcomplex geometrical elements. Until now such user needs are to besatisfied by GDL programming. Although the knowledge of GDL allowsthe user to find solutions for most of the geometrical problems that occur inarchitecture, only a few percentage of ArchiCAD users know GDL at asatisfactory level.Another problem of GDL programming is that while scripting ageometrical element, the user leaves his original (architectural) track ofthoughts and needs to start a new, completely different (softwaredevelopmental) track in a completely new environment.GDL Toolbox hopes to offer an easy-to-apply, intuitive solution to theseproblems by extending the functionality of ArchiCAD.

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Archi-data Ltd. - July 2000.

Functions of GDL ToolboxTM

In ArchiCAD architectural and supplementary geometrical functions havealways been clearly distinguished.GDL Toolbox is therefore synthesizing these functions. Our primary goalduring the development of the software was to prevent ArchiCAD usersfrom leaving their architectural �track of thoughts� while designingsupplementary simple or complex elements or shapes.With the help of GDL Toolbox elements can be placed into the ArchiCADproject in two ways:

· As a geometrical element � In this case a single geometrical elementwill be placed which can be defined on the floor plan with one of thetools of the software. (Definition is similar to the one of any standard3D element in ArchiCAD.)

· As an Object-type library part � In this case GDL Toolbox elementscan be saved from a selected set of geometric elements drawn withGDL Toolbox. The name of the new object needs to be defined. Objectssaved this way can be edited later interactively with the help of theGDL Toolbox.

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Archi-data Ltd. - July 2000.

Relationship between ArchiCAD and GDLToolboxTM

GDL Toolbox is built into ArchiCAD 6.5, through the Graphisoft API(Application Programming Interface). The software operates only withArchiCAD, using its workspace, user interface and interactions. Having thesoftware installed, a new menu item appears through which operationalcommands of the program can be reached. The basic geometrical functionsof the program can be reached through a Toolbox � similarly to the one inArchiCAD.Geometrical elements generated with the program can be used even if GDLToolbox is not installed on the curent computer. In this case elements canbe used, but cannot be modified.During the design and development process of GDL Toolbox we werestriving to achieve that GDL Toolbox should fit well into the ArchiCADenvironment - within the limits set by the API.

Adapting ArchiCAD�s Way of Thinking

Definition of the single GDL Toolbox elements (geometrical elements)happens the same way as with ArchiCAD intelligent architecturalelements:

· Non-geometrical parameters of the elements will be defined in a dialogbox.

· Geometrical parameters will be defined on the floor plan.· Modification of non-geometrical features of selected elements will be

done in the dialog boxes.· Geometrical features of selected elements may be modified on the floor

plan.· Geometrical information on existing elements can be used for

generating new elements.· Special geometrical and transformational operations can be carried out

with the selected elements.Although elements generated with the GDL Toolbox are phisicaly standardObject-type library parts � due to its own data structure � GDL Toolboxtreats them as independent intelligent elements.

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Archi-data Ltd. - July 2000.

In the next few illustrations we will present how easy it is to create, modifyor transform GDL Toolbox elements:

Creating GDL ToolboxTM elementsYou can create GDL Toolbox elements by clicking on the Toolbox, settingup the parameters in the dialog box and entering the definition points byclicking on the floor plan.

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Archi-data Ltd. - July 2000.

Both simple and complex elemenscan be defined this way. For example thepolyline segment definition as illustrated bellow:

Editing GDL ToolboxTM elementsYou can easily and interactively edit the existing GDL Toolbox elements.By selecting the element and clicking on it�s nodes the requiredmodifications can be carried out. The next illustrations show the interactivemodofication of the polyline and the sphere elements.

� Linear segments to arcs

See the result.

Click on the node of a linearsegment of the polyline

Turn the linear segment into anarc using the input modifier.

You can use the input modifier todefine segments with linear orcurved geometry.

As you can see the polyline reallyexists in the 3D space.

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Archi-data Ltd. - July 2000.

� Arc segments to linear ones

� Editing the shape of a sphere

Using the input modifier you canredefine the curved segment oryou can set it to linear.

Click at the midpoint of curvedsegment.

See the result of the modifiedpoliline in 3D.

Set the sphere to edit mode byclicking on it�s nodes and selectingit.

Redefine the opening anglegraphically.

The element can be a solid one orrepresented only by its surface.

The sphere is turned into a sector.

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Archi-data Ltd. - July 2000.

Converting GDL TooloxTM elementsYou can easillly convert ArchiCAD elements or just GDL Toolboxelements into new geometrical objects.

Transforming GDL TooloxTM elementsYou can use standard coordinate transformation commands forrepositioning GDL Toolbox elements.

By selecting a polyline andapplying the tube command...

the new Tube object appears...

which is already a threedimensional shape.

Selecting the sphere and apply therotate over a line command.

By specifying in 3D the rotationaxis.

The result is a rotated element.

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Archi-data Ltd. - July 2000.

Example tube-chairIn the next examples we will show how complex object type library partscan be created and saved using GDL Toolbox.

1. Draw the shape using ArchiCAD lines and arcs.2. Convert them into a tube.3. The new object appears also in the 3D window.

1. Select the GDL Tolbox elemet.2. You can transform it in the 3D space. Rotate, drag and mirror it to thedesired location.

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Archi-data Ltd. - July 2000.

1. Select the element you want to transform in space.2. The result appears immediately also in the 3D window.

1. Select an ArchiCAD arc for generating the leader sheat of the chairinbetween the steel bars.2. Turn the arc into a polyline and elevate a copy of it in order to have twopolylines at different height.3. Between the polylines you can create a 3D surface by selecting andconverting them using the appropriate command.

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Archi-data Ltd. - July 2000.

Example coat-rack

1. Select your ArchiCAD drawings2. Convert them into GDL polylines with one click.

3. Turn these polylines into a tubular object using the Tube command ofGDL Toolbox.

4. GDL Toolbox objects can be generated from pre-defined polylines orthey can be drawn by their reference lines as well.

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Archi-data Ltd. - July 2000.

5. Using the simple elements and the transformation commands you can setup the complex GDL Toolbox object.6. Using GDL Toolbox�s saving function you can create a standardArchiCAD object7. Now you can use this library part just like any other object in ArchiCAD.8. This object can be loaded into the program for further editing.

Contact usArchi-data Ltd.We design communication

Address: Taplocsányi utca 2.Budapest 1022Hungary

For more information about GDL ToolboxTM and other products and for thelatest product availability and updates please visit our website or contactus.

Internet: www.archidata.huE-mail: mail@archidata.hu

Copyright: Archi-data Ltd. 2000All intellectual and other rights are reserved. GDLToolboxTM is a registred trademark of Archi-data Ltd.