Inserting and Postitioning 3D Objects Manually.

Note the default n4ce 3D Object Library can be found at this location on a PC running n4ce 4.30a or greater. "C:\ProgramData\Applications in Cadd\n4ce\3d Objects"

The following describes a simple exercise where by a new Bus Stop needs to be visualised in place of an old one.  In this example we will be starting with a point cloud where the existing Bus Stop has been placed in a separate group and then turned off.

Currently n4ce support the following 3d Object formats. OBJ, 3DS, FBX, and STL.  

To begin adding an object to the scene, select the "Place 3D Model" button from the 3d Models Tab.  This differs from the "Import Scene" option that also allows object files to be imported.  But in that case the objects Coordinate system is used so that buildings can be imported for instance, in the exact coordinates the should be.  having selected and appropriate file, and pressed Ok, it will be attached to the mouse cursor so it can be placed initially in the scene. Note the current lock modes will be obeyed.

Note the two tick boxes in the Display section.  External Models, turns all 3d Objects on and off. Whilst, Model Labels, turns the green label identifier text on and off.

Also... After placing your objects, use the "Export 3d Models XML" button to save your objects locations, so that they can be recalled later via the "Import 3d Models XML" button.

When one or more external 3d Objects are placed in the Scene, the Model Properties pane updates to show the Initial objects properties, and that of any Instances.  An Instance is effectively a placement of a loaded object.  The objects initial Origin, Scale and Rotation call all be set or overridden, before each Instance.  Which in turn have their own Position, Scale and Rotation.

The position of any Instance of a object can be set at any time simply by pressing the Set Position button and repositioning the object with the mouse.

Once the object is close, click on the "Edit 3D Models" button and hover the mouse over the object.  It should be highlighted to show n4ce knows which one you want to edit.  With only one this is not an issue, but when using multiple objects\instances... It's handy to know which one is about to be edited.

Once clicked on a rotation widget will be displayed at the local origin of the object.  The widget has three modes. Rotation, Translation and Scale. Use the letters R, T and S to toggle between them.  In either case the colour of the Axis modifier corresponds with the coloured cells of the values in the properties pane. In any case, click on the particular axis modifier to edit it.  Or manually enter values in the appropriate cells in the properties pane. 

Rotation

Translation

Scale

When the edits are complete, right click the mouse to cancel the editing widget.  Once the position of this object and any others in the scene are finalised. Use the "Export Models XML" option to save all their data to an XML file.  This can then be reloaded at anytime via the corresponding "import 3D Models XML" button.