Architectural_Design_with_SketchUp

Chapter 6 Creating Geometry Using Ruby Scripting
the max method ([angle, 0.2].max), which looks for the largest value in an array. Finally, we
apply the transformation with a doubled value in the z direction, which creates the ellipses.
Figure 6.26: Solar-oriented opening placement
What Else Is Possible with This?
As the preceding examples demonstrated, you can create interesting and intriguing geometry
using scripting in SketchUp. The combination of manual modeling and Ruby scripting is a very
efficient and effective approach to get results fast. If this was your introduction to computational
geometry, then feel free to explore further. Start by modifying the code examples and
see where this takes you. It is also a good idea to browse the Ruby API documentation for
methods that could be of value for your design tasks. Here are some ideas:
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Insert images using the Image object.
Influence the current view using the Camera object.
Geo-locate your model and add geometry using the LatLong methods.
Modify the layers in your model using the methods of the Layers collection.
Add view tabs to your model using the Pages collection’s methods.
Add an attribute (a text-based parameter) to an object (e.g., a component) and read it out
to a text file. Relevant methods are: model.set_attribute and model.get_attribute.
Add a menu item to SketchUp and assign your code to it. Relevant methods are: menu.
add_item and menu.add_submenu.
Create a WebDialog and display some HTML pages in it. You can even make Ruby interact
with a WebDialog’s content or JavaScript.
If you decide that Ruby scripting is for you, then you might want to look at some of the
web links mentioned previously and even explore plugin development. If you created a solution
to a problem using Ruby code, then it likely will be useful for someone else, too. Packaging
code as a plugin requires only a few more lines of code and is a great way to share your work.
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