Autodesk LIGHTSCAPE, Manual

Page: 98 / 362

Refining Geometry 6
90
Lightscape
Changing the Geometry of a Block
Definition
To change a block’s geometry, you can either modify
the block definition in Isolate mode or modify an
instance of the block in your model. In either case,
the block definition and all its instances are
modified.
To modify a block’s geometry, delete or transform
the surfaces that make up the block. For more infor-
mation, see “Working with Surfaces” on page 95.
Moving a Block Definition’s Insertion
Point
The insertion point represents the origin of the
block’s local coordinate system. When you insert a
block instance in a model, it is placed with reference
to its insertion point. The insertion point is also the
center of rotation of the block in the model.
To move a block’s insertion point:
1.
Do one of the following to isolate the block:
• Double-click a block in the Blocks table
•
Select a block in the Blocks table, right-click the
Blocks table, and choose Isolate.
The block appears alone in the Graphic window.
2.
Select the isolated block in the Graphic window,
right-click, then choose Transformation.
The block’s insertion point and the Transformation
dialog appears.
3.
Click the Insertion Point tab.
4.
Select one of the options in the Values list.
Select: To:
Absolute Move the insertion point to those co-
ordinates specified by X, Y, Z. For ex-
ample, entering 2 in the X box moves
the insertion point to a spot 2 units to
the right of the scene origin.
You can also click Geometric Center
to move the block’s insertion point to
the center of the block’s geometry.
Relative Move the insertion point by a relative
amount specified by X, Y, Z. For ex-
ample, entering 2 in the X box moves
the insertion point 2 units to the right
of its current position.
Drag Move the insertion point to a new
position in any orthographic view.
You can constrain cursor movement
by entering values in the X, Y, and Z
boxes.
Pick Move the insertion point to the point
you select in the Graphic window.
Enable Snap to Nearest Vertex to
move the insertion point to the ver-
tex nearest the point you select.