Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Most 3D programs offer a variety of Boolean operation tools. For the most part, all of these tools use a
base geometric element and then a driver element that is used to perform the Boolean operation. Some, such
as the Axis Drill in modo (Geometry
⇒
Boolean
⇒
Axis Drill), operate on a single axis. These tools affect
everything that lies in a direct orthographic projection and, as a result, work much like the Pathfinder tool in
Illustrator (see
Figure 8-6
). Another type of Boolean tool works on a surface level; the intersecting surfaces
add edges to the surface of the base mesh. This type of tool, such as the Solid Drill in modo (Geometry
⇒
Boolean
⇒
Solid Drill), acts in three dimensions but is limited to the surfaces of the base mesh, treating it
like an eggshell, as shown in
Figure 8-7
. Finally, the third type of Boolean works in three full dimensions,
like the Boolean tool in modo (Geometry
⇒
Boolean
⇒
Boolean). The result of operations done in three di-
mensions takes into account the full dimensionality of both the base and the driver meshes, creating a totally
new piece of geometry in the process, as shown in
Figure 8-8
.
Now that the basic principles of Boolean modeling operations have been discussed, you will create a
simple floor plan by using simple cubes. For this example, you will create an apartment-style model. Start
with an appropriate-sized cube for the outer structure:
1.
Enable the Cube tool (Geometry
⇒
Primitive Tools
⇒
Cube).
2.
In the top view, draw out a cube that is centered around the origin.
3.
Set the X Size to 10.5 m and the Z to 6.5 m.
Figure 8-6:
The Axis Drill operation places edges on a base mesh by 2D orthographic projection.
Figure 8-7:
The Solid Drill operation places edges on a base mesh based on the 3D intersection of the
surfaces.
