CIGRAPH - Architerra 2

The first ArchiCAD API based plug-in for modeling the ground

Description
The ArchiTerra plug-in was devised and created to solve a widespread problem among ArchiCAD users, which is the creation and management of three-dimensional land models.
Designers often need to give a context to their projects within certain surroundings to create a more lifelike environment in order to monitor the project's environmental impact while still in the planning stage.
The same need may arise for purely urbanistic or landscaping purposes, and indeed, it is often necessary to create 3D land models of varying sizes.

Main Features
After installing ArchiTerra, the ArchiCAD user has a new set of tools at his disposal for the quick and simple creation of 3D land models that are fully compatible with ArchiCAD.
ArchiTerra permits the user to import land relief directly on to the ArchiCAD window through text files (lists of points) or DXF documents, or to create new land using ArchiTerra commands, which can be used to enter all the pertinent information to describe the 3D land model by means of points, constraints, contour curves and modelling tools.
ArchiTerra is an indispensable tool for all ArchiCAD users who need to manage the modelling of a site or to create complex land features.

The ArchiTerra package consists of three components:
- The Add-On named "ArchiTerra" that adds the necessary commands for the modelling of the land to ArchiCAD.
- The "ArchiTerra 20.LIB" library containing a series of simple intelligent objects that can be used as land modelling tools.
 
Work methods
The interactive insertion mode allows the user to define the information describing the morphology of the land directly in the ArchiCAD window (even permitting the user to use a digitalised scanned map as a guide). In this mode the user manually inserts the data describing the land.
The types of information to define the land layout are topographic points, constraints and contour curves.
- Topographic points: land points are inserted with the mouse, providing the following information: Co-ordinates, Code/Description.
- Constraints: constraints force triangulation according to the specifications defined by the user, "joining" two points with a constraint and allowing the user to define a sequence of points as an obstacle.
- Contour Curves: ArchiCAD tools (Polylines, Arcs and Splines) are used directly to draw contour curves. The basic idea is to first draw the direction of the contour curve with instant and effective results and then to convert these primitive graphics into Points and Constraints.
 
In the Import mode, ArchiCAD users can, thanks to ArchiTerra features, read information directly from lists of points (TXT format) and DXF drawings. In this mode ArchiTerra automatically places points, contour lines, and constraints according to the imported file's specifications.
 
It is then possible to calculate contour lines (primary and secondary), model the land through levelling, basins, roads and walls with the desired shape and size on the 3D Mesh created by ArchiTerra.
The user can configure the escarpment angle by adding or subtracting, calculating surfaces, perimeters and the volume of the land in question.
 
Final processing of the data inserted (through interactive or import mode) produces a three-dimensional Mesh which can be edited and modified by the user at will using the standard ArchiCAD functions. ArchiTerra solves the problem of modelling and managing land with efficiency and simplicity. ArchiTerra works within ArchiCAD, eliminating the need to open other applications, while maintaining the original program's philosophy and natural work method.