Menu path
Tools > Measure
The measure commands allow you to measure a variety of geometric properties in the model. The most used functions are in the Icon Menu for ease of use. The Pulldown menu has the comprehensive list of options.
🧾 Distance Between 2 Points
This command reports the distance between 2 points you locate, typically with the middle mouse button so that you are 'snapping' exactly to the point.
The dialog displays the Model coordinates with respect to the Absolute origin and the construction plane (CPL) coordinates with respect to the CPL origin. For roofing, this will usually be the same origin as we have no need to change origins.
The display shows the coordinates in X, Y and Z. It also shows the distance in each axis between the two points selected. This is a very handy command to use to measure the relative eave heights on two parts of the roof.
🧾 Entity Length
This command reports the length of a line or arc you select. The precision [number of decimal places] for measure length is determined by the defaults set in the CAD program – CAD > Defaults > Systems Settings > Configure.
🧾 Sum of Lengths
This command reports the length of a group of lines and arcs you select. You may use this to check the total length of an eave around a roof. The command aggregates the eave line lengths.
🧾 Area
This command reports the area of a plane (for example a roof or wall plane) you select.
🧾 Area and Perimeter
This command reports the area of a closed boundary you select. The command requires you to select the first line and then the successive list of connected lines is automatically traced. (ie instead of selecting a plane, you can select the lines that form the plane boundary).
🧾 Area Between Points
This command reports the area of a shape you have digitised. In this case, you digitise a series of points which define the corners of the shape, typically using the middle button so that you 'snap' exactly to the required point.
🧾 Distance Between Parallel Lines
This command reports the distance between two lines if they are parallel and the angle between if they are not.
🧾 Angle
This command lets you measure the angle given 3 points. Select the points using the middle mouse 'snap' feature to ensure that you are EXACTLY on the line end point.
🧾 Bearing
This command lets you measure the bearing given 2 points relative to North (up the page) and also the distance between the two points.
🧾 Rainfall Capture
Tools > Measure > Rainfall Capture
This command provides the ability to determine the amount of rainfall that may be captured from the roof based on average, or specific rainfall.
You select the roof planes that will contribute to the catchment and the rainfall for the period, say 650mm in a year – these planes are highlighted, then confirm your selection and then input the rainfall for the period in mm or inches depending on your units defined under preferences.
If you wish to calculate rainfall for a shorter period, simply input the rainfall for that period. The result will be displayed as shown below:
This can be used for various situations, even the calculation of downpipe placement and size.
💡 Tips
• Use the middle mouse button when selecting points to ensure you 'snap' exactly to the required location
• The Distance Between 2 Points tool is particularly useful for measuring relative eave heights on different parts of the roof
• Sum of Lengths is ideal for checking total eave lengths around a roof perimeter
• Measurement precision can be adjusted in CAD > Defaults > Systems Settings > Configure