Elevation: Projection

Purpose: The Projection section allows to define and manage facade surfaces that extend outward from the main building structure, such as offsets, overhangs, or stepped volumes. These projections influence how the facade is segmented and how panels are generated later in the workflow. By selecting the correct elevation and assigning projection definitions, it helps the system understand changes in depth across the facade so panelization can reflect the true geometry of the building.

Select (1): It allows to pan the 3D view of the elevation. When this tool is active, click and drag to move the 3D model around the screen without modifying any projection geometry. It is used to reposition the viewing angle so it can better inspect the facade before adding or adjusting projections.

Projection (2): Enables the projection‑drawing mode. When activated, it can define new projected facade areas directly on the selected elevation. At this point, the facade area is fully defined and ready to be converted into an elevation view. 

Reset Projection Elevation (3) & (7): It restores the selected elevation’s projection settings back to their original state. This is useful if needed to remove all projection inputs and start again.

Sub-menu (4): It opens additional management options for the selected elevation. From this menu, the following can be done:

• Rename - Change the elevation’s label.

• Duplicate - Create a copy of the elevation, including its settings.

• Reset Projection - Restore the elevation’s projection to its default state.

• Delete - Remove the elevation from the project.

This menu helps organize and manage each elevation efficiently.

Orientation Cube (5): The orientation cube visually indicates whether the elevation shown corresponds to the North, South, East, or West side of the building. As it rotate or switch views, the highlighted face of the cube updates to reflect the active orientation.

Switch from 3D to 2D Elevation View (6): After the projection is set, click the view switch icon (highlighted in the interface). This action switches the workspace from the 3D model view to the 2D elevation view and vice versa, where cropping and elevation‑specific edits can be performed with precision.

Update penalization (8): Applies all changes made to projection settings. Once clicked, the system recalculates how projection geometry will impact the panelization process.

Projection – Step‑by‑Step

• Projection uses a total of 5 left‑clicks to define the full facade area.

• Click the Projection button to enter projection mode (9).

• Left boundary

  • Mouse over the lowest level of the building.

  • The level is indicated by an opaque blue block (10) with a dark blue line on the left‑most side (11) of the elevation.

  • Left‑click once to set the left side of the facade.

  • Note: No need to click directly on the blue line, clicking anywhere inside the blue block is sufficient.

• Right boundary

  • Keep the cursor on the same lowest level.

  • A dark blue line appears on the right‑most side of the elevation (12).

  • Left‑click once to set the right side of the facade.

• Bottom boundary

  • Still keeping the blue block on the lowest level, the dark blue line moves to the bottom of the facade (13).

  • Left‑click once to set the bottom of the facade.

• Top boundary

  • Mouse upward to stretch the projection to the highest point of the building.

  • The blue box (14) and dark blue line (15) indicate the top limit.

  • Left‑click once to set the top of the projection.

• Finalize the projection

  • Before the final click, use the mouse wheel to push or pull the projection forward or backward if parts of the building are recessed or protruding.

  • When satisfied with the facade alignment, make one final left‑click Enter to set the projection.

• Processing note

  • Each step may take a moment to process as the system evaluates the 3D model.

• Reset option

  • Restart the process at any time by clicking the Reset Projection button.

Shortcuts (16)

• [Space]: Resets the view to the default camera position. Useful if orientation is lose or want to quickly re‑center the facade.
• [Hold Shift + Left Mouse Button]: Holding Shift in Projection enables precise 3D navigation. While holding Shift, click and hold the left mouse button to slowly move the view left or right, depending on the elevation side (North, East, South, or West). While still holding Shift, clicking and holding the right mouse button allows to navigate the model up and down slowly, giving more controlled and accurate positioning.