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These are instructions to create an adaptive Generic Model family that is a 4 sided flat plane. The angle of the plane is set by 3 points, the height of the 4th point is set so the plane created remains flat.
When this family is inserted in a project each corner point is placed at the location and height required. The height of the 4th point is set by the family based on the height required to maintain a flat plane.
Once in a project the plane can then be used as a reference for editing other objects (e.g. points of a roof or floor) or as a host for floor, wall or roof by face.
INSTRUCTIONS
Start a new family using the Generic Model Adaptive template (Metric Generic Model Adaptive.rft)
Place 4 points anywhere.
Change the Point parameter to Placement Point (Adaptive).
(Each point will have a number next to it. Make sure the sequence is sequential)
Set the current Work Plane to the horizontal plane of the last of the point created (point 4).
Place 2 points at exactly the same place as point 4.
You will get warnings, just hit OK.
Select one of the points created above (make sure you don't select the original point), move it up.
Select the 2nd point created above and move down.
Move point 4 up and down, the 2 extra points should move with it. If not delete them and try again.
Select the 2 extra points and hit Spline Through Points.
Select the spline created above, tick Is Reference Line.
This will turn it into a reference line that won't be visible when the family is placed in a project.
Create a triangular plane by drawing Model lines (turn on 3D snapping) between points 1, 2 and 3, then hit Create Form.
Select plane rather than solid.
Select the triangular plane and untick Visible parameter.
This is so it won't be visible when placed in a project.
Place a Point on the spline (hit Modify or escape key to exit command).
Next tie this point to the triangular plane.
Select the Point.
Hit Host Point By Intersection in the Options bar.
Select the triangular plane.
Move one of the points around the triangle up and down, note the point on the spline moves as well.
Draw Model Lines between Points 1 & 4, and points 3 & 4.
Select the lines drawn above and outside lines of triangular plane.
Hit Create Form, select plane instead of solid.
Test the new plane by moving points 1, 2 or 3 up and down.
Check plane is flat by rotating your view so it is side on.
Select point 4, change its Orients to parameter to Global (xyz).
(this is very important)
The family is now done. To help control visibility put the plane onto a sub-category and give it a material.
From Object Styles, create a new Generic Model subcategory called Masses. Create and assign a material called Mass with a colour and 75% transparency.
Select the plane and change its Subcategory parameter to Masses.
Save to an appropriate location.
DONE !!
To use this family:
Load into a project.
Go to a 3D view that shows where you want to place the family.
Work out which points have fixed heights (the first 3 picked), and which point doesn't (the last point).
Place the family starting with point 1.
In plan view you can see the family follows the host points picked.
(if you place the family in a plan view it will tend to sit at the reference level - i.e. flat)
If you need to move any of the points select the point (you may need to tab so only the point is selected). Hit the Pick New Host button, then select new host.
Note that points are hosted - so if the host object moves they move with it.
In the image below the heights of walls were changed after the family was placed.
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