MergeGeometry

The Polygon->MergeGeometry command in the Model module allows you to merge the geometry of any curve with that of an arbitrary polygon mesh object. This lets you create shapes without pulling points. Simply model the curve and the polygon mesh, and then determine the projection plane in which the merge takes place - the points are added automatically.

Procedure

1. Create a curve and a polygon mesh object.
   
   Note:
   The polygon mesh must contain only convex polygons. This can be accomplished by converting the polygon mesh to triangles using the Effect->Convert command.
   
   
2. Choose the Polygon->MergeGeometry command in the Model module.
   
   The MergeGeometry dialogue box is displayed.
   
   
3. Set the parameters as desired.
4. Pick the polygon mesh object, then the curve.

The curve and polygon mesh object are merged.

If the projection of the curve overlaps different polygons of the polygon mesh, MergeGeometry always selects the closer polygon to insert the points of the curve. The following conditions must be met:

• The curve must not project entirely within only one polygon of the polygon mesh.
• The curve must be closed and cannot extend beyond the edges of the polygon mesh.

Parameters

Projection Type

The plane in which the curve is projected onto the model: either xy, yz, or xz.

Tag New Mesh Points

When selected, MergeGeometry automatically tags all new points created by the merge in the resulting model.

Note:
For this parameter to be visible, make sure that Show->Tag is activated.

Last updated 02-apr-1998