imported linework; they can crop up even when you are performing simple modeling. Learning how to problem solve the generation of faces in SketchUp is a useful skill. Method 2 is practical and simple to use. To perform it, you will need to purchase three custom Ruby Scripts and download a fourth one that is free. However, the small expenditure is worth it because of the ease of use.
Healing with the Line Tool Method 1 is simple and involves using the Line tool (View > Toolbars > Drawing > Line Tool). Its drawback is that it can take hours—if not days, depending on the size of the file—to complete the base. The basic premise of this method is to create faces. Instead of adding edges to create faces, the Line tool is used to identify imported edges by sampling points along an edge. Ideally, you select the endpoint of an edge and select (draw) another endpoint on the same edge. For example, a surface area is defined by the perimeter of four edges. To heal the face with the Line tool, select an endpoint of one of the edges, travel along the same edge, and select another point (on the edge, midpoint, or endpoint). If the perimeter is closed and contains no anomalous edges, a face will be created. However, it will become quickly apparent that this does not work so cleanly with all the edges in a drawing. Distortions in the imported linework will prevent some (or many) areas from healing faces. Here are some tips and tricks to make this method work: Sample the same edge. The idea is to identify the endpoints of existing edges, not to
draft a new line. This mistake is easy to identify if a new edge is created (Fig. 18-6 through Fig. 18-10).
First endpoint on edge
Fig. 18-6: Using the Line tool, select the endpoint of an edge.
Second endpoint on edge
Fig. 18-7: Select the second point on the edge. Identifying the two points along a straight edge will heal the face.
Chapter 18: Modeling the AutoCAD Flatwork Base
319
