Google Sketchup as a maneuvering board

[sublynx]

I recently noticed that 3d modeling program Google Sketchup has a protractor and you can measure distances with it.

http://i48.tinypic.com/8x693m.jpg

That means that one can use Sketchup as a maneuvering board. Now I can train maneuvering board practices at work even if I don't have SH3 installed in my work computer. :ping:

If anyone else get a kick out of marine trigonometry, here's links to some maneuvering board manuals:

http://www.google.fi/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=maneuvering%20board&source=web&cd=6&ved=0CGMQFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgcaptain.com%2Fmaritime%2Ftools%2 Ffiles%2FMoBoard.pdf&ei=WpwTUK61B5OP4gTm_IGQCQ&usg=AFQjCNHNJ9ep7x7kDAXfaTm8tMNWgumO-w

http://archive.org/details/maneuveringboard00unit

The latter one is a US Navy 1941 version.

I think I'll deinstall my zigzagging mod for my next patrol - just to see if I was able to correctly use different maneuvering board techniques:hmmm:

[Gargamel]

Problem is sketchup doesn't always snap to the plane your interested in. End up with a ship a few miles in the air.

But aside from that, being free, with some customization and some
Practice I can see it working out.

I'd download some 3d models, add a 1km grid to the xy plane, maybe even some google earth for background, and you go from maneuvering board to sand table.

[sublynx]

Problem is sketchup doesn't always snap to the plane your interested in. End up with a ship a few miles in the air.

But aside from that, being free, with some customization and some
Practice I can see it working out.

I'd download some 3d models, add a 1km grid to the xy plane, maybe even some google earth for background, and you go from maneuvering board to sand table.

Sand table sounds nice :)

Sketchup has it's quirks though. Somehow it doesn't follow the Windows/Microsoft logic and I've even had to read some instructions on how to use it.

[Gargamel]

It's pretty intuitive. But as you said, some things need looked up.

I picked up the sketch up for dummies book off amazon. After reading it, which was enjoyable in itself, in about 30 minutes I had a textured model of what the Parthenon should look like. Ie, looks nothing like the actual Parthenon, but still a cool Greek/roman cathedral. Also did some drawings for work, one of which ended up getting me a raise.

Definitely worth the read.


There is also the mobo stand alone program in the downloads section. That's pretty good too.

[sublynx]

I have only known about Sketchup for a few days, but it does seem very fast to use after the first oddities. I changed the key commands to keyboard shortcuts as well. Now I can switch between line, protractor and text straight from the keyboard.

I did use MoBo for some time, but I found that program too slow to use.

[Gargamel]

If you get a dEcent setup workIng, upload a template and brief tutorial to the downloads section, I'd love to have it going on my second monitor.

Imagine 3d models on a google earth realistic seascape type sand table, with the wallpaper in the sky being the command room of a sub or BDU HQ.

[sublynx]

I do have a template that seems to be working nicely. Here's what I did (IIRC):

1. Chose the simple standard template.
2. Erased the "on face in component" person from the template.
3. Camera -> standard views -> top
4. View -> Face Style -> hidden line
5. Window -> Preferences -> Shortcuts --> changed the keys to my liking
6. Saved as a new default template

I have two computers running side by side. The other running the game, the other acting as a maneuvering board / war diary / subsim forum / BdU KTB and U-boat history page.

It's a good idea writing a tutorial and uploading a template. :up: For once it would be me uploading something hopefully useful to someone and not always me downloading all the great stuff modders have made. I'll have to see if I'll have the time and organization to get to it. :doh: