Geodesic modeling

[Norman]

Dear Taff,
I found your geodesic models immensely useful but I have not been able
to figure out how to make them on my own. I work in sketchup but I do
not know computer programming. Please tell me how I can make geodesic
domes in sketchup on my own without using a programming script.

[TaffGoch]

Norman,

Well, that's the real trick, isn't it?

I import Excel spreadsheet and Java results into SketchUp, pin-pointing the vertices, then connect the points with lines.

I've been calculating geodesic coordinates for over 30 years, and am still discovering new variations and methods. There is no one way to calculate vertex locations. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. (In fact, there is no ONE best way to derive the vertices. I calculated my first set of results with pencil & paper, before the desktop PC was available, and had no way to visualize whether it was correct, other than to make a paper model.

The very simplest derivation can be constructed in SketchUp, without programming or spreadsheet calculations. I can create a tutorial model, but I need a little time. Personally, I don't like the results, as the longer struts end up being much longer than the shortest struts. Much of how "smooth" a geodesic dome appears is due to the variation in strut length. The less divergent they are, the smoother the apparent results. (But there are some advantages, not existent in the "smoother" derivations.)

If you want to study the basic technique, it is described in "Domebook 2"...
http://groups.google.com/group/geodesichelp/browse_thread/thread/51760c3c225ffd66
... on pages 106 & 107. (That's where I first learned it, myself.)

 

I've attached an image that depicts one of the characteristics of this calculation method. Note the variation in triangle size and shape. This method is the easiest to model in SketchUp. While developing the tutorial model, I am going to assume that you're familiar with SketchUp, and it's tools, features and capabilities. (Also, note that Richard Bono's DOME program...

http://groups.google.com/group/geodesichelp/browse_thread/thread/b89419a6eb4b0339

...also uses this calculation method.)

 

The methods I now use for vertex derivation do not lend themselves to "non-calculation" construction in SketchUp. I HAVE to import data derived through programming. That's why I've provided so many geodesic models in the 3D Warehouse, so that other modelers don't have to worry over the calculation/construction details. (That's also the reason for this group -- to provide for customized help, not otherwise covered by already-posted models.)

 

A case-in-point is the discussion...

http://groups.google.com/group/geodesichelp/browse_thread/thread/7385e12d7e8321d4

... which involved a rather unusual derivation method. (It took me a few days to figure out what the originator had done, in order to replicate his results.)

 

Taff

[TaffGoch]

Norman,

I've posted a tutorial model in the 3D Warehouse:
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=81a19157ae1a77fa8f41a8466c140b06

Taff

[Bheeshma Mali]

Thanks for the great tutorial Taff. Really interesting and helpful.