help with hyperlinks

[VisionM]

Hi all
I have used SU for some years now and have always been very appreciative of the help I find freely given in the forums. This is the first time I've asked for help so here goes...............

I have a project to model a site of 19 hectares and am trying to plan my approach first, being very aware of the potential size of this model. The site includes commercial and residential buildings plus a lake, native tree stand and various landscaping features. What I'm planning to do is a 'sketchy' outline model of the whole site showing the differing zones - this should be low poly enough to orbit etc. Then I would like to attach hyperlinks to certain components that would open up a more detailed SU file for that particular aspect. I will then render selected images from each detailed SU model.

Is it possible to link from SU file to SU file from hyperlinks? I'm guessing this would require a ruby script but although I use them I can't write them.

I would be very grateful if any of you experts could guide me in the right direction and offer some suggestions?

Thank you very much.

Lesley

[remus]

Im not sure if it is possible, but it would certainly be a great plugin if it was.

[HPW]

Is it possible to link from SU file to SU file from hyperlinks?

Link from local file to local file?
Or link to an url with the file?
One hyperlink per component?

Some rough ideas (WIN):

For an local file the idea is to write a ruby script with a 'require Win32API.so' and import the ShellExecute from shell32.dll .

The hyperlink could be stored in a DC-attribut:
sel_def.set_attribute 'dynamic_attributes', 'hyperlink', 'c:\....'
sel_def.set_attribute 'dynamic_attributes', 'hyperlink2', 'c:\....'

A ruby command would read the attribut and fire the ShellExecute.
Of cource a second instance of sketchup will start.

For an external URL no idea yet.
It would need to first download it and then open it in a second instance.

[VisionM]

Hi HPW
I was thinking of local file to local file so that it could be displayed either by myself in a presentation or put on a CD using the viewer. Thanks for your suggestions - I'm not sure how to implement your suggestion but I do know someone who can write Ruby scripts so may get some help there. Sounds like it could be possible? I don't think starting a second instance would necessarily be a problem if I was controlling it....

[HPW]

For interfacing Win32API your ruby-scripter may have a look at Jim's toggleWindows.rb

[AdamB]

Here you go. Put this in your Plugins folder and restart SU.

Now you can right click over a Group and either Set the file to link to, or Open an already set link.

Enjoy,
Adam

[VisionM]

Hi Adam
Thanks so much - I really appreciate your time doing that - it works well. I can now plan how to tackle the rest of the project in my sleep as its 10pm at night here in New Zealand.

Cheers
Lesley

[VisionM]

Hi HPW - where can I find Jim's toggleWindow script? I've searched but no luck?

[HPW]

viewtopic.php?f=180&t=18006&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

[HPW]

Adam,

Thanks for the script.
I wasn't aware of Sketchup.open_file(url).

Does it open a new instance or does it replace the open file?