Canfield Research Group LLC

FloorPlan Locations confused me a bit at first. This entry documents how I think locations work in FloorPlan.

Locations are somewhat like layers or pages in other drawing programs. Each location forms the base for all objects drawn on that location. A couple of rules for locations

• Locations have the following properties
  • Name : This can be changed at any time
  • Floor Level : Height the floor is above ground level. This is always from ground level not the prior location in the list.
    • Objects placed on this location will be relative to this measurement.
  • External walls are an exception, they will be placed starting at the top prior level to fill in any gaps.
  • Head Height : Used to set the default top elevation for windows (and other related objects?). Relative to the Floor Level.
  • Ceiling Height : The automatic ceiling for a room will be set at this height. Relative to the Floor Level.
  • Wall Height: Any walls drawn on this level will bet set to this height. Relative to the Floor Level.
  • External walls are an exception. They are set to a height equal to the distance between this location and the prior (in the list?).
  • Objects take on Floor Level and Wall Height (as appropriate for the object) at the time of object creation. If the location properties are changed all objects on the location remain at their created settings. This includes ceilings, floors, walls, etc.
  • Collision detection between objects, including walls, only occur on the same level. Walls, cabinets, and other objects and freely overlap if they are on separate locations. This is true even if the locations have identical properties.
    • Stairs are an exception : Stairs will automatically cut into the location above the current one.
      • The location stairs choose to cut is not directly controlled y the user. Unlike roofs there is no cut-off location setting. FloorPlan chooses the first location above the stairs. If there are two or more locations at this elevation then FloorPlan will choose the last (?) as they appear in the location dialog. Altering one location (raising it), redrawing the stairs then restoring that location appears to work but on a reload FloorPlan will cut the location it chooses.
    • A cut-oof by location is needed in the stairs properties. Until then invisible walls may be needed to create a corresponding hole in any additional locations. Or if the other locations do not need a floor simply delete the floor.
    • Roofs are an exception : Roofs will be clipped when they encounter an external wall on the location specified by the Cut-Off by Location setting. FloorPlan sets the default cut-off location upon roof creation to the first location above the current.

• See also .

The lack of collision detection between locations should not be considered a bug or limitation but instead a very nice feature. Many times locations must be created to create special designs, such as internal roofs (sloped walls), entry ways for split levels, and other special features. If collision detection was active between locations none of these would be possible.

I would like to see a easier way to define the cut-off location for roofs (besides the Drawing Info tab). A way to define which location a stair should intercept is also needed.

See also Changing locations