Using GC to place AECOsim object with corret ratation??

Question

hej ppl, 
 I am still quite new to Aecosim with GC extension. 
 I tried to use GC to place some structural memebers in a grid net generated by GC. 
 it works fine with horizontal items using ByPoint method, from point A to B. (which means working fine when I am placing a beam) 
 but its not really working as I wanted if the structural member needs to be place as a column. especially if it needs to be rotated accroding to module net. 
 please take a look at the attached picture, the dashed red lines are girds, and the column needs to be placed at the intersection, cross section roated correctly along the grids..... but I have checked all the options, I cant use anything like set direction or define coordinatesystem to rotate the cross section. the only way is type in an angel in roatation input..... that is not really what I want.... 
 
 can anyone give me some hint?? 
 thanks a lot 
 Leo

Steve Cocchi · Answer

Hi Yijia, 
I haven't found any way yet to rotate a structural column during placement, other than using the Rotation property as you've mentioned. So for now that's the best I can offer, though you could link it/them to a slider instead of inputting direct values.

Mueller · Answer

Hi Yijia, 
 
In terms of interactive placement, GC is different from conventional CAD modeling tools. In conventional modeling the placement is the prime opportunity to determine alignments; therefore, placement interaction is very elaborate to enable users to specify that alignment. 
 
In GC the premise has been that these factors are determined parametrically. Therefore, Rotation on the StructuralMember is a parametric input, usually taken from nodes with which the StructuralMember needs to be aligned, for example a rotated CoordinateSystem that controls the rotation of a building or a building component. When working in a mixed mode, for example with MicroStation Line elements, users could convert characteristic Line elements and then determine from start and end points and a third point placed appropriately aligned with the global x- or y-axis, the angle of Rotation for alignment of the StructuralMember. Specific methodology usually varies situationally. 
 
Thus, mixed mode may appear a bit more tedious than a parametric design from the ground up. 
 
This is definitely yet another opportunity for enhancements especially if those can be conceived in a manner that does not reduce usability in other frequent situations. 
 
Regards, 
 
 Volker