https://youtu.be/1yoWCJlaKT4
The Sketch Block is an interactive Annotation tool that enables users to freely draw and sketch to express ideas, annotate findings, or provide illustrative context for the data and content presented in a Space in LiquidEarth. As such, it is also particularly beneficial for geological interpretation, allowing users to mark and outline geological observations such as the boundaries between lithologies or structural features like folds and faults.
How it Works
To add a Sketch Block, select the content to which you want to attach the sketch and go to the inspector section on Blocks. Select the Sketch button to create the block, then activate the Pen. You can now start drawing and sketching in the 3D workspace and on the content loaded.
Control Modes
Currently, there are four distinct Control modes for your Pen, as described in the following:
- Free Hand: This mode allows you to draw and sketch freely within the 3D workspace, without restrictions on the position or orientation of your lines. It is particularly well-suited for use with XR headsets and controllers, as these devices enable precise, natural sketching that follows the free movement of your hands or controllers in full 3D range.
- Pointwise: In the Pointwise mode, you place individual points between which the sketch line is drawn. This allows for more precise control of the path and is especially useful when higher accuracy is required. To end pointwise sketching using keyboard and mouse, click
ESC
.
- Straight Line: As the name suggests, this mode allows you to draw straight lines, which can be useful for indicating straight-line features such as faults or boundaries.
Eraser
Selecting the Eraser (next to Pen) allows you to erase individual sections of your sketch without discarding the entire piece. However, it's important to note that the eraser currently works by removing the entire continuous section of the sketch that you drew in one stroke once you click or tap on it.
This video presents various modes of sketching with the Sketch Block in LiquidEarth.
This video presents various modes of sketching with the Sketch Block in LiquidEarth.
General Functions
There are a number of general functions and settings that apply to the Pen modes:
- Edit: Change the name of the Sketch Block.
- Show: Toggle whether the sketches included in this block are shown or hidden.
- Undo/Redo: Undo or redo the last pen stroke.
- Color: Customize the color used for your pen.
- Cast to Mesh: Toggle whether pen strokes are cast on meshes. If this is off, strokes will appear in front of the user camera on desktop and tablet devices, and at the location of your controller on XR headsets.
- Size: Adjust the size of your pen stroke (can also be referred to as the thickness or radius of the stroke).