Connection with Lady Bug Tools ?

[GatRed]

Hi,

 

I wish that instead of developing energos and other analysis marionnette objects specific for Vectorworks and with limitations, that could be created the integration of ladybug tools.

https://www.ladybug.tools

They are open tools, and written in Python.

Today, they are usable with Rhino.

Don’t be afraid of the first look, those tools are awesome and allow to make really precise analysis based on open source and recognised calculation engines like energy+ or OpenFOAM :

- thermo dynamic simulation

- energy needs

- illuminance

- airflows

- summer comfort

- shadows analysis

- …

As there is marionnette inside Vectorworks, it should not be really complicated to use those tools with vectorworks for the 3D model part instead of Rhino.

 

And thought that it would make Vectorworks the only Architect CAD software that allows you to make precise analysis, but it seems that there is already a commercial Revit plugin…

Nevertheless, this connection between Ladybug tools and Vectorworks would be awesome.

 

Best,

Gaëtan

 

https://docs.ladybug.tools/ladybug-tools-academy/v/climate-analysis/sun-path-sky-mask-and-direct-sun-hours

 

Edited March 22, 2023 by GatRed

[zoomer]

Great !

Didin't know this.

 

(And I see some familiar developers from other open source projects in the team)

 

But we have to wait until VW is FOSS Software one day 😉

 

"Q.2. What is the open source software license of Ladybug Tools and what does it mean?

All code of Ladybug Tools is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) Version 3 unless stated otherwise. Much like any open source license, the GPL allows individuals to edit the code of Ladybug Tools and customize it for their own purposes. However, the critical feature of the GPL that differentiates it from most other open source licenses is that it is a “copyleft” license. In other words, any derivative works from Ladybug Tools must also be released under an open source GPL license. This makes it illegal for any entity to copy Ladybug Tools code into a piece of proprietary software (doing so would essentially make all of such proprietary software now available under a GPL license). It also means that companies developing capabilities on top of Ladybug Tools cannot limit the freedom clause of the GPL license for modification and redistribution of the code. In other words, any employee of such a company is free to share the new code back with the community and such a company cannot have a policy that prevents employees from distributing the new development. Ultimately, this helps ensure that no one entity takes unfair advantage of the volunteer software contributions from Ladybug Tools developers. It is also intended to support a general environment of open collaboration instead of competition."

 

Or better strictly separate the Ladybug GNU Code from proprietary VW Code.

 

Edited March 20, 2023 by zoomer

[GatRed]

I’m not perfectly aware of all those licenses things. But Rhino is a commercial product also.

You can download the lady bug tools as free from their website. They come with grasshopper files for installation and example files.

So I don’t get why their couldn’t be such marionnette tools for Vectorworks instead of Rhino ?

 > I think that is what you mentioned by strictly separate the Ladybug GNU Code from proprietary Vectorworks Code.

 

Maybe Vectorworks could have a discussion with those developers to get an agreement of partnership instead of developing equivalent tools (in a much poorer version).

At this time, lady bug tools are ssooooo far in the front from the poor heliodon and energos tools…

And some of those tools, specially for lights / sun studies are a part of the architect’s work.

 

There is also a commercial version of their tools which is called Pollinisation, which is a plugin for Rhino and Revit.

Edited March 21, 2023 by GatRed