RE circles with radius set by values determined in worksheet

[AFarrell97]

Hello,

RE circles with radius set by values determined in worksheet

I am new to Marionette (and the forum)

I am hoping to create a workflow which will automate a process I currently am completing manually – one circle at a time. (used for locating trees on a site plan)

I have attached a VWs 2024 sample file :

2026.01.24 Marionette Generate circles AF v2024

 

Is there someone who might be able to 

-first determine if this is possible using Marionette

-and if so, could anyone provide ‘a lot’ of direction as to how to accomplish this?

2026.01.24 Marionette Generate circles AF v2024.vwx

Many thanks in advance!

[Pat Stanford]

Yes it can be done.

 

The attached file shows how to read the values from a worksheet and draw a single circle from those values.

 

I will leave it up to you to figure out how you want to loop through the worksheet to draw the multiple circles and how you want to put the text on.

 

Personally, I would probably attach a record to the circle and store the number in that and then use Data Tags to do the display. But you could also just calculate an offset from the circle center and put a text block there.

 

Hopefully this will get you started and some of the Marionette gurus can help you (us) to better understand how to do the looping part.

 

Circles from WS Values.vwx

[AFarrell97]

Thanks so much for the instant response, Pat!

This is a great start.

The sample worked to generate a circle from the data contained in the 2nd row of the worksheet. (I changed units to meters)

 

I will look for 'samples of looping through a worksheet' in Vectorworks Help but would welcome any feedback from any Marionette gurus who can spare a moment.

 

Have added to a copy of the file you provided, a symbol with records. This could be filled out and positioned offset from the circle as suggested. Not sure if that could be automated to position a number in the centre of the circle retrieved from the worksheet. Definitely beyond the Marionette novice level I find myself at!

 

Thanks again

Circles from WS Values AF add record.vwx

[Pat Stanford]

The only way to move beyond the novice level is to try and fail and try again. You won't lose anything but some time from trying.  😉

[Katarina Ollikainen]

@AFarrell97, I happened to see this thread and please ignore if this comment is unhelpful.

You say you use the circles for existing trees - have you tried using the Existing tree tool? With it, you can import a tree survey in spreadsheet form and the graphics are created automatically after your data.

You can also have irregular canopies.

[AFarrell97]

Thanks Katarina,

I appreciate your suggestion. I am only running Vectorworks Architect and don't have Landmark.

I did have a look at a video and the Existing Tree tool looks very beneficial.

I'll keep trying looping through the processes with Marionette. 

[AFarrell97]

I have made several attempts at the ‘looping through a worksheet’ mentioned above without success. I attended the Open House sessions yesterday with reckless optimism that I may gain some clarity in order to move this issue forward if possible.

Does anyone know of specialists or consulting services which could provide custom Marionette solutions?

[Marissa Farrell]

I'm just stumbling across this now.

Here's a file that should help you along. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Circles from WS Values AF add record_MFarrell.vwx