In this video tutorial, we will show you how to rotate the north arrow in cadvilla. In addition, we will explain what effects this has on the light and shadow calculation in your project.

Below is a rough overview of the video’s content.

1. Preparations for the light and shadow calculation

To optimally see the effects of the rotation, you need to prepare the view and the sun position.

[07:51] Activate presentation mode

• Right-click on the desired 3D view and select Properties....
• Go to Appearance on the left and select the Presentation option under Mode. This makes shadows visible in the 3D view.

[01:49] Activate calculate sun position

• Switch to the Sun position tab on the left in the same properties window.
• Deactivate the Use default settings option. Important: If this option is active, rotating the north arrow will have no visible effect on this view!
• Instead, activate the Calculate sun position option.

[02:32] Define light and time

• As soon as the calculation is active, you can set exact values in the Sun position menu.
• Select your location, date, and Time (e.g., 09:00).
• If necessary, adjust the Light color and Light intensity for the sun and Environment light. Confirm with OK.

2. Move and rotate the north arrow

From cadvilla version 11:

• From version 11 onwards, cadvilla has a dedicated dialog box for these settings. You can find this dialog in the top menu under Terrain > North arrow.

Up to cadvilla version 10 (also shown in the video):

[04:13] Select the north arrow

• Hold down the CTRL key and select the Environment layer in the project window.
• Then click on the north arrow in the 2D view with the left mouse button.

[04:38] Move the north arrow

• Press the shortcut key r (Move with reference point).
• Click on an empty area next to the arrow and drag it to the desired new position.

[05:25] Rotate the north arrow

• Right-click on the selected north arrow and choose Properties....
• In the new window, enter the desired rotation under Angle (e.g., 90.00 degrees). This rotation determines your north alignment.
• Click OK. The light and shadow situation in the 3D view will now adjust immediately.

3. Hide and show the north arrow in a 2D view

[08:56] Open visibility

• First, press the ESC key to clear all selections.
• Right-click on an empty area in the background of the 2D view and select Visibility....

[09:06] Hide or show the north arrow

• In the Visible categories dialog box, locate the North arrow (usually found under 2D Graphic elements or auxiliary elements).
• Remove the checkmark next to North arrow to hide it. Check the box to show it again.
• Confirm your choice with OK.