Add the ability to place 3D objects in the 2D section

[iamAmer]

As a Data Center Planner, I want to design 3D layouts so that I can deliver accurate layouts faster.

Examples:

• As a data center planner, I want to quickly place equipment in 2D so that I can focus on layout without 3D complexity.
• As a user with a slower computer, I want to place objects in 2D so that I can work efficiently without performance lag.

Currently, objects can only be placed in the 3D view.
I suggest allowing users to place the same objects (Racks, Cooler, etc) directly in the 2D section as well.

Why?

• Saves time and simplifies object placement by working directly in 2D.
• Makes it easier for users with limited 3D editing skills (simple drag-and-drop).
• Reduces performance issues for users on low-spec machines.

Considerations

• Some placement parameters, such as height of wall-mounted objects (like the Cooler) and object rotation, are not yet specified.

How we would solve this problem?

1- Apply reasonable defaults.
2- Allow users to configure these values later.

[iamAmer]

@mfranzon @pcolt I’d like to hear your opinions on this feature. Do you see it as a worthwhile improvement, and if so, what would be the best way to deliver it?

[pcolt]

Yes, I agree with the idea to somehow improve the process of positioning our objects.
One path could be -as you mentioned @iamAmer - to interact with the objects also in the 2d view (to start you could just display them in 2d with no interaction)
Another thing very beneficial would be to be able to move and rotate objects by some specific value. Those values could be -in a following step- real centimeters, if we accordingly scale objects and walls. But to be fair I do not know if it would be easier to implement this feature in the 2D view or directly in 3D. From one side in the 3D scene we already have everything set up, we just need some input to be be displayed somewhere to insert the values. Then we could use the 2D to initially display and maybe take measures.
Another great feature would be then to add some snapping feature in order to stick racks together easily or attaching coolers to walls, but probably this would be some advanced feature for later on.

[iamAmer]

Thanks @pcolt for the detailed feedback.
I agree that starting with a simple 2D display (no interaction) sounds like a good first step. Once that’s stable, we can gradually add movement/rotation inputs. We don't have to do everything at once, we could pick small pieces to work on everytime.

[mfranzon]

Sounds a good plan! Let's start with display the objects also in the 2d plan without interaction. Open a sub-issue if you prefer to keep things separated and keep this issue as the main plan

[iamAmer]

I agree. It would be more organized if we create sub-issues.

[pcolt]

@iamAmer do you want to create it by yourself?

[iamAmer]

@pcolt maybe we could schedule a quick meeting to align on the feature scope and split it into smaller, manageable tasks?