implement geometric distribute/alligment of parts

[zakhar nasimov]

currently pcbnew does not permit users to distribute and align parts in a geometric fashion according to user drawn shapes. allowing users to position parts in their specifically drawn shapes far more precise than the current create array tool.

the feature should have a dialog for the user to specify geometric shape by drawing a temporary shape around which the parts are to be aligned and distributed.

Application: kicad
Version: 5.0.0, release build
Libraries:
    wxWidgets 3.0.4
Platform: Linux 4.19.7-gentoo x86_64, 64 bit, Little endian, wxGTK
Build Info:
    wxWidgets: 3.0.4 (wchar_t,wx containers,compatible with 2.8) GTK+ 2.24
    Boost: 1.65.0
    OpenCASCADE Community Edition: 6.9.1
    Compiler: GCC 7.3.0 with C++ ABI 1011

Build settings:
    USE_WX_GRAPHICS_CONTEXT=OFF
    USE_WX_OVERLAY=OFF
    KICAD_SCRIPTING=ON
    KICAD_SCRIPTING_MODULES=ON
    KICAD_SCRIPTING_WXPYTHON=ON
    KICAD_SCRIPTING_ACTION_MENU=ON
    BUILD_GITHUB_PLUGIN=OFF
    KICAD_USE_OCE=ON
    KICAD_USE_OCC=OFF
    KICAD_SPICE=OFF

[Kerusey Karyu (keruseykaryu-deactivatedaccount)]

Take a look at the "Create array..." tool. You can access it from the context menu or by hiting Ctrl-T while cursor is over component.

[zakhar nasimov (thedocument)]

its not the same thing and will not work since you may well have many different footprints instead of just a single type.

[zakhar nasimov (thedocument)]

also create array is very inaccurate and cumbersome since you are not permitted to draw a guide circcle or other geometric primitive to which you want your footprints orientated to.

[Nick Østergaard (nickoe)]

I don't think this bug is of much use without examples on what is expected, and how it is supposed to work.

Create array are not inaccurate, it is very accurate, it may be a bit hard to use as there is no real-time updates, so you could happen to need to undo and redo new settings.

[Seth Hillbrand (sethh)]

@Nick- I think the idea of distributing along other elements on the board is pretty straight-forward and could be helpful. I imagine it working in a method similar to the Solidworks implementation. Let's keep this triaged for now. Create array is a good tool for some things but it doesn't move existing elements

[Tomasz Wlostowski (twlostow)]

Falls in the geometry constraint solver work package.

[zakhar nasimov (thedocument)]

The create array is vastly inaccurate in the likes of the feature this bug is calling for. Manually laying a geometric shape is far more accurate than the create array tool since it is finely placed by the user in a given area.

[zakhar nasimov (thedocument)]

Also the feature permits far more shapes and sizes making this feature vastly superior in precision and customization to the distribution of parts.

[Seth Hillbrand (sethh)]

Please lets not clutter this bug report with debate over other tools. It makes it harder to find/resolve issues.

[KiCad Janitor (kicad-janitor)]

KiCad bug tracker has moved to Gitlab. This report is now available here: https://gitlab.com/kicad/code/kicad/-/issues/2322