![]() ![]() The tool stitches together contours, connecting vertices with flat, triangulated faces. The From Contour tool is used to generate a digital elevation model from imported contour lines or other lines with a Z-value. However, if you have those basic skills, you should be able to navigate this methodology.īefore you begin, it may be helpful to review a few basic tools that are included in SketchUp. There are nuances throughout the process that are not reviewed in this article. The process for creating SketchUp terrain models from AutoCAD plans outlined below assumes you have some basic knowledge of grading, AutoCAD (or similar Cad programs0, and SketchUp. It does not have tools that can perform Cut/Fill calculations or automatically indicate percent slopes and spot elevations. SketchUp is able to create a general representation of the site and grades but is not a very good tool for fine grading. First is the accuracy of the generated terrain. But be warned that SketchUp has some limitations as a tool for grading design. It will also make your proposal much clearer to a client who is not trained to read traditional grading plans (Fig 4). Such a model will give you a feel for how your design will actually look on the land. ![]() Many different types of terrain models can be created from small residential scales to larger master plans (Fig 2 & Fig 3). ![]() With a basic knowledge of SketchUp and the right tools, you should be able to convert a 2D contour map from AutoCAD into a digital elevation model in SketchUp in less than a day. You’ll also need to install several free ruby scripts-plugins that customize your SketchUp application and increase its capabilities. You’ll need to be working in SketchUp Pro, as the free version of SketchUp is unable to import DWG files from AutoCAD. In the 7 years I’ve been teaching students and professionals to create models in SketchUp, the most common question I get is how to work from a digital site survey (for example from AutoCAD) with contours to generate a SketchUp model that integrates the site features, like buildings, walls, roads and walks into the terrain. Terrain, slopes, and grading are an intrinsic part of site related projects, but many people struggle with representing terrain in a digital form. There is no such thing as a flat site (Fig 1). ![]()
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