Google Earth To Sketchup Terrain
How to Create Terrain in Sketchup Using Google Earth
If you're looking to create terrain in Sketchup, one of the best ways to do it is by using Google Earth. Google Earth is a virtual globe program that has been around since the early 2000s. It was originally developed by Keyhole, Inc., which was later acquired by Google in 2004. Google Earth has been updated quite a few times since its original inception, and now it is available for free on both the desktop and mobile platforms. By using Google Earth, you can easily create terrain in Sketchup in a few simple steps.
Step 1: Open Google Earth
The first thing you need to do is open Google Earth. You can either open it directly from your desktop or launch it from within Sketchup. If you launch it from within Sketchup, you can select the 'Google Earth' option from the 'Tools' menu. Once you have opened Google Earth, you can navigate to the location you want to create terrain from. You can zoom in and out, pan around, and even tilt your view to get the perfect angle.
Step 2: Select Terrain
Once you have navigated to the location you want to create terrain from, you can then select the 'Terrain' option from the menu bar. This will give you a 3D view of the terrain, complete with mountains, valleys, and other features. You can then use the 'Select' tool to select the area of terrain you want to create in Sketchup. You can also use the 'Measure' tool to measure the area and get an exact size of the terrain you want to create.
Step 3: Export Terrain
Once you have selected the terrain you want to create, you can then export it. To do this, you can select the 'Export' option from the menu bar. You will then be prompted to select the file format you want to export the terrain as. Select the 'Google Earth Terrain' option and then you will be prompted to save the terrain file in your desired location.
Step 4: Import Terrain Into Sketchup
Once you have exported the terrain file, you can then import it into Sketchup. To do this, you can select the 'Import' option from the 'File' menu. You will then be prompted to select the file format you want to import the terrain as. Select the 'Google Earth Terrain' option and then you will be prompted to select the terrain file you exported earlier. Once you have selected the terrain file, Sketchup will automatically generate the terrain in your model.
Step 5: Adjust Terrain
Once you have imported the terrain, you can then adjust it to your liking. You can use the 'Push/Pull' tool to adjust the height of certain areas. You can also use the 'Smooth' tool to smooth out any harsh edges or bumps in the terrain. Once you have adjusted the terrain to your liking, you can then use it as the basis for your Sketchup model.
Conclusion
Creating terrain in Sketchup is a great way to make your models look more realistic and accurate. By using Google Earth, you can easily create terrain in Sketchup in a few simple steps. The process is quite simple and straightforward, and once you have imported the terrain, you can then adjust it to your liking. So if you're looking to create terrain in Sketchup, Google Earth is definitely the way to go.
