In Google SketchUp, you can create surface models (terrains - TINs) using existing digital elevation data in many formats. In this exercise, we will utilize a set of vector contours in .dwg (AutoCAD) format to create a surface.
- Download the contours in CAD format and uzip them.
- Start Google SketchUp
- Activate the Sandbox Tools Extension. Windows ==>Preferences ==> Extensions
- Import the contours. File ==> Import - Make certain to change Files of Type to ACAD files and navigate to the contour file you downloaded and unzipped.
- Note the import results dialog. Pan around and preview the contours.
- The contours come in as a 'group' so you must 'explode' them before a terrain can be generated. Select the group using the select tool. It should appear with a blue box surrounding all of the contours. Right click on the selected group ==> explode.
Now your contours are ready to be used to create a TIN. Make certain all the contours are selected and then choose the from contours tool on the Sandbox Toolbar (it is the button to the far right). Be patient, this may take some time!
The finished terrain model.
No comments:
Post a Comment