Creating the Base Volume & Geo-Locating a Site in SketchUp<br />Geo-locating a site in SketchUp helps you place your model in a real-world location with accurate terrain and shadows. Here’s how you can do it step by step:<br /><br />Step 1: Geo-Locate Your Site<br />1. Open the Geo-Location Tool<br />Go to File Geo-Location Add Location.<br />A map window will open where you can search for your desired location.<br />2. Select the Location<br />Use the search bar to find your site.<br />Zoom in and click “Select Region” to highlight the area.<br />Click "Import" to bring it into SketchUp.<br />Step 2: Create the Base Volume<br />1. Draw the Site Boundary<br />Use the Line (L) or Rectangle (R) tool to outline your site.<br />Ensure it matches the imported map area.<br />2. Extrude the Base Volume<br />Select the site boundary and use the Push/Pull (P) tool.<br />Click and drag upward to create the base volume of the building.<br />3. Adjust Elevation (If Needed)<br />Use the Move (M) tool to align your base with the terrain.<br />If terrain is uneven, enable “Toggle Terrain” in the Layers panel to see contours.<br />Step 3: Fine-Tune the Model<br />1. Align with True North<br />Go to Window Model Info Geo-Location to check the orientation.<br />Use the Rotate (Q) tool to adjust the model to match true north.<br />2. Enable Shadows for Realistic Sun Studies<br />Open Window Shadows and turn on shadows.<br />Adjust time and date to see realistic lighting effects.<br />3. Add Context (Optional)<br />Use 3D Warehouse to import nearby buildings for better context.<br />Final Tip:<br />If you need accurate terrain data, you can use Google Earth or GIS data to refine your site model.
