How to Import a Map with Google Earth Terrain into Sketchup

The process of importing google earth terrain and/or map into sketchup is pretty seamless (probably because when google first acquired sketchup they were hoping to use it to populate the 3d buildings in google earth). So lets get right to it.
Once you generally know where your site location is, open sketchup, hit the file tab and scroll down to Geo-location>Add Location… from here you can search as you would in google maps for your site. For example if you wanted to search for a site in Philadelphia, you could type in Philadelphia, PA to start panning around to find what your looking for. You can also enter a specific address if you have that as well.
Once you’ve found your site, you need to decide if you want more contextual (broader) information on your site or more detailed information.
Broader information is the way to go if you don’t plan on modelling the site, or you’re in a rural setting with not much around to be too concerned about.
More detailed information is helpful for the opposite; if you plan on modelling the site and/or it’s in a dense urban context.
Once you’ve decided on what kind of information you want, you’ll know how to set your zoom. A close-up zoom is what you should use to get more detailed information and a zoomed-out view is what you should use to get broad information.
Use the pins to change the area you’d like to import to your model. Hit grab once you’re satisfied by your selection to import into your modelling space.
If you are kind of an information pirate like I am and want to have the most site information possible (or you find you want to expand your site), that’s easy to do. Simply go back to to File>Geo-location>Add Imagery to expand your site with additional imagery.
Lastly, to toggle the 3d site terrain on and off go to File>Geo-location>Show Terrain.
If you found this sketchup tutorial on how to import a google map with terrain helpful please like and share it.
Until next time. Happy hacking.
Great tips. I’m bookmarking this page. Its a great resource to keep. Thanks for sharing.
Ok sure, I will follow your steps before going to do exams. I hope your article will help me more.
Thanks for sharing this. I’ll definitely share this with my classmates at de la salle zobel.
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thank you very much, verry helpfull…
Very effective and informative article.Thanks for sharing such an important tutorial.
Really helpful website
I feel very grateful that I read this. It is very helpful and very informative and I really learned a lot from it.
Thank you for this website. The practice questions are helpful.
Taking this test on Saturday. Last 4.0 exam to complete for the trio, then on to 5.0. This site is my go-to place when organizing what materials I’ll be studying
Hi , very good article.
thanks for sharing, keep up the good work
Good advice. Best of luck to all!
This is my favorite site for practicing for my tests! Great advise and super helpful.
Nice post to read. A complete guide that can help all of us.
Nice one… very helpful! Thanks!!!
Nice post
Great post!
In the NCARB ARE 5.0 handbook they reference Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods in both of their example questions for cost estimating. Unfortunately there isn’t a specific chapter on cost estimating, it’s woven throughout the content.
What is the best reference for cost estimating for PDD.
Thanks! Great advice
Deciduous trees should only be used for shade (especially in temperate climates). Deciduous trees lose their leaves in the fall and will have little protection against wind in the winter when it is most needed. Likewise, the leafless trees allow solar heat gain in the winter when it is desired, and shade in the summer.
Coniferous trees are only to be used to block wind and views. Since they don’t lose their needles, they work great for these two items year-round.
Hello. My name is Shahid. This comment is for anyone who would like to reply. On the Siteplanning test. To block the wind, can you use a Deciduous tree or must you use a Coniferous tree?
Hi Tony,
I need to take 5.0 PPD & PDD. Do you plan on posting notes such as “Caroline’s Notes” that you had posted for the various 4.0 exams for either of those sections? I found those notes to be some of the best resources in studying for the 4.0 sections. If so any idea when? Thanks
Hi Tony,
Any updates on the SS exam ? If there’s an expected release date ? Thanks
Paige,
We are releasing practice exams for the SS exam later this fall.
Best,
Tony
Will you have SS questions on here at some point?
Great post, very helpful with the lists of suggested materials, I just passed CDs in July and am taking PPP in November so I definitely needed the list.