SketchUp for Site Design

DANIEL TAL, RLA, is a licensed landscape architect who freelances on a range of projects and consults on technology education and software development. He consults on SketchUp-related tools, conducts workshops and seminars on 3D modeling, and beta tests future software releases to assure that they meet the needs of professionals.

Part 1: Introduction to SketchUp 1 Chapter 1: How to Use This Book 2 Whats New in the Second Edition? 4 wwwdanieltalcom 4 Who Can Use This Book? 4 Learning Tutorials 5 Downloadable Tutorial Models 5 Downloadable Pre]Made Components 6 The Four Parts 6 Part 1: Introduction to SketchUp 7 Part 2: Introduction to SketchUp Process Modeling 9 Part 3: Terrain Modeling 9 Part 4: AutoCAD to SketchUp 10 Chapter 2: SketchUp Basics 12 Geometry 12 Simple Geometry 12 Complex Geometry 13 Healing Faces 13 Subdividing Faces 14 Sticky Geometry 14 Face Count 14 Basic SketchUp Tools 15 Drawing and Modification Tools 16 The Line Tool 16 The Select Tool 16 Additional Tools 17 The Measurement Window 19 Styles 20 Edge Settings 20 Background Settings 20 Navigation and 3D Inference System 21 Navigation 21 Inference System 21 Drafting with Edges 23 Model Organization 25 Layers 25 Layer 0 26 Chapter 3: Components and Groups 27 The Importance of Components and Groups 27 Using Components 28 Component Instances 29 Editing Components 29 Adjusting the Component/Group View 31 Components Within Components 33 Components and Layers 35 Pre-Made Components 36 Component Library 36 3D Warehouse 37 DanielTalcom 39 FormFonts 39 DynaSCAPE Sketch3D 40 Chapter 4: Problem Solving 43 Problem-Solving Tutorials 44 Typical SketchUp Problems 44 Different Results on Different Computers 44 SketchUp Freezes 45 Auto Save 45 Subdivide 45 Resources 46 Chapter 5: SketchUp Extensions 47 Using SketchUp 47 Extension Warehouse 49 Installing Weld 49 Using Weld 51 Extension Websites 52 Installing Extensions 52 SketchUcation Plugin Store 53 Smustard 54 Recommended Extensions 56 Part 2: SketchUp Process Modeling 59 Chapter 6: Introduction to SketchUp Process Modeling 60 The Built Environment 60 Surfaces 61 Objects 61 The 2D = 3D Method 62 Drafting the Flatwork Base 64 Drawing the Base 64 Reviewing the Drawing 67 Applying Material and Color 68 Organizing Models 69 Adding Volumes 70 Lowering the Road 70 Creating the Building 71 Making a Roof 72 Push/Pulling the Steps 72 Push/Pulling the Walls 73 Adding Objects to the Flatwork Base 73 Organizing Components 74 Creating Component Layers 74 Component Tools 75 Adding Components to the Flatwork Base 78 Adding Component Windows and Doors 80 Adjusting the Building Components 81 Reviewing the Completed Model 81 An Advanced Example 83 Modeling Your Own Designs 84 Chapter 7: Detailed Site Plan Modeling 85 Using Site Plans 85 Importing Site Plans 86 Imported-Image Resolution 87 Placing the Plan Image on a Layer 87 Scaling the Image 87 Preparing the Drafting Trace 88 Drafting Tips 89 Drafting Order 90 Drawing the Site Perimeter and Building Footprints 91 Drafting the Identified Surfaces 91 Adding the Small Edge Details 94 Creating the Flatwork Base Group 97 Adding Color and Texture 98 Adding Volume 99 Road and Curb 99 Steps and Plaza 100 Planter Walls 101 Ramp 102 Planter Wall Adjustments 103 Entry Sign Wall 103 Buildings as Components 103 Building Volumes 104 Adding Detail to Volumes 105 Detailing the Sign 105 Detailing the Planters 107 Chapter 8: Custom Site Furnishings 110 The Modeling Process 110 Components within Components 111 Mirroring Components 111 Making Unique Components 112 The Follow Me Tool 113 Model Organization 116 Tutorials 116 The Bollard 117 The Pedestrian Light 119 The Modern Bench 122 The Park Bench 123 The Decorative Planter Bench 129 The Decorative Rail 133 The Handrail 135 Profile Builder137 Chapter 9: Custom Architecture 142 Sculpting the Building 142 Building the Mass 142 Making Window and Door Components 144 Problem Solving the Window Components 148 Copying and Inserting 148 Copying and Pasting Between Instances 149