Sketchup - modeling a city.

Modeling a City
Tools and techniques for creating your city in Google Earth

Boulder, CO

Modeling a City
Tools and techniques for creating your city in Google Earth Topics
I. II. Modeling for a Map Software Tools

III. Terminology IV. Tips and Tricks A. B. V. Optimize your Model Optimize your Textures

Process
Colorado Springs, CO

VI. Valuable Resources

I. Modeling for a MapModeling for Google Earth can be challenging because it is quite different than 3D modeling for architectural projects or to achieve professionally rendered scenes. Since Google Earth is an online, interactive, 3D program, models must be optimized for fast download and for good computer performance. Also, since the goal is to view a full city worth of models at a time, models must coincide withthe big picture, and therefore portray only enough detail. Keys to Success • Don’t model all the Details • Represent only the Important Aspects • Let texture images show most of the details • Small files are Crucial • Make it Beautiful • Maintain Accuracy in Scale and Location Bottom Line -

Only 25k!
Trump World Tower

Simplicity is the Key

II. Software Tools

SketchUp
www.sketchup.com3D Modeling tool

Google Earth
earth.google.com 3D interactive Earth Browser

3D Warehouse
sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse Online Repository of 3D content

Photoshop
www.adobe.com Advanced Photo Editing

Picasa
picasa.google.com Photo Editing and Organization

III. Terminology
Edge or Line
– geometry that divides and borders faces

Face or Polygon (Poly)
– a flat surface boundby at least 3 lines

Low-Poly
– using a minimal number of edges and faces to limit file size

File Size
- amount of memory on your computer that a file requires

Texture or Material
– Standard or custom images or colors

Tileable Texture
– An image which repeats along all sides

IV. Tips and Tricks
A. B. Optimize your Models Optimize your Textures

Representational 3D ModelPhoto of the Pro Player Stadium, Miami

A. Optimize your Model
Tips and Tricks: SketchUp

Alte Oper, Frankfurt

Optimize your Model
Tips and Tricks: SketchUp

Erase Unseen Geometry
Try to create models which are a hollow shell, without any internal lines or faces.

Get rid of the excess! Delete unseen Faces and Lines.

Optimize your Model
Tips and Tricks: SketchUp

SimplifyCurves

Curves are made of line segments in SketchUp. To simplify while drawing, just type a number and “s” then hit Enter

The simpler version will go unnoticed in Google Earth.

Optimize your Model
Tips and Tricks: SketchUp

Think “Low-Poly”

These two complex looking shapes are actually composed solely of flat faces with no depth. This is a good technique for adding detail whilekeeping it simple.

Save time and memory by using “just enough” detail. Use 2D faces when possible instead of 3D objects.

Optimize your Model
Tips and Tricks: Sketchup

Use Components

Make objects that are repeated into components.

Optimize your Model
Tips and Tricks: Sketchup

Component Secrets
This repetitive column is optimized to have only 3 sides. The top and bottom ends arealso unnecessary.

Keep components extra simple, any excess will be repeated!

Optimize your Model
Tips and Tricks: Sketchup

“Z Fighting”

If you see flickering faces in your model, it means that you have two faces on top of each other, a good sign of excessive geometry.

Be aware of faces on top of one another and delete them.

Optimize your Model
Tips and Tricks: Sketchup

ProperFace Orientation

Each Face has two sides. Make sure the front (tan side) of a face is on the outside.

Optimize your Model
Tips and Tricks: Sketchup

Axis Redefinition

Use the axis tool to redefine the axes in your model.

If the default Axes do not align well with your building footprint, redefine them to make drawing easier.

Optimize your Model
Tips and Tricks: Sketchup...