Redevelopment of Place Van Zeeland, Belgium - Google SketchUp Workshop: Modeling, Visualizing, and Illustrating - page 76

FiG 4.20 Model updated with the final, detailed components.
Stage 3.5: Assigning Model Elements to Layers
If necessary, the surfaces generated can be subdivided by projecting the out-
lines of drainage channels, paving borders, and other landscaping elements
from the imported DWG. This can be done by using the Project function from
the Sandbox tools: Select the template DWG, click on Project, and click on
the surface to be subdivided. At this stage, you can explode the initial surface
group and regroup according to your newly created surfaces.
Since each group is associated with a particular material, the model was organized
using SketchUp's Layer by Material option. Additionally, naming each group as you
create it enables you to more easily find your way up and about within your model
using the Outliner palette (from the Menu, choose Window > Outliner).
There is also a plug-in called Layer Manager that offers some additional options
for the management and use of layers in SketchUp. In our practice, we increas-
ingly use this plug-in on complex models like the Place Van Zeeland project.
Tip
The Project function from the Sandbox tools should be used only with
caution: If too many elements are selected, it can cause SketchUp to
crash. You should always save your model before using Project, and if the
operation does not work as hoped at first, you can run it multiple times on
the same surface to achieve the desired effect. If the same problems occur
repeatedly, you can use the Extrude Edges function of the Projections
plug-in, intersecting the extruded faces with the target surface.