Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
FiG 16.2a
illustrate how the use of historic maps as an intermediary step will allow you
to accurately scale and locate your model.
With the model opened in SketchUp, it is now necessary to locate the terrain
in Google Earth. Zoom close to the landscape and center it in the Google
Earth window. To ensure that the Google Earth terrain is properly oriented,
make sure to hit N. This will orient the tool toward north and set your view
perpendicular to the surface.
In SketchUp, toggle the Google toolbar from the View menu, and select the
Google Toolbar to make it visible. Next, select Get Current View. The program
will automatically import the terrain and landscape portraits into your model
as groups. A careful study of the map and landscape will give clues regarding
proper orientation and alignment. You may encounter variations in
alignment. Early cartographers often used magnetic north for surveys. For
contemporary modelers, it is important to remember that magnetic north
moves. Adjustments vary from location to location; in the end, I made the
adjustment visually, using the stream and shoreline in both sets of data to ori-
ent the respective overlays.
The image in Figure 16.3 shows the historic insurance map overlaid with
Google Earth terrain. To allow the best placement, it was set to be partially
transparent so that it was possible to see both the map and the terrain.
Transparency was adjusted by activating the Materials dialog box via B or
Paint Bucket.
The map was then sampled using the Eyedropper tool, which makes
the map active in the Materials dialog box. Transparency was adjusted
using the opacity slider at the bottom of the dialog box. Note the 12°
discrepancy in “true north.” Final elevation of the building was set in the
subsequent steps.
FiG 16.2b
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