Sketchup 2021 | Geolocation

Adding real-world context to your SketchUp model makes designs more accurate and useful. SketchUp 2021’s Geolocation tools let you place models on real maps, import terrain and imagery, and set precise coordinates. Here’s a short practical guide to get you started.

: Use SketchUp LayOut to combine your 3D views with the exported attribute report for a comprehensive site analysis.

For architects, landscape designers, and urban planners, designing in a vacuum is rarely an option. Understanding how a building interacts with its surroundings—topography, sun angles, and neighboring structures—is crucial. streamlines this process through its powerful geolocation tools . By integrating real-world geographic data, you can import terrain, satellite imagery, and even 3D context directly into your workspace.

Overlay high-resolution satellite imagery to design within the existing built or natural environment.

For official documentation and troubleshooting, you can visit the SketchUp Help Center . Add Geo-Location in SketchUp - CAD International geolocation sketchup 2021

A major advancement in modernizing the "Add Location" feature is the ability to import surrounding buildings in 3D, depending on the area 1.2.2 . This allows you to immediately see how your design looks in context with its neighbors. Real-time Shadow Studies

Depending on the area, some locations may show surrounding 3D buildings, which is invaluable for urban design projects. Managing Geolocation Data

Best for placing your model on slopes and creating landscape designs. Unpinning and Moving the Location

Using geolocation in SketchUp 2021 is relatively straightforward: Adding real-world context to your SketchUp model makes

Use tags to turn the "Location Snapshot" and "Location Terrain" on and off as needed, so they do not get in the way during detailed modeling.

: Imports 3D topography to handle slope changes easily.

Once geolocated, you can generate a report to export this metadata: : Go to File > Generate Report .

Simulate exact sun positions for any day and time based on true latitude and longitude. : Use SketchUp LayOut to combine your 3D

SketchUp 2021 utilizes native mapping services to bring in regional data. Follow these steps to position your project: 1. Open the Add Location Tool

Even before the sunset of support, users experienced bugs. Here are common fixes:

If you model a building first and geo-locate the site second, your building may end up buried in the 3D terrain or floating in the air.