I use Sketchup and Layout for site layout maps. I import a dwg file into SU, create a framing plan on top of it, and apply labels over different areas as needed. Once the model is created, I tag the three groups as Const drawings, frames, and labels. I use this method for all my projects.
My goal for these maps is to have the Labels most prominent on the map, with the frames slightly less prominent and the construction drawing shadowed under those two groups. To accomplish this, I added three viewports of a saved scene that show the area of the map needed. All three viewports are stacked on top of each other. I then added two rectangles in LO and used 50% opaque white infill to lighten the layer the film covers.
Once these layers are created, each viewport only displays the tag for its designated layer. I then stack the layers from the bottom up as construction drawings, film, frames, film, and finally, labels. This produces what I want, as shown in the attached image.
I would like to be able to use the setup as a template file, updating the model reference to the next project. Provided all the scenes and tags are correctly named, the template should display the new project with minimal work in LO.
For now, I need to rearrange layers to access each viewport, reset tag settings for each viewport, and then put the layers back in order for correct viewing.
Hopefully, this all makes sense. Is there a way to do this? Is there a better way to accomplish what I am looking for?
If you use a “proxy” SketchUp file with scenes and tags set up correctly, you can set up viewports in LayOut with the desired tags turned off. Make sure your project .skp file has the exact same scene names and tag names. Then when you start a new file with the LO template and relink the reference to the project .skp file, you should see (or not see) the objects (groups and components) which have the tags you turned off.
For each model, I set up scenes and tags specifically named for this continuity. Are you saying that I should set up a separate file and import these entities into that file for publication in Layout? Or are you suggesting that a template file in SU with the scenes and tags be used to build each new model?
It would be best if you set up a SketchUp template with the tags and scenes already established. Create a simple proxy file using that template to insert into your LayOut template and set out viewports as needed to show the model. Then use that SketchUp template for your projects. In the LayOut template, relink the reference from the proxy to your project file. As long as the tags and the scenes have the exact same names, the viewports will update to show the project model.
Here’s an example from one of my LayOut templates. The three viewports on this page will get replaced with views of my project file when I relink to my SketchUp project.
In this case I still need to adjust the scale for the two elevations but for me that varies depending on the size of the piece I’m modeling. Probably you’d use the same scale for most projects so that wouldn’t be an issue.
By the way, do not modify the Camera properties for the viewports in LayOut if you expect those viewports to show the project model according to the scene in SketchUp.
Because I receive models from multiple sources who use their own templates to begin their work, building in one template may not be possible. I assume I could have the template I need as you described and import other models into it to accomplish what I need.
As you noted above, relinking the LO file to the new .skp file does produce correct views. I do work with a variety of job site sizes, but I can already re-scale all at once successfully for each map. I’m mainly looking to simplify the tag work.
I’ll do some experimenting, but I think you have me on the right track at this point.
With a SKP template that you use to start every model that is keyed to your LayOut template this is very easy to accomplish.
I have my schematic template setup like this (without the stacking and the layering) and I can go from model to client PDF in 15 minutes or less, depending on how much detail I want to add to the LayOut file (dimensions, notes, etc.)
