Hi there,
I’m modeling with a pretty large drawing. After importing a autocad file I usually use the pen tool to click on the lines of my drawing to make them accessible. This takes me normally some time. But now im struggling with an area that is way bigger.
Is there an option to work with my autocad file right away?
Thanks in advance
Link to the model
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1U36hJu13FT1aEkzWsnIJ8C-z8j9Ngv3c?usp=sharing
What exactly do you mean by this?
Are you trying to separate faces inside of loops of edges so you can extrude them? You can try using Intersect Faces. With as much geometry as you have in this model, it’ll take some time to run through the entire thing but it’ll surely be faster than hitting all the edges with the Line tool.
Be aware that Intersect Faces isn’t likely to get everything. It’s not uncommon for there to be gaps or for edges to have different Z values so they won’t make closed loops or loops of co planar edges. You can count on having to fix some parts manually. There are some extensions–TIG’s got one that will flatten edges to the same Z value which is a big help.
Do you really need all of this geometry for the model you’re creating? If not, the first step should be to delete what you don’t need.
Also, you’ll need to reverse faces so the front faces are up. And don’t even think about painting faces with materials until you have the entire model 3D The materials will mask issues and slow your computer down making it difficult to work.
You’ve also got some layer issues you need to address.
As most of your model is raw geometry it should be on layer 0 but you have imported the cad layers which mean edges and faces are on different layers. This doesn’t work in Sketchup.
Oke thanks people for the quick responce.
So the best way is to start from the beginning i guess.
all the layers of my CAD drawing need to be in layer 0? How would you do this? In autocad or in sketchup?
after importing it what would be your steps to make this model easy to work with?
thanks people
when i have a siteplan i usually just click on the edges of a shape so i can use other tools on it.
Im looking for a way to make this model editable so i can make my streets/water etc a different height. After that i want to paint it and insert my models into it.
As soon as you get the file imported, delete all the layers except Layer 0, which can’t be deleted. Move all the geometry to Layer 0.
I’d look through the model for any unneeded geometry and delete it. Then use TIG’s Flatten to Plane.
Surely you’re doing more than just clicking on edges.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1U36hJu13FT1aEkzWsnIJ8C-z8j9Ngv3c?usp=sharing
So ive imported it again and got it in the layer 0.
I couldn’t find the TIG extension you where talking about.
In the link you see the file. the white plane under is is in fact the only area i need for my model.
How would you proceed?
I’m sorry for all these questions. Thanks for your help
I’m trying your method now. Normal i would explode it and trace the line with the pen tool… But that doesn’t seem to work here… What is the full name of the TIG extension? I cant find it in the warehouse
TIG’s extensions and plugins are hossted on Sketchucation. Flatten to Plane
Well, first thing I’d do is reverse the face so the white side is up. The next thing I’d do is explode the component and delete everything out side that rectangle.
If you can open the file in some CAD program, you might find it faster to delete unneeded stuff there before importing to SketchUp.
Again DaveR thanks again for you help. I guess it must be frustrating to help a Student.
Just to be sure. after i got it all in the layer 0 it is still a group/whole object. Should i first explode it and delete everything i dont need and then use TIG?
Or use an other option than expolde?
You’re quite welcome.
Only when they refuse to learn what I’m trying to teach them. Not the case here.
It’ll be faster to open the component for editing and erase the unneeded edges. Set the Camera to Parallel Projection and choose the standard Top view. To start, use right to left selection fences to select large areas outside the rectangle and hit Delete. Don’t worry about getting right up to the edges of the rectangle at first. After you’ve eliminated most of the unwanted edges, zoom in and start cleaning more surgically. Also look through the areas you do want to keep. Most likely there are edges in there you don’t need. You might just wipe over those with the Eraser tool to delete them.
After you’ve reduced the number of edges in the component, then close it and explode it.
You could avoid exploding the component but in order to use the edges inside to create faces for extruding, you’ll need to work with the component opened to edit mode. In some cases you might find it easier to leave the component closed and trace over edges you want with the various drawing tools to make the buildings and other structures. Depending upon your application, this might be preferable because you can then easily group the geometry for individual structures. then you can assign those groups to layers so you can control whether or not they are visible. This can make detailing easier and it can make it easier to set up certain views if you can remove some buildings.
DaveR, The model works like a charm. Thanks! have a nice Sunday!
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