SketchUp: Place models in Google Earth
You can place your SketchUp models in Google Earth in just a few steps. We show you how this works in this guide.
1. Requirements for SketchUp models in Google Earth
In order for the model to exactly fit the image in Google Earth, you should first note the following points. This will give you the Google Earth view in SketchUp, under which you can build the model.
- Open SketchUp and then Google Earth.
- Activate "Terrain" under "Layers" on the left side of Google Earth to activate a 3D view.
- Navigate the arrows in Google Earth so that you have a view from above of the object.
- Now switch to SketchUp and select "Tools> Google Earth> Apply current view". Import the section selected in step 3.
- Use this view to build the model you want to place afterwards. Make sure that the height of the building is correct, i.e. it is not floating or is too deep in the ground level.
2. Place SketchUp model in Google Earth
After you have created the model, you can export and place it in Google Earth.
- Select "Tools> Google Earth> Place Model" in SketchUp.
- Google Earth will now open automatically and the object will be placed at the appropriate position in the image section previously selected in Google Earth.
In the next practical tip you will find detailed instructions for 3D modeling with SketchUp.