PlaceMaker: A powerful SketchUp extension to make 3D cities into models quickly
PlaceMaker is the SketchUp plugin or extension which is used for 3D modelling programs in the SketchUp software. PlaceMaker extension helps to import a variety of 3D data, several unique geographical features, aerial images, and other unique features which helps to make 3D cities into models within a quick period of time. This SketchUp PlaceMaker extension is very easy to use. Designs can be made within minutes instead of taking several days or weeks by using this extension thus the time and money of the designers has been saved by using this extension. PlaceMaker extension helps to bring detailing in 3D cities by including roads, terrain, walks, rails, buildings, trees and other design features.
SketchUp PlaceMaker extension
In addition, this extension helps to bring matchless aerials, textured meshes, and many other features into the 3D designs thus making innovative 3D cities. Therefore, users can experience the power of instant 3D modelling by using PlaceMaker and can transform their 3D city design process.
The data set of SketchUp PlaceMaker
The core feature ability of SketchUp PlaceMaker helps to allow the import of high-quality terrain models. This also helps to allow the import of 3D buildings and high-resolution aerials around the world. In addition, designers can add complete road networks, trees, swimming pools, rivers, bays, oceans, paths, canals and rail networks into their 3D cities. The unique textured 3D Mesh data has been also imported for 3D cities.
Subscription feature in SketchUp PlaceMaker
An innovative credit system has been also used by the SketchUp PlaceMaker extension for importing 3D data. There are two options including pay-as-you-go or a subscription through which users can access the features of PlaceMaker extensions in SketchUp and make innovative 3D cities.
Features of SketchUp Placemaker
High-Resolution Imagery
Both medium-resolution map imagery from Digital Globe and ultra-high-resolution map images can be imported by SketchUp Placemaker into the SketchUp models. The import of these images can be a great replacement for Google Maps data.
Paths
With this feature, users are allowed to set the widths as well as merge the paths with terrain surfaces.
Roads
Based on the Open Street Map data, roads are brought in the 3D cities. The widths of different sizes of roads can be set by the users with the help of the SketchUp Placemaker extension. The roads can also be draped by the users along the terrain models which allows the users to create accurate cities on terrain models.
Buildings
On the basis of Open Street Map data, building designs are brought into the user’s 3D models. The default heights of all the buildings that are created in SketchUp can be adjusted by the users by using the SketchUp Placemaker extension. Buildings can also be dropped into the terrain models which allows for those cities on the ground which is not flat.
Trees
Trees can be brought by the users into their designs on the basis of Open Street Map data. By using the Placemaker extension, users can set the spacing between tree areas.
In addition, users can adjust those models which are placed in the tree's locations as well as they can adjust the size of the trees.
Water
The water body can also be imported by the users through the SketchUp Placemaker extension. These bodies of water can be draped into the design surfaces.
Tour Mode
Tour mode helps to allow the users to sync their view to the Google Street View. This allows the users to see the actual updated images of the area that they are touring. These updated images can also be used by the users to texture individual faces, allowing them to PhotoMatch with Google Street View in their created 3D buildings in SketchUp.
SketchUp Placemaker Version 2.1
The 2.1 version of the SketchUp Placemaker extension contains numerous significant updates. These updates help to allow the users to create 3D cities with the use of Microsoft’s mapping data. This also helps to improve the number of buildings that the user can create in SketchUp Placemaker.
New features of SketchUp Placemaker Version 2.1
There are several new features in the SketchUp Placemaker Version 2.1 which are:
New Building Data Library
By using the new feature, users can access a whole new library of buildings. Users are able to pull data from Microsoft, which has a larger library of buildings.
To learn more, watch the following video tutorial.
Video Source: TheSketchUpEssentials
Colour-Corrected Imagery
The colour-corrected imagery features have been offered by DigitalGlobe. Users can assess this feature under the “map” dropdown in the imagery section. The premium option is also available for the users may be slightly less detailed rather than the recent option. Users can see the colour-corrected map data which looks more vibrant than the recent data.
