Google SketchUp: The Missing Manual

Creating 3-D Details from a Texture Image

The photo creates a fine map of the top of the building when you look straight down from the sky—that's the Google satellite view. It doesn't do much for the model when viewed from the ground level. So, this is another case where it makes sense to use the image as a guide to model three-dimensional elements.

Figure 10-19. Using the pushpins, you identify the corners of the roof in the aerial image and then pin those corners to the corners of your model.

Figure 10-20. Once the texture image is applied and positioned, it looks like this. In some cases just applying an image may be enough. In this case you can use the image as a reference for creating 3-D details for the Villa Savoye model.

You've learned earlier in the book all of the SketchUp skills required to build up the wall on top of the Villa Savoye. You need to use the Line and Arc tools (Adding to Your Scene), the Offset tool (Using the Offset Tool), and the Push/Pull tool (Using the Push/Pull Tool).

• Use the Line (L) and Arc (A) tools to trace the lines of the roof wall.

• Shift-click with the Select (space bar) tool to select all the lines except for the "P" shape.

• Use the Offset tool to offset the lines 6 inches.

• Use the Line tool to connect the ends of the two lines.

• Select the "P" shaped portion ...