Building 3D landscape models in SketchUp using 2D design plans created with gCADPlus is a straightforward process. In essence, make sure that the design created in gCADPlus includes a scale bar appropriate to the size of the site. Switch to layout and either export a raster image of the design or print the design from gCADPlus layout to PDF, view the PDF in Acrobat Reader, take a screenshot and save the view as a JPG image file.
Then start SketchUp and import the file. Using the measure tool, measure along the scale bar, overtype distance vale with the correct length and allow SketchUp to adjust the size of the model. You can now begin building a 3D design on top of the image exported from gCADPlus secure in the knowledge that you will have a full-size correctly proportioned model.
Include components such as pots and plant species for interest.
Helpful movies
This is part 1 in a series of movies that demonstrate how to build a 3D model of a gCADPlus design using free SketchUp software.
This is part 2 in a series of movies that demonstrate how to build a 3D model of a gCADPlus design using SketchUp software.
We respond to a question from a gCADPlus user who wants to quickly create a conceptual 3D from his gCADPlus design. The client was having great difficulty visualizing a design for a small, sheltered outdoor entertaining space. This movie shows the steps involved in creating a suitable model in the free version of SketchUp.