Google Sketchup , or simply Sketchup, is one of the best three-dimensional modeling and design programs used by professional graphic designers and beginners alike. By practicing and learning its fast and easy interface, it allows any user to master 3D design in a short time.
Furthermore, downloading Google Sketchup is one of the simplest processes for such a useful design program, and it is adapted to work on almost any operating system.
Its system is adapted to make all kinds of 3D models, ideal for making scale project presentations. Being a program loaded with tools that range from making and editing 3D text , to inserting backgrounds very easily .
However, one of the most interesting tools to know today is the Google Sketchup sculpting tool available.
Sandbox Utilities in Google Sketchup
Before learning how to use the sculpt tool in Google Sketchup , it is important to know where it is located in the program’s interface. And it is that this tool belongs to the great variety of utilities that is in the section called Sandbox.
This section is specifically dedicated to terrain modeling in a very simple and almost natural way for users. Through the program you can create a mesh connection with triangular faces that allow you to simulate an earthly surface.
As if it were combining two objects with Googles Sketchup , in this program these surfaces called TIN (Triangulated irregular network) can be easily created . In addition to simulating terrain, it can act as a simulator at the scale of pools or faces.
Create a surface
Obtaining a model base by creating a toposurface is very simple, and can be done in many ways, which are:
- It can be started by creating or importing contour lines and using the ” Sandbox from contours ” tool .
- It is also worth mentioning the possibility of importing an image or a map to draw its contours with the Freehand tool . The next thing will be to adjust the contours to the appropriate elevation to use the “ Sandbox from contours ” tool , in this way the terrain is created.
- An easy method is by directly importing a file from a digital terrain model created with other software.
- The “ Sandbox from scratch ” creation tool allows you to create a sandbox very directly.
How to use the sculpt tool in Google Sketchup
Using the Sculpt tool in the Sandbox panel in Google Sketchup will allow you to create terrain for a scene. To use it, it will always be necessary to start creating a topographic surface as a base, using one of the methods previously explained.
Something to take into account specifically for this tool is that the larger the terrain created, the more curved it will be.
Once created, the Sculpt Tool must be selected from the Sandbox panel. Normally, through the Google Sketchup interface, this section is in the top bar.
Now you just have to complement its use with the Press Tool to create different types of fonts in the created Sketchup model. The depth of these structures can be maintained as desired.
By means of a circumference it is possible to raise or lower part of the surface, being a totally quick and simple process.
It should be noted that the radius of the tool can be altered according to the needs of changing the radius. This is done after having selected the tool, you just have to write a new radius , whether the measurement is bigger or smaller, the circumference of the course will be enlarged or decreased.
More details can also be added to the 3D design just by using the Add Details tool. This tool will be located on the panel where the sculpt function is located, so it should not be a problem to locate it.
