Coordinate Reference Systems in Add Location

A Coordinate Reference System (CRS) defines how locations in the real world are represented using coordinates. A CRS provides precise positioning using Easting and Northing coordinates. In Add Location, you can choose to use a CRS as your geolocation method.

CRS in Add Location

Before using CRS in Add Location, keep in mind the following: 

• Make sure you know which system your project uses by checking the project’s EPSG code, or have a CRS calibration file.

• The CRS you use determines the coordinate units used by your project.

• When using a CRS, you can’t adjust True North.

• Once you use a CRS to geolocate your model, you can’t change the CRS associated with your model’s location or switch to another geolocation method. To use a different CRS, clear the model’s geolocation data and add the new CRS using Add Location. 

• You need a SketchUp Pro subscription, one of the Pro subscription options, or a Studio subscription to use CRS. 

To geolocate a model with a CRS:

1. In Add Location, choose Coordinate Reference System (CRS) as your geolocation method in the dropdown under Method.

   

2. Select a CRS used for your project. If necessary, search for the appropriate CRS using its EPSG code or name. Once selected, Add Location will use the units associated with that CRS for the project coordinates. 

   

   Tip: If you have a CRS calibration file, you can upload that file to establish the coordinate system for your model instead. Add Location supports the following calibration file formats:

   • .dc

   • .jxl

3. Enter the Easting and Northing coordinates for your Project Base Point. The Project Base Point establishes the relationship between your model and its location within the CRS.

4. (Optional) Add Location automatically retrieves the elevation associated with your CRS. If needed, you can switch the toggle off and manually change the elevation.

   

5. Click Update to geolocate your model using the selected CRS. 

6. Review the information and confirm the correct CRS and Project Base Point were used.

CRS Interoperability 

When importing or exporting CRS content, the following restrictions apply:

• If an imported file contains CRS information, SketchUp won’t recognize or use that information for any imported content. Verify the position of the imported content before using it in your project.

• The .skp format preserves a model’s CRS information as IFC data. 

• Exporting to any other format doesn’t preserve CRS metadata.

• When using third-party extensions, results may vary. Always verify the position of geolocated content when using an extension that makes use of SketchUp’s geolocation data.