Site Context with Add Location

Note: Add Location received a functional update in SketchUp 2024. If you are still using an older supported version of SketchUp, some of the newer features may not be available. See Add Location in Older Versions of SketchUp, for instructions on how to use the previous version of Add Location.

A model must contain geolocation data before adding site context. See Geolocation in SketchUp if you still need to geolocate your model. When you open Add Location in a geolocated model the geolocation data will already be there.

Click Import Context to continue to Add Site Context.

A blue frame will appear on the map. Move and adjust this frame to designate the bounds of the imported site context. You can select the following options:

  • Import Type – These options determine how SketchUp imports your site contexts. Choose from Flat Site, Elevated Site, or both. Flat Site applies the map texture to a flat, 2D plane where all context will exist at the same elevation. An Elevated Site gives you the option to import a terrain mesh. With both selected, the elevated site will be hidden by default. Use the Geolocation Content tags in the Tags panel to switch between the different sites.
  • Map Texture – Selecting this Context option uses the map texture type you selected under Import Type. To further adjust how the map texture appears, click the context menu () and choose between Satellite Imagery and Street Map. For either option, the Resolution can be set to High, Medium, or Low using the slider. If Satellite Imagery is selected you can choose to use Bing or Digital Globe as your image provider.
  • Terrain Mesh – Available when choosing to import an Elevated Site. Click the context menu () to adjust the mesh density. Higher density increases the number of triangles used in the mesh, but also increases the file size.
  • 3D Buildings – Select to integrate the existing buildings from your selected area into the site context you import. As you move the blue frame, SketchUp highlights the buildings that can be imported as site context in dark blue. SketchUp will create simple geometry based on the buildings in your selection during the import process. Click the context menu () for the following options:
    • Terrain Positioning - Tell SketchUp to use a building's High Point or Low Point. 
    • Building Geometry - Select Add Foundation, Separate Foundation, or both.
Tip: If you want to geolocate your model without importing map imagery, close the Add Location window after geolocating your model without clicking Import Context. Your model will still be geolocated and that information will appear in Model Info under Geo-location. You can always add the imagery later by clicking Add More Imagery.

After adjusting the settings, click Import Site Context. This process can take a while if you have chosen to use complex map textures, high-density terrain mesh, or 3D buildings. When your import is complete, you can click Import More to add more site context to your model, or click Close to return to the modeling window.

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