Topography is the basic problem of architecture, when architecture and topography working together, structure win authenticity. Therefore, topology begins to the relation between space and human, a human has also relation with landscape and diagrams are the best way to represent ideas in visual form. They do this with visual symbols that can be considered all at once, unlike language, which must be processed linearly. As a project progresses, they might be used to clarify what is required and as a source of reference for different parties. In this post, I will show you how to create a simple topography diagram from the SketchUp model and easy ways to edit on Photoshop.
1. First step is importing Google Earth Terrain into your SketchUp file. Strike the file tab and roll right down to Geo-location and Add Location. From here you’ll be able to search as you’d in Google Maps. Use the pins to vary the realm you’d wish to import to your model. Hit grab once you’re happy with your choice to import into your modeling area. Then with the Show Terrain or Toggler Terrain commands, you get a 3D model instead of a flat landscape picture. Next, we should draw a large rectangle that covered the whole map and duplicate it in whatever range we want our contour lines to be. Then when you chose all and intersect faces with model and delete rectangles, you can see our topography generated. If you only want lines like me, you can delete the map. Here’s your topography.
2. The next step is exporting the lines to Adobe Illustrator in vector format to edit. If you wanna export vector data you can export to both PDF and EPS format. I completed the parts missing for my diagram in this model and turned it into a section.
3. Now it’s time for some coloration. You can add a solid color and add an inner shadow effect to make it look more realistic. Then search for the sea texture. Modify the texture you choose and adjust it to the right place you want it to be. You can reduce its opacity and change the blending options.
4. For the underground section parts, I used solid color and watercolor brush strokes.
5. Then I picked out a grass texture and adjust it to the site with the same technique.
6. Then I made changes to the colors, brightness, and colors of the contour lines.
7.After that I added the trees and surrounding plants to the visual so that the ones behind are paler and with their simple shadows.
8. As a next step, you can details, paths, venues, etc. in your project. I added a drawing of a small pier and people.
9. I added paper textures to the back of the section because I really liked their aesthetic touches to visuals.
10. The last step is adding site analyses to the diagram. You can add all climatic information such as rainfall, snowfall, wind directions, temperatures, sun path, all considered during the different times of the year. Natural physical features like actual features of the site such as trees, rocks, topography, rivers, ponds, drainage patterns. Circulations, vehicle, and pedestrian movements in, through, and around the site. Or the existing buildings, walls, surrounding vernacular, setbacks, materials, landscaping, scale. And the immediate surrounding of the site, dimensional considerations such as boundaries, easements, height restrictions, site area, access along with any further plans, future urban development plans.
You are free to add as much analysis as you want, or enough analysis to describe your project. When this step is finished, your diagram will look splendid.
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