Importing DEMS

[olso5345]

Hello All,

I am using Sketchup Pro 2015 (MacBook Pro, OS Yosemite) and would like to import a DEM. I downloaded a DEM based on contours produced from LiDAR (from MNtopo website). First attempt download option was open-source and extensions were .bil, .xml, .hdr.......) I could not import. Second download attempt (same website) was an ESRI-based DEM with a bunch of different extensions. Still could not import. Any suggestions? I saw some advice that said to change the extension to .dem, but not sure which file I should apply this change to. Thank you in advance! Best, Jeff

[olso5345]

OK - I now know the the process. Here it is:

1. From web-based topographic server (MnTopo in my case), zoom in to subject area, download "Contours" (not DEM).
2. Zipped file e-mailed to you containing shapeless. Open in ArcGIS and back save to AutoCAD 2010 or earlier.
3. Open file in Auto CAD, create bounding box, and clean up stray contours. Save as a .dwg .
4. Open .dwg in SU and save as .skp
5. et voila!

Cheers, Jeff