How do I use a floor plan photo as a reference in sketchup?

JJohn1980

hi,

I have this really low resolution image of a floorplan

I passed it through some photo processing with mockofun as it allowed me to remove the white areas, improve the contrast and then even transform it in a higher resolution PNG and vectorize it to a SVG

here's what I got:

and the SVG

questions are:

is it possible to add any of these images as reference images on the background to guide me when drawing the floor plan in sketchup?
which image should I use? is it possible to use a SVG as that can be enlarged without loosing quality

thanks,
John

TIG

I think the original PNG you added has enough detail without jumping through extra hoops.
Import the PNG as an Image and place it flat in an empty model.
Draw an edge parallel to one of the walls that's a known length - bigger the better - at this point the edge's length is immaterial.
Select that edge and the Image and group it.
Edit that group and use the Tapemeasure tool. pick the two ends of the edge and type in the correct length + return.
When prompted choose to scale and the contents of the group are scaled so that the dimension is correct.
Other dimensions in the Image are scaled proportionately...
Now you can place the group where you want it [locking it with the context-menu might be advisable]
Draw over the top of this group and needed.
Because the walls seem to be a constant thickness then some guide-lines will help versus picking onto a pixelated image.
Also drawing rectangles for the main shapes will ensure sensible orientation... erase untenanted edges as you go on...

JJohn1980

aha , I think I get it. basically the grouping thing is to be able to scale things into proportions and reach the exact measurements

I guess that if there's any rotation issues with the floor plan I can fix it in advance in the photo editor to avoid any further nuisances

thank you so much for your help,
John

pbacot

You might rotate the image in SU after import as well.

I'd say the use of the image is just a reminder help in this case. Because the shape is so simple, you will end up entering the exact measurements you want as you go. If you are unaware of the original measurements, you'll be making them up to reasonable or functional round numbers. Same with the placement and size of windows and fixtures.