Models float

falcon771 · 24 Mar 2009, 19:40

I am trying to place 3-D models into GE. When I get the current view, I have the Terrain option checked. After I create the models and place it in SketchUp then click on Place Model it is all imported to GE fine. But if I go down to ground level, most of the models are floating.

Any clues on how to put all the models on the ground?

I should also add, that I have tried it with the Terrain off in GE when I get the current view and I get the same results. When I place the model back into GE if the Terrain is on the models float. If the terrain is off, they seem to be placed properly.

Thanks.

museummaker · 24 Mar 2009, 20:25

It sounds like you have your model positioned on the GE snapshot layer. You could try turning on the GE terrain layer in your model and see if it is positioned properly.

hope this helps,

falcon771 · 24 Mar 2009, 20:33

Thanks Patrick. I did have the terrain layer on in GE. I guess when I placed the models there was nothing to say "put this on the ground", so they were just placed where I put them. I am going through and moving each one individually so the frame is just below the ground level and that seems to be working. I just thought (hoped) there might me a function to drop a model to the ground.

Thanks again for your help.

mcm

museummaker · 24 Mar 2009, 21:10

Look for a ruby called drop-- I haven't played with it too much, may drop flat or may drop onto the face (?) there are a couple versions and I haven't tried them all.

Could speed things up. I usually put a foundations on buildings to accommodate uneven terrain.

good luck with all,

Gaieus · 25 Mar 2009, 16:24

Hi Falcon,

I'm not sure I'm correct but I think there are two things here and you miss one of them.

You turn on Terrain in GE before you take the GE snapshot in SU. This is correct and it should be like this.
When you are in SU, you are working on the flat GE Snapshot first but you need to adjust what you've modelled to the GE Terrain as well which is turned off by default (I think you miss this step)
So after you made your model on the 2D snapshot, press the Togle Terrain button

in the Google Toolbar to display the 3D Terrain as well
(You can also do this by turning on the GE Terrain Layer)
Now adjust your model to the Terrain (add "basement" or move it up/down - whatever)
finally place it. It shouldn't float now.
So have you followed step 3 so far?

falcon771 · 25 Mar 2009, 17:51

I think that was the problem.

Rather than recreating the whole thing, I went and moved each model separately and placed them on the surface.

Thanks for your help. Your steps will definitely help next time.

Gaieus · 25 Mar 2009, 21:36

Fine. This is also why I always group a GE model once I'm done with it. It's easier to move the whole thing as a single entity rather than making sure to select all before adjusting it to the Terrain.