Import Google Landscape into Synchro

INSERT LANDSCAPE IMAGE INTO SYNCHRO NOTE: Information on how to obtain a Google Site Image of the location/address is given at the end of this tutorial.

Inserting an Image/map is done by creating a Texture Plane in Synchro Pro. Within Synchro Pro: 1. File> 3D> Texture Plane (see below).

2. Draw a square/rectangular under your model in the 3D window in Synchro Pro: Click top-left to bottom right on screen as shown. Blue square/rectangle appears.

3. Texture Image Selection opens: Select your image file/picture, set options to: Check-keep aspect ratio and Check-Keep height of geometry.

4. Name the Image File: Eg. Middlewood Locks Site Image

Resource Wizard: You can also create a resource and assign it to task.

5. Check box: Assign to a new Resource.

6. Next.

7. Name: Middlewood Lock Site Image.

8. Type: Location.

9. Next.

10. Resource Creation: Assign to this Resource, don’t build tree.

11. Finish.

Site image now shown underneath Synchro model in 3D window……albeit a little big!

Tip: When you select the map it turns into a solid colour – To see the actual Landscape map when image is selected, go to: Home Tab> Options> Under 3D View> Colours – Deselect Faces (Under Selection Highlighted).

Once site image is created you can manipulate the image (scale, move, rotate).

Next step: Resizing the Site Image within Synchro………

RESIZE SITE IMAGE FILE Resize Image in Synchro, either by use of ‘Advanced Manipulator’ boxes (marked in yellow) or ‘Scale’ function available in 3D Properties (marked in red).

Ideally, to resize the Google Image map correctly, I would first import a 2D CAD landscape drawing or OS map into Synchro if you have one available for the site. See my previous post Regarding this: 2D CAD to 4D Synchro.

Note: If the 2D landscape cad file was put into a revit architectural model then I would export the landscape drawing from the revit file - This way you are guaranteed that the 2D landscape and building models match up perfectly within Synchro.

Use the Rotate, Scale functions within Synchro (under 3D Properties) to manually input numbers to scale up/down, rotate/move site image as required. Or go to 3D> Advanced Manipulator as shown below.

Note: Use the imported 2D CAD Landscape to CORRECTLY SCALE the Google Landscape image!

Final Image below showing Landscape correctly scaled.

Remember to switch selected faces back on when you are finished scaling/positioning your landscape image: Home Tab> Options> Under 3D View> Colours – Check Faces (Under Selection Highlighted).

OBTAINING SITE IMAGE FROM GOOGLE EARTH/GOOGLE MAPS USING GOOGLE EARTH: Open your site location map/aerial view in Google Earth.

Uncheck 3D buildings to give a clear, crisp aerial view of site.

File> Save> Save Image> Save Image as: Middlewood Locks Site Image.jpeg

USING GOOGLE MAPS: Type address and zoom into location.

Uncheck: Labels off (top-left corner of screen) Uncheck: 3D off (top-left corner of screen).

Uncheck: Bicycling.

Uncheck: Traffic.

To save the site image without having to open a Google Account: Press: Print Screen key on keyboard.

Open Paint program (found under Window Accessories on your computer).

With Paint open: Hold Ctrl key down and press V (or press: paste clipboard button).

Image of Site Map now appears within Paint.

Use Crop tool to cut around site map area required.

File> Save as: Middlewood Locks Site Image.

Note: In comparison, the Google Earth Site Image is only slightly sharper‌‌. only!

References: Synchro Training Video - Creating a Textured Plane (a bit old, but still relevant): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wjqACODZ34