Closing Perimeters

Fig. 17-11: Place all the surface linework onto a single layer (01 – Flatwork Base).

There are several ways to place linework onto a different layer. You can select all the linework and then, from the Layers Dialogue Box, select the 01 - Flatwork Base layer. Or you can use AutoCAD express tools (now integrated as part of AutoCAD 2008 and 2009). Make sure that 01 - Flatwork Base is the current layer and use the Change To Current Layer option.

Closing Perimeters

To successfully create faces in SketchUp, all of the edges must be connected to create a closed perimeter. Notice the building footprint (not the interior plans) is included as part of the surface areas.

You will need to draft additional lines to close surfaces in most AutoCad files. The following locations typically require additional edges:

Streets and roads (Fig. 17-12)33

Walks and trails33

Overall site perimeter 33

Building footprints33

Fig. 17-12: Make sure to close perimeter areas with additional linework. To create faces for surfaces in SketchUp, surface areas need to be closed perimeters. The lines in magenta in the diagram are areas where another line was drafted to close a surface (the road).