HOW TO DRAW CONTOUR LINES AND 3-D TOPOGRAPHIC MODEL USING SKETCH UP

Working with a topographic map, all contour lines represent ground shapes or land-forms. In terms of topographic map reading, there are two distinct types of contour line that we need to emphasize. (1)The existing or undisturbed contour line (usually presented in dashed lines) and (2) the grading line or the proposed contour line (usually presented in solid lines).

In this tutorial we will learn how to draw two distinct contour lines using Sketch Up. This is an extra little tutorial and an extension to my previous advanced topographic Sketch Up modelling tutorials such as ‘How to make a topographic map using Sketch Up’ and ‘3-D topographical landscape (Sketch Up Modelling tutorial).'
  

(1) HOW TO DRAW PROPOSED CONTOUR LINES

STEP 1:  Draw and plot contour lines using the ‘Arc Tools’> delete any faces that formed when lines were drawn

STEP 2: Adjust the elevation using the ‘Move Tool’

STEP 3: Ctrl+A (Select all). Using the Sandbox Tool, click the icon ‘From Contours’ or go to Draw>Sandbox>From Contours.  This process will automatically generate 3D object(s).

RESULT

(2) HOW TO DRAW EXISTING CONTOUR LINES 

STEPS 1-3: Follow the preceding steps

STEP 4: In this step, we will be needing a plugin called ‘Construction Lines’ in order to change the contour lines from solid line to dashed line. This plugin is available in Extension Warehouse. Here, select the grouped contour lines> Right Click> click ‘Convert to Construction Line.’ 

RESULT