Fastest way to model terrain approximately

[Christiaan]

How would you go about modelling terrain as quickly as possible, when it only needs to be approximate?

Attached is a screenshot of an example model. We have a survey for the site, which I've modelled accurately as a DTM but I want to fill in the neighbouring plots for visualisation purposes.

[Patrick Fritsch]

I've done this using Google earth via sketchup and importing into VW as a separate mesh.

[Patrick Fritsch]

Other method, is if you ask your surveyor they often already have topo data for adjacent lot.

[CipesDesign]

I usually use the local city (or sim) data which is generally at 10 ft intervals. Not good enough for real design but plenty good enough for this purpose. The trick is overlaying it more or less accurately (in its own discreet design layer) which can be time consuming and requires at least a couple trusted points of reference.

Or if the site is flat or nearly flat I use a floor, extrude or roof face. It really depends on how much detail is needed.

[ray isaacs]

i've used google earth, too, but for something as close as this you will have to make some adjustments and use a lot of judgment.

ray

[Bob Holtzmann]

Google Earth can give you spot elevations, using the cursor. Just read off the elevation in the bottom right corner. Should give you enough data for a rendered site model.

Edited July 1, 2014 by Bob-H

[bcd]

Place a 3d locus at approximately floor level in the center of the neighboring house.

Draw a nurbs curve to represent the property outline - picking up points along the edge of your existing dtm.

Loft NoRail - Select the 3dLocus and the Nurbs curve.

[GoodBye]

Before you create the terrain model, add 3D loci to approximate the shape of the neighbors land. Include this data when you make the terrain.