This guide explains how to import topography into Snaptrude for site context study. When you import topography it comes along with the location's elevations, the surrounding building mass models also in satellite view on Snaptrude. This helps in conducting feasibility study including visual analysis, shadow analysis, sun path study, etc especially during the concept designing stage.
Follow the steps below to import topography into a project on Snaptrude:
Importing Topography
Step 1: Click on Import to open the import tab.
Step 2: Click on Load Topography in the import window.
Step 3: 'Load Topography' window opens. Enter the address or the location's coordinates in the search bar and press enter or select from drop down suggestions.
Step 4: Use the mouse wheel to zoom in and out, and left click to drag and adjust to the exact location.
Step 5: Customize the topography by checking the Elevation buttons, Buildings, and Satellite view. Check the required fields to import for your Topography. These options will import the elevation of ground, neighboring buildings and satellite view for your Topography.
Step 6: After finalizing the location and the settings, Click on Load Topography.
Selected location's topography is imported in the Snaptrude project.
Editing Imported Topography
The imported topography can be moved and rotated to adjust to the project to the site location. The surrounding buildings are also editable as required.
Use the Move and Rotate tool to position the Topography according to your needs.
Pro-tip: Edit the building masses separately using the move tool, the push pull tool, and the rotate tool. Hide or delete them if necessary.
Additional options in the Import Files
Step 1: Click on the Imported Files icon and go to Topography.
Step 2: Observe the two layers, one for terrain and the other for buildings. Hide, unhide, or delete each one as per the requirement.
If you have imported the topography with elevations, you can also turn them on/off as required.
Set Datum
When the topography is imported with elevations, the base of the building may be above or below the elevation height. In that case, you can use the 'Set Datum' tool to move the topography to adjust it to the base of the project. Follow the steps below to know more:
Step 1: Click on Design tab and Select Set Datum.
Step 2: Click on the elevation height where you want the building's base to be. The topography will then adjust to match this elevation.
