up:: [[Site Inventory and Analysis]] tags:: #source/video #on/landscape_design #on/site_analysis source:: [Creating Engaging Site Analysis Plans LIVE | An Urban Design Workflow - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PUSFTufQZw) # 2023 - Creating Engaging Site Analysis Plans The text is a transcript of a live stream featuring Eric and Donovan discussing various topics related to urban design and SketchUp. Eric introduces himself and Donovan, his co-host, and mentions their interactive format where viewers can comment and ask questions during the stream. They discuss the international audience tuning in and share greetings from viewers around the world. Eric then delves into the main topic of the session: mapping and analysis in urban design projects. He explains the importance of thoughtful analysis before diving into modeling and mentions a past project in downtown LA as an example. The conversation shifts to various tangents, including references to the movie "500 Days of Summer" and a funicular in LA. Eric demonstrates geolocating a site in SketchUp and discusses the significance of GIS data in the process. He mentions using QGIS, a free open-source GIS software, to gather data for his project. Eric exports GIS data into SketchUp to create a location map for his project, emphasizing the *importance of starting broad before narrowing down to site-specific details*. Throughout the conversation, there are occasional interruptions from comments and questions from viewers, which Eric and Donovan address. **Key Points:** - Eric and Donovan host a live stream discussing urban design and SketchUp. - They emphasize the importance of mapping and analysis in urban design projects. - Eric demonstrates geolocating a site in SketchUp and gathering GIS data using QGIS. - They discuss various tangents, including references to movies and local landmarks. - Viewers engage by commenting and asking questions during the stream. The conversation revolves around utilizing GIS data and SketchUp for a project. The speaker discusses exporting data from GIS programs like QGIS or ArcGIS into SketchUp for further analysis and visualization. They mention the process of importing data, such as city boundaries, parcel lines, and building footprints, into SketchUp and discuss the significance of such data for analysis purposes. Additionally, they touch upon the importance of scale factors and proper handling of CAD files within SketchUp. **Key Points:** - Utilizing GIS data in SketchUp for analysis and visualization purposes. - Exporting data from GIS programs like QGIS or ArcGIS into SketchUp. - Importance of importing data such as city boundaries, parcel lines, and building footprints for analysis. - Discussion on scale factors and proper handling of CAD files within SketchUp. - Mention of Cadmapper, a website for accessing open data, as an alternative source of information for projects. The text describes a process of conducting site analysis and map study using various data sources and visualization tools. The author discusses *utilizing CADmapper to obtain 3D data of a site in Downtown LA, noting the availability of free data within a certain distance and paid options for more extensive coverage*. They explore the data, including streets, parks, and buildings, and experiment with visualizing it in 3D. Comments from others in the discussion highlight the evolution of such processes over time, reflecting on past methods versus contemporary cloud-based solutions. Moving on to analyzing the data, the author considers whether to include terrain information and demonstrates how to use it for quick section cuts to understand the site better. They discuss the importance of preserving topography in certain scenarios and explain various techniques for organizing and manipulating the data within SketchUp, including grouping, tagging, and color coding elements for clarity and differentiation. The author continues to refine the visualization, adjusting styles and hiding unnecessary details to focus on key aspects of the site analysis. They engage with comments from viewers, discussing topics like holiday sweaters and new features in SketchUp. Finally, the author concludes the process by defining the site boundary, creating a working scene for easy navigation, and making final adjustments to the visualization for clarity and usability. **Key Points:** - Utilizing [[CADmapper]] for obtaining 3D site data, with options for free and paid coverage. - Exploring data including streets, parks, and buildings, and visualizing it in 3D within SketchUp. - Considerations for analyzing terrain data and its importance in site analysis. - Techniques for organizing, manipulating, and visualizing data within SketchUp, including grouping, tagging, and color coding. - Engagement with comments from viewers, discussing various topics. - Final steps include defining the site boundary, creating a working scene, and refining the visualization for clarity. The text provided discusses various techniques and considerations for creating visual representations, particularly in urban design or architectural contexts. The speaker emphasizes a preference for a monochromatic model and diagrammatic representation to effectively communicate ideas. They discuss the importance of accurately portraying features such as parks and property lines, suggesting the use of color overrides and tag management for efficient visualization. Additionally, the text covers concepts like walk shed analysis, where the accessibility of different areas is assessed based on walking distance. One technique mentioned is the use of *walking circles to represent distances on maps*, allowing for analysis of travel times and accessibility. The speaker also demonstrates methods for creating 3D dashed lines and layering information effectively in SketchUp, a 3D modeling software. They touch upon the challenge of managing complex models and the importance of organization and tag usage to maintain clarity. Additionally, techniques such as freezing unnecessary geometry and creating layer masks to focus on specific areas are discussed. In Layout, the speaker explains how to apply scale to the visual representations created in SketchUp, enabling precise measurements. They highlight the usefulness of style overrides and text placement for creating professional-looking diagrams. The text concludes with a discussion on font choices and the importance of typography in visual communication. - Preference for monochromatic and diagrammatic representations - Importance of accurately portraying features like parks and property lines - Utilizing techniques such as color overrides and tag management for effective visualization - Concepts like walk shed analysis for assessing accessibility - Techniques for creating 3D dashed lines and layering information in SketchUp - Challenges of managing complex models and the importance of organization - Methods such as freezing unnecessary geometry and creating layer masks - Application of scale in Layout for precise measurements - Usefulness of style overrides and text placement for professional-looking diagrams - Considerations for font choices and typography in visual communication. The text is a stream of consciousness dialogue discussing various design-related topics, including typography, urban design, diagramming processes, placeholders like Lorem Ipsum text, SketchUp software, layout orientation, the use of North arrows, digital modeling, and shadow studies in urban planning. Here are the key points highlighted: - Discussion on typography preferences, specifically regarding thick and thin fonts. - Consideration of software choices like Proxim NOA and Open Sands for design projects. - Planning and diagramming processes, including transitioning from plan view to 3D modeling. - Mention of incorporating elements like Angel's Flight into designs and the use of placeholder text like Lorem Ipsum. - Explanation of setting up diagrams and site location in design software like QGIS. - Importance of understanding and communicating design concepts, including North orientation in layouts. - Use of SketchUp for digital modeling and considerations for 3D printing. - Discussion on grid orientation, text labeling, and placement of design elements like North arrows. - Brief explanation of shadow studies in urban planning, including considerations for different times of the day and year. - Emphasis on the importance of effectively communicating design concepts to non-designers. This dialogue provides insights into the design process, software usage, and considerations for effective communication in design projects. The text discusses the process of adding a new scene and renaming it to represent different times of the day, particularly focusing on noon (referred to as "621") and 3 p.m. This involves toggling through various camera locations to study angles and lighting conditions. The importance of understanding sunlight patterns, especially regarding shade and solar efficiency, is highlighted. There's mention of Vancouver's approach to urban planning, prioritizing sunlight access, contrasting with LA's focus on shade. The text also touches on considerations for presenting information effectively, including adjusting shadow settings and creating diagrams in layout. The process involves duplicating and arranging scenes to analyze different times of the day, with attention to detail and alignment. The importance of conveying thorough analysis to clients is emphasized, even if some aspects may seem like checklist items. Additionally, there's a brief mention of the possibility of conducting sun and shade studies in perspective mode for added visual impact. **Key points:** - Adding a new scene and renaming it to represent different times of the day. - Toggling through camera locations to study angles and lighting conditions. - Understanding sunlight patterns, shade, and solar efficiency. - Contrasting urban planning approaches between Vancouver and LA. - Considerations for effective presentation, including adjusting shadow settings and creating diagrams. - Duplicating and arranging scenes to analyze different times of the day thoroughly. - Emphasis on conveying thorough analysis to clients. - Possibility of conducting sun and shade studies in perspective mode for added visual impact. The text discusses various functionalities and extensions within a software application, likely related to architectural or design work. The author reflects on missed opportunities to utilize certain features, such as AutoText, and *explores extensions like Curic Sun for shading analysis*. They demonstrate how to manipulate the sun's path and visualize it within the software. The text also touches on the limitations of certain features, like the inability to convert sun paths into geometry directly. The author further explores the concept of walk shed analysis, discussing a tool called Travel Time that calculates walking distances from a specific location. They demonstrate tracing a walk shed boundary using a Wacom tablet and freehand tool, showcasing a practical application within their workflow. Key points: - Reflection on missed opportunities to utilize features like AutoText. - Exploration of extensions like Curic Sun for shading analysis within the software. - Demonstration of manipulating the sun's path and visualizing it within the application. - Limitations of certain features, such as the inability to convert sun paths into geometry directly. - Introduction to walk shed analysis using the Travel Time tool for calculating walking distances from a specific location. - Practical demonstration of tracing a walk shed boundary using a Wacom tablet and freehand tool. The speaker initially discusses a drawn map, expressing a realization about the distance represented in the drawing. They correct the mistake, indicating that the shape represents how far one can walk in five minutes rather than ten. They highlight the good connectivity in downtown LA for pedestrians and cyclists. The speaker decides to move the map to their collection for potential later use. They discuss the possibility of adjusting walking distances and exploring further areas by cycling. Despite the potential, they mention the challenges of cycling in downtown LA due to street conditions. The speaker considers adding wind information and topography analysis to their site study. They demonstrate how to visualize contours in SketchUp, using an extension called Contours, and discuss the importance of understanding the starting contour level for accurate representation. The speaker shows how to manipulate styles to enhance the visualization of contours and other elements. They emphasize the importance of the process in creating a viable site and urban analysis, despite not always having a clear endpoint in mind. The speaker acknowledges the support of the audience and co-host, expressing gratitude for the collaborative learning experience. They announce the availability of tickets for 3D Base Camp 2024 and anticipate tapering off streams during the holiday season. The audience expresses appreciation for the informative session and the learning opportunities provided by the speaker. The speaker emphasizes the upcoming event, 3D Base Camp in Las Vegas in November, inviting everyone to join. They express personal involvement in planning the event and encourage attendees to introduce themselves, mentioning the importance of watching live streams to put faces to avatars. While acknowledging not everyone can attend physically, they promise it will be worth the effort. The speaker underscores the event's focus on learning and community engagement, thanking the audience for their support and encouraging them to stay updated on SketchUp Campus and subscribe for notifications. Finally, they announce the end of the session and express anticipation for the next one. Key Points: - 3D Base Camp event in Las Vegas in November, inviting participation. - Speaker heavily involved in planning, encourages attendees to introduce themselves. - Emphasis on learning and community engagement. - Acknowledgment of virtual participation through live streams. - Encouragement to stay updated on SketchUp Campus and subscribe for notifications. - Conclusion of the session with anticipation for the next one.