How to add site topography to SketchUp (import a terrain mesh)
To get terrain into SketchUp, generate a DXF terrain mesh from real elevation data and import it via File → Import in SketchUp Pro. It arrives as editable 3D faces you can drape, section, and model against. No GIS software and no manual contour tracing required.
SketchUp has no built-in way to pull real elevation data, so most people either trace contours by hand or wrestle with GIS exports. The faster route is to hand SketchUp a finished terrain mesh and start modelling immediately. Here is the full workflow.
Step-by-step
- Define your site. Draw a polygon around the site on the map in Topo-grapher, or paste coordinates. The free tier covers up to 250m × 250m.
- Generate as DXF. Pick DXF for a ready-to-use 3D mesh. Choose XYZ CSV instead if you plan to triangulate points with a SketchUp extension.
- Import into SketchUp. In SketchUp Pro go to File → Import, select the DXF, and set units to metres. The terrain comes in as 3D faces.
- Clean it up. Group the imported terrain, then use the Sandbox tools to smooth, drape, or section the surface as needed.
- Position the model. Align the terrain to your model origin so it sits correctly under your design.
Which format should you use?
DXF is the natural fit for SketchUp Pro, but you have options depending on your setup.
| Format | Best for in SketchUp | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| DXF | Direct mesh import (SketchUp Pro) | native |
| XYZ CSV | Triangulation via extension | native |
| IFC | Model exchange / linked terrain | native |
How accurate is the data?
Accuracy tracks the open elevation data each country publishes:
| Region | Source resolution |
|---|---|
| Denmark | 0.4m |
| UK, Sweden, Norway, France | 1m |
| USA (3DEP coverage) | 1m |
| Most of Europe | 5-10m |
| Global fallback | 30m |
Frequently asked questions
Does SketchUp import elevation data directly?
SketchUp Pro imports a DXF terrain mesh directly via File → Import, where it arrives as editable 3D faces. The free web version doesn't support DXF import, so you'd triangulate an XYZ CSV with a point-cloud extension or build contours with the Sandbox tools instead.
What format is best for SketchUp terrain?
A DXF mesh is best for SketchUp Pro because it imports as a finished 3D surface. Topo-grapher also exports XYZ CSV for extension-based workflows and IFC for model exchange.
How accurate is the terrain?
It depends on the country's open data: 0.4m in Denmark, 1m across the UK, Sweden, Norway, France and parts of the US, 5-10m across most of Europe, and a 30m global fallback elsewhere.
Is there a free way to get site topography for SketchUp?
Yes. The free tier allows 3 generations per day for sites up to 250m × 250m at 12m spacing, with no account required.