![](https://pro2-bar-s3-cdn-cf5.myportfolio.com/9f3794b0-ac2d-4daa-913d-0a9ecf9ed108/684636df-dca5-4862-8e1f-ef5e2b79c369_rw_1200.jpg?h=45bc6855d2c353a21d7a57b90fca3272)
While brainstorming ways to present urban planning proposals in Bradenton, FL, the idea of using SketchUp to create a virtual model of the city came to mind.
First, I used a digital camera and walked around the city taking a systematic photographic survey of the area's buildings and features. Then I acquired a laser distance tool powerful enough to reach the eaves of the highest buildings. Primarily in the evening, I took measurements of the buildings and marked measurements on printouts of my photos.
Using some internet research, GIS information, the measurements I took, and the photos, I was able to model many of the buildings and features in Bradenton, FL. Exporting these models to Google Earth, I was able to create fly-by animations. Then, I superimposed plan and elevation graphics for more interactive and dynamic presentations.
First, I used a digital camera and walked around the city taking a systematic photographic survey of the area's buildings and features. Then I acquired a laser distance tool powerful enough to reach the eaves of the highest buildings. Primarily in the evening, I took measurements of the buildings and marked measurements on printouts of my photos.
Using some internet research, GIS information, the measurements I took, and the photos, I was able to model many of the buildings and features in Bradenton, FL. Exporting these models to Google Earth, I was able to create fly-by animations. Then, I superimposed plan and elevation graphics for more interactive and dynamic presentations.
![](https://pro2-bar-s3-cdn-cf6.myportfolio.com/9f3794b0-ac2d-4daa-913d-0a9ecf9ed108/acd1e814-d29a-4f41-90a2-f196252fd35e_rw_1200.jpg?h=5da5a6984554ffc5025eb057e81955af)
![](https://pro2-bar-s3-cdn-cf.myportfolio.com/9f3794b0-ac2d-4daa-913d-0a9ecf9ed108/13d22aaa-5590-46a7-b667-21fce4cbe5e2_rw_1200.jpg?h=fcaae32cbac36e9f54221de77fd14c40)
![](https://pro2-bar-s3-cdn-cf1.myportfolio.com/9f3794b0-ac2d-4daa-913d-0a9ecf9ed108/231deff1-5326-4462-923b-84bdba0e6ed5_rw_1200.jpg?h=ec5218c8c35202df0cfefbf2d99a0b0c)
![](https://pro2-bar-s3-cdn-cf.myportfolio.com/9f3794b0-ac2d-4daa-913d-0a9ecf9ed108/1da1e7e0-16d2-4924-b677-02cad5b352e3_rw_1200.jpg?h=a74ed5ab14c045b3cd11bb53653a419a)