How to Import Terrain Morphology from Google Maps to BIM Software

One of the main features of a BIM software is that it allows the designer to create projects that are increasingly faithful to reality. The more realistic a project is, the greater the advantages for the designer and the client.

The client has a clear idea of what the designer is creating, immersing themselves completely in the surrounding spaces and environments.

For its part, the designer works on a virtual model that faithfully represents reality, allowing them to make more effective design choices.

In this article, we will analyze how to import the morphology of a land, taking it directly from Google Maps®.

Why land modeling is fundamental in BIM projects

Land modeling represents an essential phase of any BIM project that involves interventions on outdoor areas, new constructions, or infrastructure works. Having a three-dimensional model of the site allows for precise analysis of the morphological characteristics of the area, evaluating differences in elevation, correctly designing excavation and filling works, and checking the building’s insertion into the surrounding context. An accurate digital terrain improves coordination between architectural, structural, and landscape design, reducing errors and conflicts from the early stages of the project.

How integration with Google Maps works in Edificius

Edificius integrates tools that allow for the rapid acquisition of territorial data directly from Google Maps, simplifying the creation of the land model. The user can identify the area of interest, select the portion to import, and automatically generate a three-dimensional surface based on the available altimetric data. This approach eliminates a significant portion of the manual operations involved in site reconstruction and allows design to begin immediately within a real context.

Importing the morphology of a land from Google Maps

With Edificius, the BIM architectural design software, it is possible to import the morphology of a land directly from Google Maps®. Let’s see how.

Inside Edificius, from the Terrain environment, select “Terrain [perimeter]” and click on the “Survey.” Choose “Import from Google Maps.”

Importing land from Google Maps 1

Import land from Google Maps 2

Within Google Maps®, we create a selection rectangle using the right mouse button to identify the area of interest. We confirm the selection by clicking “Capture”.

Import area from Google Maps

Let’s proceed with the import.

In Edificius, a dialog appears where the coordinates and dimensions of the land are defined.

Importing land data

We then obtain the already modeled terrain morphology and the respective contour lines.

Automatic recognition of contour lines

Below we present a video on how to import land from Google Maps® with Edificius.

Modify and refine the imported terrain for site design

The imported terrain does not necessarily represent the final configuration of the project. Edificius provides editing tools that allow you to modify the surface, create flattening, shape slopes, add/delete/modify contour lines, insert ramps, redefine elevations, and adapt the terrain to design needs. These operations allow you to simulate the interventions planned on site and obtain a model consistent with urbanization works, vehicular access, and external arrangements.

Use the imported terrain for landscape and outdoor space design

The terrain model constitutes the basis for developing the entire design of outdoor spaces. It is possible to insert pedestrian paths, parking areas, retaining walls, green areas, irrigation systems, swimming pools, and other elements of urban or landscape furniture on it. The integration between terrain and BIM components allows for immediate verification of elevations, slopes, and spatial relationships, improving design quality and facilitating the assessment of the intervention’s impact on the context.

Importing the terrain from Google Maps: practical use cases

Importing terrain from Google Maps is applicable in numerous fields of BIM design. It is particularly useful in the design of residential and commercial buildings, urban regeneration, landscape arrangement interventions, and the realization of infrastructure works. The ability to quickly acquire a three-dimensional model of the site allows for faster preliminary activities, feasibility studies, analysis of the integration of the work into the context, and the development of more accurate projects from the early stages of work.

FAQ – Importing Terrain from Google Maps with Edificius

Why is terrain modeling essential in BIM projects?

Terrain modeling represents a crucial phase of any BIM project involving interventions on external areas, new constructions, or infrastructural works. Having a three-dimensional model of the site allows for precise analysis of the morphological characteristics of the area, assessment of elevation changes, correct design of excavation and fill works, and verification of the building’s integration into the surrounding context. An accurate digital terrain improves coordination between architectural, structural, and landscaping design, reducing errors and conflicts from the early stages of the project.

How does integration with Google Maps work in Edificius?

Edificius integrates tools that allow for the rapid acquisition of territorial data directly from Google Maps, simplifying the creation of the terrain model. The user can identify the area of interest, select the portion to import, and automatically generate a three-dimensional surface based on the available altitude data. This approach eliminates much of the manual site reconstruction operations and allows for immediate design work within a real context.

How to import the morphology of a terrain from Google Maps with Edificius?

With Edificius, the BIM architectural design software, it is possible to import the morphology of a terrain directly from Google Maps®. Within Edificius, in the Terrain environment, we select Terrain [perimeter] and click on Survey. We choose Import from Google Maps. Inside Google Maps®, we create a selection rectangle using the right mouse button to identify the area of interest. We confirm the selection by clicking Capture and proceed with the import. A dialog appears in Edificius where the coordinates and dimensions of the terrain are defined. We then obtain the already modeled terrain morphology and the respective contour lines. A video is also available that shows step by step the procedure for importing terrain from Google Maps® with Edificius.

Is it possible to modify and refine the imported terrain in Edificius?

The imported terrain does not necessarily represent the final configuration of the project. Edificius provides editing tools that allow you to modify the surface, create flattenings, shape slopes, add, delete, and modify contour lines, insert ramps, redefine elevations, and adapt the terrain to design needs. These operations allow for simulating the planned interventions on site and obtaining a model consistent with urbanization works, vehicular access, and outdoor arrangements.

How to use imported terrain for landscape design and outdoor spaces?

The terrain model serves as the foundation for developing the entire design of outdoor spaces. On it, it is possible to insert footpaths, parking areas, retaining walls, green spaces, irrigation systems, swimming pools, and other elements of urban or landscape furnishings. The integration between terrain and BIM components allows for immediate verification of levels, slopes, and spatial relationships, enhancing design quality and facilitating the assessment of the impact of the intervention on the context.

What are the practical use cases of importing terrain from Google Maps?

Importing terrain from Google Maps is applicable in numerous areas of BIM design. It is particularly useful in the design of residential and commercial buildings, urban regeneration, landscape arrangement interventions, and the realization of infrastructure works. The ability to quickly acquire a three-dimensional model of the site allows for faster preliminary activities, feasibility studies, context integration analysis, and the development of more accurate projects from the early stages of work.