DigitalDemos Andrew's Quick Tips for Schematic Landscape
Channel: Andrew Hart
Date: 10/11/2020

This demo shows how to make a quick landscape model that will be accurate enough for schematic design and sketching out ideas.

Build your model quick so you can get to the ideas!

This video utilizes
1) Topographic base maps (as a DWG file) from the PADCNR Website (Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) State Parks Maps page - which provides CONTEXT as well as TOPOGRAPHIC maps
https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/StateParkMaps/Pages/default.aspx

Make sure you import this as a DWG (most accurate) or JPEG with a graphic scale (in a pinch) and scale it to match the FEET of the model.

2) Before getting started make your life easier and PLAN AHEAD - diagram your site, important features, major slopes, views, natural areas - translate these quickly into basic forms to keep yourself FOCUSED so you don't waste time on needless details or large model graphics that you don't need! Reference your sketch (or even bring it into a layer) t 

3) Once placed, build a construction line ladder of heights to snap to.

4) Build a set of Rhino Cube jigs to set heights, these will get buried in the landscape!

5) Draw a few splines that connect the jigs to provide a silhouette that you can use to double check your elevations against - take a break as you work to refocus and check if the 'mountain' is coming together

6) Using ELLIPSOID command and GUMBALL you can move flatten and adjust the land forms until you settle on the forms

7) Pick a placement for your site and put a volume there as a place holder, this will keep scale and perspective. Don't try to build it perfect, or overly detailed - remember it's just to give a sense of the site, space, place for ideation and schematic purposes.

8) When you have made most of the forms build a 'table top' on the base of the site

9) Using the DRAPE command from a plan or TOP view place the DRAPE's rectangle inside the table top

10) If the surface is too rough, or pixelated, or lumpy use the REBUILD command and increase the number of 'U' and 'V' grids to increase the smoothness or refinement to meet your needs.

11) If you want to add more detail up close to the site - follow the same process but smaller pieces up close.

This video is for educational purposes only.