Frequently Asked Questions
UrbanPaint is a linear parametric automation tool for SketchUp. Following a linear series of prompts and values, the extension will generate a detailed streetscape profile.
UrbanPaint buildings are a complete street section that can include an asymmetrical or symmetrical profile, allowing users to create a single street with widely different configurations.
UrbanPaint allows for various parking types: shoulder, stall, parking line, none, head in and diagonal.
You can add bike lanes, multiple medians, detached and attached walks that include entourage like trees, tree grates, pedestrian lighting, street lighting, planters, benches, parking meters and overhead transmission lines.
UrbanPaint allows for the instant placement of building massings that range from 1-story single family all the way up to tall skyscrapers and everything else in between.
Drawing another edge or series of edges on an-already generated UrbanPaint model will bring up the option to include an intersection when creating the next profile. The intersection options include setting the curb radius, intersection set back into the streetscapes, traffic signals, stop signs and crosswalks.
UrbanPaint can create multiple intersections at the same time. A series of lines can intersect multiple profiles or even the same profile more than once.
Yes! UrbanPaint can save any profile and then rerun it. In fact it is strongly recommended that you save any profile you make to make editing and redoing parameters quicker.
Please note: uninstalling UrbanPaint or migrating to a new version of SketchUp can cause you to lose saved profiles. We recommend you backup the profile folder for UrbanPaint.
To create profiles in UrbanPaint users need to draw a series of connected lines / edges and arcs. They do NOT need to be welded, just all selected at the same time.
Arcs can be problematic for UrbanPaint since it needs to model the profile along each edge of the arc. It is possible but results may vary. Be careful with arcs and creating intersections – that might cause UrbanPaint to not work. It is worth trying though!
There is no easy way to protect against abuse once a trial ends. This puts a solo extension developer at risk. We appreciate the understanding.
YES! The UrbanPaint model can be 100% edited, adjusted and manipulated.
You can add bulb outs to intersections, add, remove or edit buildings, the streetscape just about anything. UrbanPaint creates the 3D profiles as a series of groups and components that are already organized making updates and changes to it simple with normal manual SketchUp modeling.
In the UrbanPaint tool bar options you can select the Parking tool. This is like the SketchUp rectangle tool; drag it and it will make a surface. In this case, it will populate with parking spaces.
In the UrbanPaint tool bar, there is an entourage placement tool for objects and buildings. Selecting this option opens up UrbanPaint library of buildings, trees and other items that you can then place in your model.
Unfortunately, this first version of UrbanPaint will not model onto terrain. The type of processing and complexity required for SketchUp to perform is a desired and possible future update.
UrbanPaint performs a complex set of operations to build the level of detail in the street section. You will run into bugs and issues. Remember, before running any UrbanPaint operation SAVE YOUR PROFILES so you don’t have to redo the parameters again, especially if the operation fails.
In general, if you run into consistent issues try running the profile in a separate empty SketchUp file.
1. I selected an edge and ran UrbanPaint but either nothing happened, the application froze or crashed:
This is not a common issue but can happen. In this case, open up a blank new SketchUp file, draw a shorter line and then perform the operation.
2. The intersection tool did not work. Nothing happened.
This might be a more common issue. Make sure the drawn edge is sitting on the surface of the roadway (NOT the sidewalks). Also, if there is an arc trying to intersect the profile, try using edges instead.
This issue might be happening if you are trying to create multiple intersections at the same time. Try doing them one at a time as much as possible.