Quickly add Google Earth site context to your Revit model – using free CADtoEarth

One of the greatest things about Revit, and BIM in general, is that we usually design ‘in context’ – that is, with as much site information as we can get our hands on…

Vasari has that handy little option to import a Google Earth image into your model – well now, Revit has an add-in that does a bit more, including:

  • import surface from Google Earth
  • upload building to Google Earth

It is called:
CADtoEarth | Autodesk Revit | Autodesk Exchange Apps

Here is a quick guide on importing topography from Google Earth:

  1. Close Revit
  2. Install the tool from above link
  3. Start Revit
  4. Click the CADtoEarth Pane button
  5. Use the search box at top of the dialog to find your site
  6. Zoom in until the ‘can’t save’ message disappears
  7. Click the Surface tab in the dialog and click  Save Earth’s Surface
  8. Leave the dialog open, and click the Get Surface button on the Revit add-ins Ribbon panel
  9. Your surface has now been added to the Revit file as a Import Symbol.
  10. Use the Topography tool if you want to create a proper Revit topo from the imported data

Heads-up:
http://revitaddons.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/cadtoearth.html

From their website:

CADtoEarth is a family of innovative add-in applications for the most popular CAD packages that link modeling environment with Google Earth and Microsoft Virtual Earth.
CADtoEarth offers some very exciting capabilities. Here is the partial list of what you can expect from the tool:
  • Upload a model directly from modeling session onto Google Earth or Microsoft Virtual Earth
  • Import a section of the surface of the Earth directly from Google Earth into modeling session
  • Position your 3D structure on the imported surface within modeling session and then upload it back to Google Earth or Microsoft Virtual Earth
  • Perform the same operations on 2D objects in modeling environment and Google Maps
At the moment you can download CADtoEarth for the following platforms: SolidWorks, Autodesk Revit and Autodesk Inventor.
Please, take a look at the video demonstrations of CADtoEarth below. Those will give you a good idea about what this tool can do for you today and what you may want to see changed or added to fit your specific needs. So, if you would like to customize or enhance this generic tool to better fit you company guidelines then we’ll be more than happy to discuss the requirements with you.

CADtoEarth | amcbridge.com/

(embedded JWPlayer)

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Dima Chiriacov
11 years ago

Thanks for posting! It works really good

nealmac1978
11 years ago

CADtoEarth Pane won't load

Detlev van Loenhout
11 years ago

Hi Luke,

Tried to use it, but for some reason, even when I tried the Boston area as described in the youtube video I keep getting the can't save message because i am to high of the ground… Even with maximum zoomlevel…

You familiar with this problem?

Bryon Joyce
11 years ago

Luke is there a tip on how much of the model you should try to export? I am trying to "Export Model" and Revit keeps locking up.

Luke Johnson
11 years ago
Reply to  Bryon Joyce

I found it didn't seem to like certain Categories / complexity. Like if you only try to export Walls, it will almost certainly work (I think!)

Unknown
11 years ago

I downloaded CAD to Earth for Revit. Installed it alright. But it gives a script error on start of the plugin. The google Earth plugin does not run. Can you suggest any solution. I can send you a snapshot of the error.

Thomas Hill
9 years ago

can someone help me get registered

Anonymous
Anonymous
9 years ago

Amazing tool!! Works really good!
For those who need help check out the user's guide >>> http://cadtoearth.amcbridge.com/cadtoearth_revit_manual_2.2.pdf

Anonymous
Anonymous
9 years ago

Tried it.But it does not give accurate level. Anyone facing this problem?