With SketchUp's Shadows feature, you can make your model cast a basic shadow or see how the sun casts shadows on or around a geolocated model. With Shadows you can get a general idea of how the sun or shadows will look in a specific location at a specific time of day.

Depending on how complex the terrain in a model is, it can impact performance. Because SketchUp doesn’t render hidden geometry, hiding terrain can help improve performance. Hiding terrain can also help when attempting to view a specific part of your model that would otherwise be covered.Imported or created terrain visibility can be controlled in the Tags panel. Tags are similar to layers in other programs, but with their own unique functionality and options.

Importing FilesWith SketchUp, you can import files that already include geolocation data or have been positioned in real-world locations. This includes other SketchUp files, and even files created with other software. Importing a geolocated file can be a great way to integrate multiple models for large-scale projects while still keeping the original file intact. You can import a file by selecting File > Import.

Geolocating a model or adding terrain puts your SketchUp design into real-world surroundings. By using SketchUp’s Add Location feature, importing data or site context, or creating your own terrain, you can enhance your model with specific and accurate location data and site context.