In SketchUp, section planes cut a model along a plane so that you can peer inside the model without moving or hiding any geometry. In a 3D model, an active section plane hides everything on one side of the plane, as shown in the following figure.You can use section planes for all types of applications:

SketchUp contains a Ruby application programming interface (API) for users who are familiar with (or want to learn) Ruby scripting and want to extend the functionality of SketchUp. With the API, you can create tools, menu items, and other plugins, such as automated component generators, to be included in the menus within SketchUp. In addition to the API, SketchUp also includes a Ruby console, which is an environment where you can experiment with Ruby commands or methods.

Whatever your experience level or modeling style, the way you model impacts SketchUp’s performance. Using the recommended system requirements helps, but there are a few other things you can do to optimize your SketchUp experience.

After importing or creating your own terrain, you may want to add new entities to your model.

After importing or creating terrain you may need to edit or refine it to fit your needs. With the Sandbox tools native to SketchUp you can transform even a flat Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) into a fully fleshed out landscape.

SketchUp provides everything you need to create your own terrain for your model using the Sandbox tools.Tip: The Sandbox tools are available as a toolbar you can add in View > Toolbars. The From Contours and From Scratch tools can also be found in Draw > Sandbox.Creating terrain can be useful when:

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.

In SketchUp, you use the Classifier to embed data into groups or components. Adding this data can help you track and manage every aspect of your model. You can also use this data in Building Information Modeling (BIM), a common workflow used when creating realistic models that incorporate real world, practical data.With SketchUp’s Classifier you can:

This is a Pro only feature.Add the Scale tool attribute to your Dynamic Component to toggle display of scale handles on the component (limiting how users can scale the component). To hide scale handles using the Scale tool attribute: