Site Analysis Diagram in SketchUp: Free Urban Sample (Project 54)
Designing in a dense city center presents unique challenges. This sample project (Project 54) provides the complete source files for a high-rise Site Analysis Diagram. It demonstrates how to visualize complex urban constraints—such as shadows from skyscrapers and wind corridors—in a clean, professional SketchUp model.
This is more than just a map; it is a 3D study of how your site interacts with a vertical city.
Why Analyze High-Density Sites?
In urban environments, your site is defined by what surrounds it. This diagram helps you communicate:
Solar Access: How neighboring towers block sunlight throughout the year.
Wind & Circulation: Visualizing airflow patterns between buildings using clear directional flows.
Site Prominence: Highlighting your specific plot (shown in red) amidst the urban gray mass.
Preview: Final Result
The video shows the Site Analysis Diagram output created from this sample project.
Workflow Overview
This sample follows a straightforward workflow commonly used for sunlight and shadow visualization:
Step 1: Import Terrain and Map Data
Step 2: Generate Contour Lines
Step 3: Create a 3D Sun Path using Sun Diagram Plugin
Step 4: Add Symbols with Dynamic Symbols Plugin
Step 5: Create a Shadow Analysis using Sun Diagram
Step 6: Generate dynamic symbols to represent the Site analysis
This page focuses on the source files, not detailed instructions.
A full step-by-step tutorial is available here: https://archidiagram.com/create-architectural-diagrams-updated-workflow-aug-2025/
What this sample includes
Prepared SketchUp Project File: The full model with the city context and site analysis setup.
Workflow Overview (PDF): A quick guide to the steps mentioned above.
Final Presentation Scene: The exact view used to create the diagram image.
Essential Tools for This Workflow
To replicate the “High-Rise Analysis” style shown in Project 54, we recommend the following tools:
Sun Diagram: Essential for generating the 3D Sun Dome that encases the city model.
Dynamic Symbols: Perfect for drawing the curved wind arrows and site markers that sit perfectly in 3D space.
Get Started: You can download free versions of both Sun Diagram and Dynamic Symbols directly from the SketchUp Extension Warehouse.
Download Sample Project Files
This sample project is available for free download. Use it to study how to manage large urban datasets and present them clearly in SketchUp.
Or
On Gumroad, simply enter $0 in the “Name a fair price” box to download for free.
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About the Author
Nam Nguyen
Architect & Software Developer | Founder of Febhouse & ArchiDiagram
I build tools like Sun Diagram, Dynamic Symbols, and Shadow Slice to help architects work smarter.
