How are Sketchup materials Mapped when imported into Max?

[Eric]

I'm working with Sketchup in the early phases of design development. Then, I'm importing the Sketchup model into Max for final lighting and rendering. When changes are made, I go back to the Sketchup model, make the changes (the client is constantly making updates), then import the changed elements back into Max. Stupid, I know - but I'm not that great with Max and find the modeling capabilities for architectural elements WAY easier in Sketchup. I can't figure out how maps are being applied and imported into Max, so sub-object editing is causing more headaches.

 

My question is this - when I try to Edit Mesh in Max to stretch vertexes for simple model adjustments (stretching walls, etc.), my texture patterns stretch with the model - it's like the textures are baked into the mesh and my stone (for example) stretches and distorts with the stretched vertexes. I'm not sure how to edit the mesh without jacking up the textures as there is no UVW Mapping applied to the mesh.

 

So, how are the maps applied and mapped?

[cgrant3d]

Hey Eric - as I see it you have basically 3 options:

- Apply a UVW modifier in Max that's sized the same as your SketchUp texture and do your mesh edits beneath it. That'll let you make whatever mesh changes you want and keep coordinates intact. The downside is it's extra work figuring out what your mapping coordinate sizes should be. This wouldn't be a huge problem if we're just talking generic 20' concrete / stucco / block or whatever map size you use... If it's a precisely aligned texture map of some sort then this makes a lot less sense.

 

- Using Edit Poly check the "Preserve UV's" checkbox and make your mesh edits. Sometimes this works but success seems to be related to how clean the mesh is and how drastic your mesh edits are.

 

- Use SketchUp more / less. If you're running into this workflow problem then you could always learn to model more in Max or to make geometry changes in SketchUp... This problem is really just the nature of working with 2 separate programs. There's not really a great solution...

 

Hope that helps,