Big or unusual buildings can look intimidating, but Scaffcalc makes them manageable. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to measure real structures with Google Earth, rebuild them piece by piece, and combine multiple building sections into one accurate model. Take it slow, once you see the method, it all clicks.
Step by step
- Measure the building in Google Earth
- Create the first building section
- Set the wall height
- Add and rotate the roof
- Create the next connected building
- Add the second roof
- Align and connect the sections
- Model additional building parts
- Create alternative roof types
- Add the final building
Check the building’s length, width and height.
Example from the video: ~40 m × 20 m, with roof height from 57 m to 70 m above sea level.
Return to Scaffcalc and draw a rectangle in Top View using the measurements from Google Earth.
Adjust the building height based on the lower elevation value from Google Earth.
(Example: 52–57 m → wall height ~5 m.)
Apply a roof using the Roof Tool.
Set the roof height (e.g., 57–70 m) and rotate it to match the slope.
Draw another rectangle for the second building section.
Check the roof height in Google Earth (e.g., 57–67 m) and adjust the wall height accordingly.
Use the Roof Tool again and apply the correct height and rotation.
Use the Measurement Tool to place buildings precisely.
Add temporary measurements (e.g., 15 m offsets) to ensure accuracy.
For towers, extensions or higher rooflines:
– draw a new rectangle
– set width/length
– adjust wall height
– apply the matching roof height (e.g., 86–107 m)
If the building requires a different roof style:
– copy an existing section
– paste it
– move it into place
– rotate the roof to create the desired angle
This allows fast experimentation with roof variations.
Draw and rotate the last rectangle.
Position it by moving or rotating the entire structure as needed.
💡 Tip:
Everything is built using rectangles + correct heights + roof rotations. Once you understand that pattern, complex buildings become simple.
Certification step
Take a screenshot of your full multi-section building (all parts connected) and upload it below 👇
Send us your result
When you’re done – take a screenshot of your building and upload it here 👇 This is your first real step from practice into something that looks like a project.