SketchUp
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Google SketchUp 6 is a 3D modelling program designed for professional architects, civil engineers, filmmakers, game developers, and related professions. It was designed to be more intuitive, flexible, and easy-to-use than other 3D modelling programs, which often have steep learning curves.[1] Several features allow designers to "play" with their designs, unlike what is possible in other 3D CAD programs. It is marketed as an easy-to-use conceptual tool with a simple interface.
Some of its key features include:
- A smart drawing cursor (inference) system that allows users to draw 3D objects using a 2D screen and mouse.
- Simple massing study capability via "push-pull".
- An interactive Heliodon, or sun angle simulator.
- A fast, easy way to animate camera and sun movements.
- Models can be individually colored with an assortment of solid colors, textures and materials.
History
SketchUp was developed by startup company @Last Software, Boulder, Colorado which was formed in 1999.[2] SketchUp was first released in August 2000[3] as a general purpose 3D content creation tool. It won a Community Choice Award at its first tradeshow in 2000.(A/E/C SYSTEMS Fall 2000)[4] It quickly found a market in architecture and building design industries, however, and was revised to suit the needs of working professionals. The key to its early success was in its shallow learning curve, allowing for a shorter learning period than other commercially available 3D tools.
As of SketchUp 5, features were added to allow the user to extrude and widen as well as the ability for a face to "follow" the cursor around an object.
On March 14, 2006, Google acquired @Last Software,[5] attracted by their plugin for Google Earth.
On January 9, 2007 SketchUp 6 was released, featuring a handful of new tools as well as a beta version of Google SketchUp LayOut. LayOut includes a handful of 2D vector tools, as well as page layout tools making it easier for professionals to create presentations without jumping to a third-party presentation program.
Add-Ons
Add-ons can be downloaded from @Last's Web Site.
Google Earth
One such add-on allows the user to export the 3D model as a .kmz file which can then be opened in Google Earth. This allows accurate geo-referencing of SketchUp models and accurate placement of those models in Google Earth. It also allows SketchUp to import modeling context (photographic + terrain model) from Google Earth for modeling reference.
Other Add-ons
Other add-ons are provided for export to:
- 3D Studio.
- AccuRender for SketchUp to create ray trace, photorealistic images.
- RPS 3D PDF for interactive 3D PDF documents.
- RPS Space Design for placing and reporting on components.
- 3D Text - for creating 3D text.
Patents
SketchUp holds a Patent (U.S. Patent #6,628,279) on its Push/Pull technology:
"System and method for three-dimensional modeling: A three-dimensional design and modeling environment allows users to draw the outlines, or perimeters, of objects in a two-dimensional manner, similar to pencil and paper, already familiar to them. The two-dimensional, planar faces created by a user can then be pushed and pulled by editing tools within the environment to easily and intuitively model three-dimensional volumes and geometries."
The patent was applied for in November 2000, and awarded in September 2003 (Patent).
Google SketchUp
On April 27, 2006, Google announced Google SketchUp, a freely-downloadable version of SketchUp.[6] The free version is not as capable as SketchUp Pro 5, but it includes integrated tools for uploading content to Google Earth and to the Google 3D Warehouse[7], a library of models created in SketchUp.
It can export 3D Google Earth .kmz files and 2D graphic: .bmp .png .gif .tif. Google SketchUp Pro can export more 3D grahic files: .3ds .dwg .dxf .fbx .obj .xsi .wrl and more 2D graphic: .pdf .eps .epx .dwg .dxf.
Ruby Application Programming Interface (API)
Ruby is a scripting language that was first introduced in SketchUp 4. Since its introduction SketchUp users have shown their creativity by creating hundreds of useful tools using SketchUp Ruby.
(For Google SketchUp) You can use the Hello World Tutorial to create dialog boxes.
SuWiki
SuWiki is a Wiki encyclopedia for SketchUp users.
SuWiki provides an open environment for SketchUp users to find, and contribute to article and tutorials on the use of SketchUp.
Users
SketchUp users can share their work for free in the Gallery on the SketchUp official site. This gives a place where users can share their work in many fields including, Architecture, Construction, Education K-12, Game Development, GIS, Graphic Art, Higher education, Industrial Design / Furniture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, and Mechanical Design. Many users also share their ideas and knowledge about SketchUp and other modeling programs in the SketchUp Pro Forum.
External links
- SketchUp official website
- www.SUWiki.org The SketchUp Wiki
