Google SketchUp

Software Review: Google SketchUp 6 (freeware for Mac)
by Christine Bush
For EarthSatelliteMaps.com

Ratings:
Concept ****
Design ***
Functionality ***
Value ****
Potential ****

Google SketchUp 6 is the latest version of the 3D modeling application available for download at http://sketchup.google.com. I downloaded the freeware version for Mac and found that sketching in 3D with this fairly straightforward app was a fun and bug-free. Here’s what the GUI looks like:

Note: When you first launch the app you’ll also get a second window featuring the SketchUp Learning Center which I recommend you spend a few minutes reviewing. I have a lot of experience using 2D tools, but I don’t have a lot of experience working with 3D apps (see TurboCAD, AutoCad) so I found the Learning Center slides to be quite helpful in understanding how the 3D toolset works.

I found the presence of a little person standing in my workspace a bit enigmatic at first, but after a few times I come to expect and welcome it. At 6′6″ tall they are hardly small in stature, but the inclusion does fill the need to have something situated in an application space that would be rather sterile otherwise. Perhaps the playful software engineers will include a random element from the growing 3D Warehouse to enhance this feature in the future.

The SketchUp 6 tool-set is fairly robust and includes the following: SELECT, SELECTION, ERASER, RECTANGLE, CIRCLE, POLYGON, MOVE, ROTATE, SCALE, TAPE MEASURE, PROTRACTOR, AXES, ORBIT, ZOOM, ZOOM EXTENTS, POSITION CAMERA, LOOK AROUND, PAINT BUCKET, LINE, ARC, FREEHAND, PUSH/PULL, FOLLOW ME, OFFSET, DIMENSION, TEXT, 3D TEXT, PAN, ZOOM, PREVIOUS/NEXT, WALK, GET CURRENT VIEW, TOGGLE TERRAIN, PLACE MODEL, GET MODELS, SHARE MODEL, PLAY/PAUSE, X-RAY, WIREFRAME, HIDDEN LINE, SHADED, SHADED WITH TEXTURES, MONOCHROME, DISPLAY/HIDE DAY OF YEAR/TIME OF DAY.

After an hour of initial exploration in both the Learning Center and using the toolset, I was able to produce a basic, stylized (neo-Japanese?) building:

This model will benefit greatly from some texturing which can be achieved using the Paintbucket Tool and selecting a texture to apply to selected surface areas. You can also drape photos over models created with SketchUp. In fact, we are generally encouraged to use this technique for models intended to be shared with the greater Google Earth user base because it keeps file sizes smaller (under 1 MB per model is the goal) without sacrificing ornamentation and detailing which can be tedious to replicate even with a user-friendly application.

Google SketchUp 6 is pretty easy to use, but you’ll want to learn to use the Groups and Components features as the building blocks for your models in order to keep your work organized and easy to manipulate. If you’ve ever fancied yourself an architect but didn’t manage to find the time in your busy schedule to finish your graduate degree, using Google SketchUp to design your dream house (or tool shed) might just scratch that itch. And if you’re really inspired, you can get involved with several different SketchUp contests Google is running to promote contributions to the 3D Buildings layer in Google Earth.

For complete information, visit the Google SketchUp Communities online: http://sketchup.google.com/gsu6/forums.html

If you’re already proficient with 3D rendering and/or work as a planner or designer there is a $495 Professional edition:

Google SketchUp Pro 6 is a 3D modeling software tool that allows designers and planners to explore, communicate and present complex 3D concepts. Its import/export capability gives you the speed and functionality for use in a professional workflow. And now, with SketchUp Pro 6’s LayOut (beta) feature, you can integrate 3D models with 2D elements to create compelling interactive presentations. LayOut (beta) also enables you to output large-format, high-resolution documents.