Google Makes SketchUp Free!

[Stryker]

In classic Google style, the popular 3D modeling program sketch up http://sketchup.google.com/has now been made a free downloadable application. There's a http://sketchup.google.com/product_sup.html pro version available for $495 with more features. Google just purchased SketchUp in mid-March, and many people speculated they would make a free version . I don't think many people expected them to announce a free version less than 6 weeks later! SketchUp is a popular application because so many people in the 3D modeling community have raved about its ease of use for creating models. Download Sketchup now http://sketchup.google.com/product_suf.html (download page says Mac version coming soon). Here's the Official Google Blog announcement http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2006/...ay-for-3d.html.
Why is this significant?

Well, first because SketchUp is the most popular application for creating 3D models for Google Earth. See lots of 3D models for Google Earth here http://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/3d_models/. But, an even more interesting development: Google has created a database repository for 3D models called the 3D Warehouse http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/. Not only that, but there is already a http://earth.google.com/3d.html 3D Warehouse network link for letting your view models in the repository in Google Earth.


This combination of free 3D modeling application, Google Earth, and the 3D Warehouse will make for some interesting visualizations. We could certainly imagine millions of people creating 3D models and populating our Google Earth with 3D realism. However, I don't believe the current combination will suddenly create such a new metaverse, virtual replication of our world, in Google Earth. The current version of Google Earth is not very efficient in handling large numbers of 3D models. And, Google Earth doesn't currently support textures (the ability to add textural details to models making them look realistic). BUT, I believe Google will soon release a new version of Google Earth which WILL support textures and will probably handle 3D models much better. In fact, Google's page http://sketchup.google.com/product_suf.html says: "You can add details, textures and glass to your models, design with dimensional accuracy, and place your finished models in Google Earth."


I initially thought this free version of SketchUp would really excite the gaming industry. But, apparently the free version only supports output to Google Earth. You have to get the SketchUp Pro version to export to more useful file formats. However, if Google Earth suddenly becomes a lot better at displaying 3D models (textures, efficient display of lots of models), then the combination will become much more exciting. For an industry take on this announcement, check out http://aecnews.com/news/2006/04/26/1577.aspx.

[Izmal]

Sketchup is cool..i hope to explore it soon because seeing the result with what it can be done..makes me worth trying.

check it out!
this is a sampel result of sketchup - a friend of mine did this