Google SketchUp 6

Google launched a new version for SketchUp, an easy-to-use 3D modeling program. This version integrates the Google Earth plug-in, that lets you view models in Google Earth and share them in 3D Warehouse, but also adds:

* Photo Match – Users can now quickly and easily trace a photo to create a 3D model of the photographed object or match an existing model with a background photo for near-instant modeling.

* Styles – New collections of display settings including Watermarks (2D images behind or in front of models) and Sketchy Effects (rendered as though drawn by hand) enable users to create 3D models to fit their professional or personal needs.

* 3D Text – Users can now convert text to 2D outlines, filled surfaces, or extruded 3D objects.

The program is free (there's also a commercial version), works in Windows and Mac, and has a lot of tutorials. But most people will need them only for the basic concepts, as the software doesn't need too many explanations.

You'll discover some building models if you open Google Earth 4 (which is now out of beta), go to the Layers section, and enable 3D Buildings / 3D Warehouse.

Google's 3D Gallery Imitates Google Video

Google 3D Warehouse, the place where you can upload Sketchup 3D models for buildings, houses, stadiums and objects, has been redesigned and looks exactly like Google Video. The homepage features popular and recently uploaded models. If you click on one of the models, Google will locate the object on the map, you'll be able to download it in Sketchup or view it in Google Earth. There's also a description, a rating for the complexity of the model and an easy way to embed the model into a site.

You can also search for models and even build your own model and upload it to the 3D Warehouse. To build a model, you need to use Google Sketchup, a free software available for Windows and Mac. If you want, you can even build a virtual town with buildings, people, trees and vehicles.

{ Via Blogoscoped. }

SketchUp Is Free

Google did it with Picasa, Urchin, Keyhole. Now SketchUp, a 3D modeling program bought by Google last month, is free for personal use and you can download it if you have a decent PC with Windows 2000 or XP. Google promises to come up with a Mac version for SketchUp soon.

The nice thing about SketchUp is that it allows you to create 3D models with simple drag and drop operations. You don't have to read the manuals, it's that easy to use. You can view geo-referenced 3D models in Google Earth and upload them in Google 3D Warehouse. You can already see interesting buildings in Google 3D Warehouse: Rose Bowl Stadium, Taj Mahal, Empire State Building or Apple Campus (you can see it in the screenshot).

Google Acquires SketchUp, 3D Sketching Software

Google acquired @Last Software, the creator of SketchUp, a powerful tool for creating, viewing, and modifying 3D models quickly and easily. SketchUp was developed to combine the elegance and spontaneity of pencil sketching with the speed and flexibility of today's digital media.

Although Sketchup is a commercial software (it costs $495), you can try it for 8 hours (31.2 MB, available for Windows and MacOS X).

One reason for which Google acquired this company is that SketchUp has a very nice plug-in for Google Earth. You can create virtual models for buildings, parks or streets.