Publish is reporting that Google has released a free version of the popular 3-D drawing program, SketchUp, reviewed so well on TechTalk earlier by Ken (Snyder).
Publish is reporting that Google has released a free version of the popular 3-D drawing program, SketchUp, reviewed so well on TechTalk earlier by Ken (Snyder). The free SketchUp now also incluedes a copy of "3D Warehouse network link", which apparently enables Sketchers to geo-reference SketchUp for viewing within Google Earth.
For example, there's a 3-D SketchUp of a tower at the University of Soutern Califronia, which can be downloaded to SketchUp or Google Earth, and which looks very interesting.
Apparently the commercial version of SketchUp Pro 5 is still available for purchase at $495, and the free Google SketchUp version is for personal use.
SketchUp Founder Brad wrote a very nice message announcing Google's purchase of @Last Software, the creators of SketchUp. He writes in mid-March:
WHAT'S NEW -- Well, about the biggest thing ever: we've been Googled. That's right, Google Inc. has acquired @Last Software… so you might have just spit your coffee all over your keyboard, or you're rolling your eyes thinking this is another one of my April Fool's jokes. Believe me, we're still having a hard time believing it ourselves, but it's real â€" we are now Google!
My guess is that having a free personal version of SketchUp, great tool that it is, will dramatically increase sales as folks like me get used to using it for personal projects, and then find ways to apply it at work and for our clients. I'd love to profile a cool SketchUp project as a Planetizen Feature. If you'd got one that's impressive and related to planning, send me an email.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie
