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.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
San Diego Votes to Rein in “Towering” ADUs
City council voted to limit the number of units in accessory buildings to six — after confronting backyard developments of up to 100 units behind a single family home.
Texas Legislature’s Surprising Pro-Housing Swing
Smaller homes on smaller lots, office to apartment conversions, and 40% less say for NIMBYs, vote state lawmakers.
Even Edmonton Wants Single Staircase Buildings
Canada's second most affordable major city joins those angling to nix the requirement for two staircases in multi-family buildings.
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.
Borough of Carlisle
Smith Gee Studio
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
