late™
| | Joined: 1/9/2005
Msg: 1 | |
| | Sketchup/Google EarthPage 1 of 1 | What an amazing piece of software, ...the free version is amazing, the pro version is also a kick in the ass.
I'm in the process of making 3D models for my hometown, what surprises me is that, aside from some major population areas, ....and even those are "underdone", ...there aren't a lot more 3D representations of skylines and geographies worldwide.
Is it because Google has only recently made it a "free" software? ...or is it just apathy?
This surprises me, because the user base is so huge... | |
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MAPT
| | Joined: 3/11/2007
Msg: 2 | |
| Sketchup/Google Earth
Posted: 4/14/2007 11:20:27 PM | Just downloaded it, and I couldnt agree more...impressive freeware with the keyword being free. Before I started Engineering, I did a course in design visualization working with Autodesk Viz, 3DS Max, where we would sketch our 2-d drawings in autocad and link them in. Or build solid models in Inventor or solidworks. Either way it was time consuming. So i definetly like the layout (which is similiar to those platforms), and the ability to generate solid models so quickly.
I also noticed they have the 3d warehouse, which will expand in time to include alot more models, skylines, and geographies. So I dont nessecarily think it's apathy on googles part, more of a lack of user contributions and of course the fact it wasnt free till recently. I also noticed they have a contest going on right now..so maybe people will start contributing after that is over.
I definetly like what i see so far though. | |
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late™
| | Joined: 1/9/2005
Msg: 3 | |
| Sketchup/Google Earth
Posted: 4/15/2007 8:36:49 AM | Yeah, ...it has only been free for a while so I suppose those who are contributing will increase as time goes on.
I find it to be quite intuitive, ...easy to get started on (I've been playing with it for just over a week), but the learning curve starts to get steep when you attempt more complex designs. The built-in tutorials are fantastic to get started though...
What I find amazing about it is that you can incorporate photographs into the design and use them to make insanely "real" looking models, ...as more time passes, I imagine Google Earth is going to get a LOT more interesting to surf, perhaps even with the ability to access the interiors of structures.... IMO the potential for this app via the Google Earth tie-in is staggering.
Brilliant move by Google to make it freeware, I have the pro version now and from what I can see, the free version is almost identical, not "crippled" at all.
http://sketchup.google.com/download.html | |
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MAPT
| | Joined: 3/11/2007
Msg: 4 | |
| Sketchup/Google Earth
Posted: 4/15/2007 10:27:47 AM | It's definetly user friendly. I think it's just a matter of time before they incorporate alot of the other functions such as being able to explore the interiors. I'm guessing the motive behind making a free version was not only to increase the user base, but to populate Google Earth at the same time. Which in time will make it possible to go anywhere in the world and explore a very detailed 3-D environment, down to every building., without even leaving your house.
The level of detail is definetly going to increase. Online capabilities might be restricted by polygon count, but I think the ability to generate realistic models on your pc will be up to par with Apps like Viz in no time.
Basically the limitations are endless, you need look no further then gaming and animated movies. Actually my personal fav is Shreks hair..the physics behind a vibratory model simulating that is astounding, plus the detail is unbelievable. Of course they have rendering and processing capabilities that most of us cannot afford..LOl
Anyways..from what I've seen so far, sketch-up is an easy to use program. It also has the ability to import more advanced models (.dwg and .3ds) into the working environment. I am certain user's will come up with plug-ins to better manipulate shadows, textures, animation, and other aspects. I do hope they keep the price low because that will be the determining factor in popularity. I am more in favour of the basic platform with the ability to add functionality as you see fit. Not the massive software bundle that costs 1000's of dollars. If that is the case, I am sure most people will just stick with things like 3DS max, Viz, Maya and so on.. | |
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| Sketchup/Google Earth
Posted: 4/19/2007 11:02:12 AM | Because of how much fun I am having with this program, I am not getting anything practical done.
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| Sketchup/Google Earth
Posted: 8/30/2009 8:14:12 PM | | My son having Aspberger's & enjoying Sketchup like he has has been a joy to watch. | |
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| Sketchup/Google Earth
Posted: 8/30/2009 9:57:34 PM | | Another good for prearranging furniture and wall coloring is Sweet Home 3D. | |
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