Sketchup Applications presentation

Jeff Levy gave an interesting set of hands-on presentations about Google’s Sketchup tool at the 52nd Annual Technical and Educational Conference.  Of course, Sketchup is a free 3D modelling application that uses mesh faces for the conceptual stages of design and graphic arts.  It seems to be most useful for architectural and civil engineering fields.  It also has functionality for mechanical engineering, such as simple physics simulation and animation (with plugins).  Some examples of this may be found on Youtube.   Sketchup Pro is a paid version that has some additional tools, such as Sandbox which allows the user to create natural looking topography.

Levy claims that companies are investing millions of dollars to develop Sketchup plugins.  The Google Sketchup community “has a plethora of models in the 3D warehouse”.  Models of real buildings may be added to Google Earth.  There is also 3D rendering available that has output which is almost like photography.

Levy advises to apply layers to elements within Sketchup.  Apply useful names to those layers.  Layers work differently in Sketchup than other applications as they don’t control visual properties.

Levy stated that his architectural students are asked two questions when they interview for jobs.

Do you know Revit?

Do you know Sketchup?

As with any 3D modelling application, users must learn the best workflows to get desired results.  Levy warns, “you get into trouble if you think like you build,” particularly when applying materials to elements that will be replicated within the model.

One area of difficulty with Sketchup is selection.  The selection window doesn’t have a field of depth.  Levy advices user to be careful in how they select elements, as unintended changes may occur.

Author: fcsuper

As a drafter, mechanical designer and CAD engineer, I've been in the mechanical design field since 1991. For the first 8 years of my career, I was an AutoCAD professional. I utilized AutoLISP and many other AutoCAD customization features to streamline drafting activities for 6+ drafters and designers. I authored several custom functions, one of which was published in the March 1997 issue of Cadalyst Magazine. Since 1998, I've been used SolidWorks non-stop. I've worked to utilize the SolidWorks' user environment to simplify drafting and design activities for 20+ engineers. I've created this website to provide current information about SolidWorks from a variety of contributors. More recently, I am now employed by Dassault Systemes as SOLIDWORKS Sr. Product Definition Manager to improve drawing, annotation and MBD related areas. View all posts by fcsuper