Google has announced the latest update to its popular SketchUp modeling program, version 7.1. Highlights of the new release include an overhaul of SketchUp’s rendering engine to enable broader support for larger models. With the right setup, operations like orbiting, zooming and drawing can be quicker and smoother in 7.1
And new in version 7.1 include the support of Google’s Street View imagery to add real-world photo textures to your geo-located SketchUp models. You can now use the Component Browser to search the 3D Warehouse for buildings located near the one you’re working on, then download the ones you want directly into your model. This will save you immense amounts of time rather than hunting for what you need.
01 - This image shows the ability to use Street View imagery as the basis of a photo texture applied to a model. On the left you can see the SketchUp model with the applied photo texture. On the right you can see Google's Street View and map technology within its own window. Pins locate key points defining the image and then you hit the Grab button to extract it for use.
New Sharing and Collaboration
Version 7.1 improves sharing and collaboration. You can now upload individual components to the 3D Warehouse without first having to save them out to separate files. Split up large city models into buildings, preserve Dynamic Component functionality and more.
You can now import and export COLLADA files, which enables you to move your data around between multiple programs. Google Earth KMZ is the standard file format for packaging 3D models together with information about their geographic locations. SketchUp 7.1 gives you access to a world of geo-located 3D models. Additionally, you can exchange model data in other CAD formats like DXF, DWG, 3DS, OBJ, XSI, EPS, PDF and more.
LayOut 2.1
Google has also updated LayOut to version 2.1. New features include dimensioning improvements, new Snap to SketchUp models in Layout, improved freehand drawing tool and the ability to produce lists in bulleted or numbered format.
There is also improvements to the grids. You can now see your grid as dots instead of lines, in front of or behind your drawing. And finally there is an improvement to Copy/Paste.
To learn more visit the SketchUp webpage: www.sketchup.com
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