Tech Review: SketchUp, free, easy-to-use 3D modeling software

Where should you place your security cameras for the best coverage of your business? Wouldn’t it be nice to have a 3D model of your facility, and a bird’s eye view so you could see that sort of thing? Or maybe you’re considering landscaping your business or home this year, or putting in a garden, an addition, or a patio. But you’re not quite sure where in your yard to put it, or how big it should be, or, most importantly, what it will look like.

With SketchUp and Google Earth, both free applications, you can find out all that and more. Even better, it works with many of the existing programs already on the market. For instance, by importing a satellite image of your land from Google Earth and using SketchUp, you can see how your project will really look, on the actual site and in 3D.

I admit I was less than impressed with the early versions of the program, but since Google bought the company, it’s become a pretty amazing application. And true, SketchUp did come along late in the 3D model software game. But it’s one of the easiest programs out there to use, and the basic application is free.

What it does:
SketchUp is three-dimensional modeling software that allows you to create scale models, or original designs of anything you can imagine. You can rotate models, and use shading and texture to simulate wood, metal or stone and more.

Level of difficulty:
Easy to moderately difficult. You don’t have to have to be a graphic designer or computer geek to use it. You can generate basic models within minutes once you get the knack of the tools.

Expect to spend about an hour of dedicated focus with several of the free video tutorials to learn to use it.

What it costs:
The basic version is free. There are more advanced and professional versions of the program, as well as an educator’s discount that allows schools use of the program free for a year. SketchUp Pro 7 costs $495. Both Mac and PC versions are available.

Where to find it:
You can download SketchUp at: http://sketchup.google.com/.

What it can be used for:
See how a building might be sited on a property, or how drainage to a site might be affected.

Find spatial representations, see how items will fit into a space, where beams, ductwork, or even where tables and chairs for a wedding reception or wedding will work best.

Who uses it:
Anyone who needs 3D modeling for any project can and does use it. Most likely to use it are architects, landscape designers, and interior designers. But kids love it, too.

Jim Robb of Richmond is a 3D designer and has been an adjunct faculty member at VCU for the past eight years, teaching 3D computer design. Robb has created several downtown Richmond buildings in SketchUp. He was able to create a Richmond collection in 3D Warehouse, to represent 3D buildings in the Richmond area. You can see Robb’s work here, here and here.

Robb has been creating 3D computer art since the mid-1990s, first as a museum display designer and later for Circuit City as the lead 3D designer for store fixtures. For the last 10 years he has provided visualizations for architects, museums, schools and other clients. It’s not his primary 3D tool, but he said, “It’s definitely in my toolkit.”

“It’s very easy software to get into,” he said. “Kids have gotten into it. A lot of interior designers use it, and so do architects.”

Part of the appeal for architects and designers is that you can change the lines in the program to look like they were made with markers, or pencils making lines “sketchy” or “precise,” and giving a more “artsy” feel to the project.

“That helps keep clients from thinking they’re seeing the finished surface and asking if that’s how the real carpet or paint will look. Instead of focusing on details early in the project, they can focus on the concept,” Robb said.

So, it’s a great, fun tool. It’s free, your kids can use it, you can use. And who knows, it may save you some serious money one day.

Becky Blanton is a Virginia-based writer.