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SketchUp

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By Tom Miller

SketchUp by @Last Software is a sketch-based 3D modeling program that allows AEC professionals to focus more on design and less on technology by simplifying the user interface. The user can simply draw the edges of the desired model in 3D space and SketchUp automatically completes the shapes to create 3D geometry.

SketchUp claims to emulate the feel and freedom of drawing with a pen and paper. With this description, however, they sell themselves short. We did away with the pen and paper because we wanted something better, and SketchUp is definitely better.

It will never replace MicroStation or AutoCAD, but knowing the limitations of SketchUp will enable one to understand the benefits as well.

What's Different About It?
I know what your are thinking. "I need a 3D modeling program like I need another hole in my head." However, SketchUp is different, even a little fun.

What makes SketchUp different is its special patent-pending push/pull feature. This is probably where their marketing dpartment got the idea about it being like pen and paper.

There is an immediacy that is similar to pen and paper, but SketchUp has the endless benefits of a digital model. With this feature, volumes are extruded by simply pushing or pulling on any surface.

What's more, surfaces and volumes are divided and modified by adding lines or shapes. A simple rectangle is drawn (figure 1), much like any other CAD program on the market.

To extrude the shape into a volume, the surface is selected, then the push/pull command and the height is dynamically realized (figure 2), or a value can be entered on the keyboard.

To split the volume, simply draw a line to divide the top surface (figure 3), and depress the push/pull command (figure 4).

Snaps are handled intelligently with a simple mouse over, and once the endpoint, midpoint or surface is identified by a popup, the point is selected automatically (figure 5).

When the element is orthogonal with the X, Y, or Z axis, the element is highlighted with the color of that axis.

This is one of the most innovative features and may take users some time to acclimate to, because this is a paradigm shift and they all require some time to forget how you used to do things.

Most CAD packages require a few mouse clicks to select the intended point before a command is completed. Given that some software manufacturers equate mouse clicks with efficiency, SketchUp may be the most efficient 3D modeling program ever.

Surfaces and volumes are modified by drawing polylines or other shapes and following the same procedure. Lines are connected and chained automatically when added to another line at its endpoint.