What is Google SketchUp?

Google SketchUp was a 3D modeling software created by @Last Software, a company that was later acquired by Google in 2006. SketchUp was originally developed for architectural and interior design purposes, but its ease of use and versatility led to its adoption in various fields, including engineering, film, video game design, and more.

Key features of Google SketchUp included:

1. User-Friendly Interface: SketchUp was known for its intuitive and easy-to-use interface, making it accessible to beginners while still powerful enough for professionals.

2. 3D Modeling: Users could create 3D models of buildings, landscapes, interiors, and various objects by drawing shapes and manipulating them in 3D space.

3. Push/Pull Modeling: One distinctive feature of SketchUp was the "Push/Pull" tool, allowing users to extrude 2D shapes into 3D forms easily.

4. Geolocation and Google Earth Integration: SketchUp allowed users to geolocate their models and integrate them with Google Earth. This feature was particularly useful for urban planning and visualization.

5. Extensive 3D Warehouse: Google SketchUp had a 3D Warehouse, where users could share and download 3D models created by the community. This made it easy to find pre-made components and models to use in projects.

6. SketchUp Make and SketchUp Pro: Google offered two versions of SketchUp. SketchUp Make was a free version with basic features, while SketchUp Pro was a paid version with additional tools and capabilities, including advanced import/export options and professional-grade features.

7. Ruby Scripting API: SketchUp had a Ruby API that allowed users to create and share plugins to extend the functionality of the software.

In 2012, Google sold SketchUp to Trimble Navigation, and since then, it has been known as Trimble SketchUp. The software continued to evolve under Trimble's ownership, maintaining its user-friendly nature and expanding its capabilities for various industries.