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SketchUp is an innovative 3D CAD
modelling software application. As well as functioning as a stand alone
tool, it works well as a companion to a 'proper' CAD drafting program such
as IntelliCAD or AutoCAD because 2D CAD drawings can be imported into
SketchUp and lofted to form 3D models.
SketchUp was
developed originally by a group of professionals from the architecture and
engineering disciplines, but its use is not restricted to those fields. It is designed to let you create models of your
intended design in a 3D environment an intuitive way. The figure below
shows some typical SketchUp images.
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A typical
SketchUp model. Rear of two story house model (top) and
front of house model below. |
SketchUp provides some innovative tools for visualizing the design. It
is possible to cast shadow, take and X-RAY view, quickly orbit the model
and view it from different directions.
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An X-Ray view
of the rear of the house and a front view (also an X-ray
view). |
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Click
here to play a movie which introduces SketchUp. We use the
tool to examine a model of a two story house. |
We provide training in the use of SketchUp in
Adelaide and Canberra. Although wide ranging, our course focuses on the need to integrate the use
of your CAD software such as AutoCAD, IntelliCAD or MicroStation with
SketchUp.
 It is possible to import CAD drawings
in the DWG or DXF format into The SketchUp environment and use the tools
in SketchUp to communicate your design ideas in both 2D and 3D.
Click here for an article
on the relationship between SketchUp and CAD software such as
MicroStation and AutoCAD.
Click here for an article
on importing and exporting CAD models to SketchUp.
We offer two different pricing models covering
the same material:
1.
Online learning via broadband - fast Internet connection required.
The most cost effective and popular option is to take a course by online
learning at
http://www.softwaretutor.net. The cost of this course is $AUD75.00 for
many
hours of high quality training. These broadband learning courses feature rapid enrolment,
multi media materials, online forums, multi choice reviews, questionnaires,
submission of assignments etc. This is an enhanced learning
experience at an affordable price. You will be supported via a
messaging system within the course and often get real time
answers to questions.
Click
here to visit our
broadband online
learning site (www.softwaretutor.net),
scroll down the page to the CAD group and click on the blue information button
alongside the course 'An Introduction to SketchUp' to
view the syllabus and sample material from the
course.
2. face-to-face one-on-one courses (Adelaide or Canberra - in our offices or
yours).
Each course takes one day and
costs $AUD550.00 [for one or to a maximum of three students].
As part of our continuing drive to
reduce our
carbon emissions by using digital delivery, each participant in our group or one-on-one courses is
automatically enrolled at no extra cost in the broadband
learning version of this course. This would normally cost an
additional $75.00. In this way, students get a double benefit - personal tuition
and the ability to access any of the written instructional
materials online, replay any of the demonstration movies,
download sample files, log questions, take quizzes and submit
assignments for review.
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Again, as part of our continuing drive to reduce our
carbon emissions, because you have access to the broadband
learning site at no extra cost, you can view the online workbook
at any time. This enables us to avoid printing a hard copy of
the manual and lets you always view an up-to-date copy. |
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Here is the syllabus for the course.
More information and sample modules from the course can be found at
http://www.softwaretutor.net. |
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Module Title |
Description |
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Introduction |
The history of SketchUp
including some discussion on versions of SketchUp. SketchUp Pro. The
SketchUp interface. Using the rectangle and the Push/Pull tool to create
3D shapes. Placing rectangles on a 3D surface. The function of each item
on the main toolbar. Creating an accurately sized model of a rainwater
tank (with down pipes) by drawing and extruding circles. Drawing arcs,
combining the line and arc tool. Using the offset command. Experimenting
with different display techniques. Examining some examples of SketchUp
models from different disciplines. |
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Preliminaries |
Setting a metric drawing
environment. |
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Interface |
We build two
simple models while making an examination of the SketchUp
interface - an arrangement for some curved seating and a
rainwater tank with stand. We first use the rectangle tool and
come to terms with the Push/Pull tool to create a box. We draw a
second rectangle on a face of a box. The pen tool is then used
to draw a rectangle. We close the rectangle using an inference
aid. The Pan tool is used and comment is made about the 'helper'
model in the corner of the screen. We use the Push/Pull tool
along with the inference 'helper' to line faces up. We set out
the function of each of the tools on the main SketchUp palette.
The File drop down menu, importing a CAD model,
importing an image file into the SketchUp environment. |
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Interface 2 |
A focus on the
view commands. Display types, pages, TourGuide. We set out the
function of each of the tools on the main SketchUp palette. We
use the section cut tool to slice through a model. The
importance of properly construction models using components is
stressed. |
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Putting it all
together |
This case study provides
an opportunity to draw together the SketchUp skills learned to thus
far. We use SketchUp to create a model which began life in the
AutoCAD/IntelliCAD environment and we move the rudimentary plan to
SketchUp showing that AutoCAD geometry, blocks and layering can be
incorporated into a SketchUp model. This saves designers much time as
they can utilize existing work. The design comprises a rather large
walled courtyard, 10 metres by 10 metres which includes a curved
entrance statement, an L-shaped paved area with formal seating, a water
feature, an active play area [noughts and crosses] and extensive
planting. |
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Draw |
The draw commands -
line, arc, polygon, freehand. |
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Editing |
The Edit drop down menu. |
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Grouping objects |
Selecting individual
objects and grouping them together. Editing a group of objects. using
the rotate tool. Using the move tool to line groups up. |
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Terrain modelling |
Terrain modelling. |
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3D warehouse |
Google SketchUp has
links to a large set of 3D models which you can use in your own design
work. Google encourage you to share your models with others and upload
models into Google Earth. |
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Texture
mapping |
Using the paint tool to
apply textures to your models. Creating and using new texture maps. |
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Attaching
Images to Models |
Attaching image files to
frames in your model. Stretching and distorting images to fit the model. |
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Components |
Turning groups of
objects into components for use in other SketchUp models. |
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Downloads |
Downloading sample files required for the course. |
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Case Study 1 |
Creating a design for the rear garden
of a house. The design calls for outdoor entertaining for adults - wood
fired pizza oven and kitchen, sandpit, cubby house for two younger
family members and an active 'sports' area for teenage boys. |
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