Google SketchUp, the popular 3D modeling program created by Google as an easy way to create 3D objects and allows placement of users’ created 3D architectural models within Google Earth, has now left the ranks of Google services and been sold to Trimble Navigation.
SketchUp was originally developed by startup company @Last Software and was released to the public in August 2000 as a general-purpose 3D content creation tool, marketed using the tagline “3D for Everyone”.
The Rise of Google SketchUp
During its time under Google’s ownership, SketchUp became one of the most popular 3D modeling tools in the world. By 2011, it had amassed a staggering 30 million activations, a testament to its widespread adoption and ease of use. The program’s intuitive interface and robust feature set made it accessible to both beginners and professionals in various fields, including architecture, interior design, engineering, and game development.
Google’s decision to acquire SketchUp in 2006 was driven by its potential to enhance Google Earth, allowing users to create and visualize 3D models of buildings and other structures within the virtual globe. This integration enabled users to contribute to a more detailed and accurate representation of the world, fostering a collaborative environment for sharing 3D content.
The Transition to Trimble Navigation
Despite its success, Google decided to sell SketchUp to Trimble Navigation in 2012. Google explained the rationale behind this decision, emphasizing the need to focus on their core communities and the potential for greater innovation under Trimble’s stewardship.
“That’s why I’m sharing today that the SketchUp team and technology will be leaving Google to join Trimble. We’ll be better able to focus on our core communities: modelers who have been with us from the beginning, as well as future SketchUppers who have yet to discover our products.
Designers, builders, and makers of things have always been the heart and soul of SketchUp. With Trimble’s commitment to invest in our growth, we’ll be able to innovate and develop new features better than ever before.”
Trimble Navigation, a company known for its advanced positioning solutions and software, saw the acquisition of SketchUp as a strategic move to enhance its portfolio of design and construction tools. Trimble’s expertise in geospatial technology and its commitment to innovation promised to take SketchUp to new heights, expanding its capabilities and user base.
Under Trimble’s ownership, SketchUp continued to evolve, introducing new features and improvements to meet the needs of its diverse user community. For example, Trimble Connect, a cloud-based collaboration platform, was integrated with SketchUp, allowing users to share and manage their 3D models more efficiently. Additionally, Trimble’s focus on interoperability ensured that SketchUp remained compatible with other industry-standard software, further solidifying its position as a versatile and indispensable tool for 3D modeling.
More information about the sale can be found over on the Sketch Blog post.
Source: Google
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