Friday, August 30, 2013

An Introduction to Google SketchUp

A few weeks ago I vowed to post about a program I've been using called Google SketchUp. Today is the day that I keep my vow.

SketchUp allows anybody with a computer and a decent internet connection to model existing and historical buildings in 3 dimensions. One of the best features of the program is called "Match Photo," in which the user uploads a photograph, lays out dimensions along the X, Y, and Z axes, and draws their structure using some very intuitive tools. If you assign your drawing a scale, SketchUp will even infer what the building's dimensions are, enabling you to create your models quickly and accurately.

2D views of my model of the historical Main Gate of the Charlestown Navy Yard were posted in the Portfolio section several days ago. For the last four days, I've been sparring with Google's 3D Warehouse, trying to convince it to accept an uploaded file of my work. Today it listened to reason, and I now present for your viewing pleasure the restored digital Main Gate.

This is the first of many models to come, because I have big plans for Google's modeling program for the masses. Click the following link to see the 3D view on Google's 3D Warehouse, and check back soon to see more.

Main Gate, Charlestown Navy Yard (Historical):


The main gate of the Charlestown Navy Yard ( historically referred to as the Boston Navy Yard) was constructed in 1903, on the site of the current Gate 1 of Boston National Historical Park.

3D model by
WillInterpretforFood

1 comment:

  1. Interesting. For some reason when you click on street view, instead of showing the current navy yard it shows you an inside view of a place called Jax Fish House.

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