Google SketchUp is an easy to learn 3D modeling program that enables you to explore the world in 3D. With just a few simple tools, you can create 3D models of houses, sheds, decks, home additions, woodworking projects. And once you’ve built your models, you can place them in Google Earth, post them to the 3D Warehouse, or print hard copies. The program offers a library of building material patterns (brick, concrete, wood, glass, carpet etc.) and colors that you can use to add a realistic look to your creation.
The finished design can be exported to popular image formats, including JPG, TIF, PNG and BMP, or shared via the Google 3D warehouse. Google Sketchup does not require any 3D experience, but you should read the supplied documentation and tutorials to make full use of the software an interactive tutorial will explain the basic functionality for each selected tool. There is also a Pro version available, that offers export to 3D and raster formats.

Using basic shapes in 3D space for your outline, you can then extrude those shapes to make buildings, houses, or really anything. There are actually a number of methods to build models and they’re all covered by an excellent tutorial when you get started. You can pick from a number of true-to-life textures to simulate wood, concrete, grass, and several others. When your model is finished, you can save and print it, or you can even see it on a real map in Google Earth.

Features :

• Click on a shape and simply push or pull it to create your desired 3D geometry
• Experiment with color and texture directly on your model
• Real time shadow casting lets you see exactly where the sun falls as you model
• Interactive Sections
• Sketchy Rendering
• Dimension & Annotation