Google Power Tools Bible

The community surrounding SketchUp is growing as the program and its accompanying features grow. Here are a few sources of information and interaction for you to learn more:

• http://earth.google.com/intl/en/3d.html: Download and install the 3D Warehouse Network link, a KMZ file used by Google Earth. After you download the file and open Google Earth, you see house-shaped markers indicating the locations of 3-D models, as shown in Figure 33.25.

  Figure 33.25: Markers indicate the placement of 3-D models on the map.

• http://sketchup.google.com/components.html: You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Rather than starting a model from scratch, Google offers literally hundreds of components that can be added to your models. In addition to the libraries that are installed with the program, download libraries of objects ranging from Transportation to Architecture in both Windows and Mac OS X versions.

• www.sketchup.com/training: Some people prefer to learn in a classroom situation. Visit this site to see a list of training courses available in your area.

• http://download.sketchup.com/OnlineDoc/gsu_win/GoogleSketchUpHelp.htm: A standard type of Help file system, including Contents, Index, and a Search frame, is available from this site. The Help files include both SketchUp and SketchUp Pro 5.

• http://sketchup.google.com/tutorials.html: If you want to see how something is constructed in SketchUp, visit this site for a list of videos. The set of seven SketchUp videos includes three quick-start videos, a video showing how to use the 3D Warehouse, and three videos on applying textures.

• http://sketchup.google.com/examples.html: To inspire you as you make your way into the world of 3-D modeling, this site contains a number of georeferenced models for a number of famous buildings, such as the Eiffel Tower. You can also view a number of nongeoreferenced models.

• http://download.sketchup.com/GSU/pdfs/QuickReferenceCard.pdf:  Be sure to download and print a copy of the reference sheet you access at this site. You can find a key to the toolbar icons, mouse buttons, and combinations using tools, some of which are shown in Figure 33.26. If you are working in SketchUp, choose Help Quick Reference Card to open the document.

  Figure 33.26: Keep the Quick Reference Card close at hand as you learn the program.

• http://groups.google.com/group/sketchup:  Share your expertise and pick up pointers, advice, and troubleshoot problems at the Google SketchUp Help group. You must become a member of the group to post messages.

  Cross-Ref

  Read about Google Groups in Chapter 22.