Ever since the announcement that Google was selling Sketchup, the 3D modeling world went into panic mode. There was a lot of uncertainty over what Trimble would do with Sketchup, and if they would be capable or willing to continue developing Sketchup into the best 3D modeling program. I want to share with you, 5 Trimble companies that are already doing fantastic things in the 3D modeling industry. This portfolio of accomplishments can serve as proof that Trimble will do great things with Sketchup.
5 Noteworthy Trimble Products
Trimble is well known in the construction industry. They have created the standard for providing project management tools and capturing field data. Not only do they have experience with 3D modeling software, but they also have a number of 3D scanning devices that can create a 3D model by scanning an environment with a laser. Here are 5 of the most interesting Trimble products currently being used.
-
Trimble Indoor Mobile Mapping Solution (3D laser scanner)
An incredible example of Trimble’s capable technology, I introduce the Trimble Indoor Mapping Solution (TIMMS). This device can produce a 2D/3D map and model of an interior space. It uses dual LiDAR technology to collect 27,000 data points per second. It is housed within a cart that has wheels and is manually pushed around the building to capture 360° coverage of the area. The model is even geo-located so the building’s real world location is recorded, similar to placing a Sketchup model in Google Earth. It has been used in applications such as situational awareness, emergency response, and in construction for creating floor plans. It has mapped the following infrastucture:- High Rise office buildings
- Plant and factory facilities
- Airports, train stations and other transport facilities
- Public event spaces such as music halls, theatres, and auditoriums
- Underground mines and tunnels
Once a scan is completed, a complete set of floor plans can be produced. This saves an incredible amount of time when compared to manually measuring and drawing a building. Think of this as a Google Street view camera, but instead of just taking pictures, it also laser scans the environment for geometrical data too.
-
QuickPen (3D modeling and BIM software)
QuickPen focuses on providing software for HVAC and Mechanical contractors. With the DuctDesigner 3D, users are able to design ductwork for buildings using a 3D modeling interface within AutoCAD. It has a built-in database of standard fittings, and has functions to optimize duct lengths and joint locations. The invalid fitting notification tool will highlight any fittings that are incompatible with each other. Intelligent data is stored with each fitting, so you can view information such as fabrication data.The model can also export to Vulcan, a ductwork fabrication software that controls machines used to build the ductwork. This is essential for contractors who design and fabricate their own ductwork. The program will optimize the layout of parts on a piece of flat sheet metal, so each part is cut out with minimal waste.
For pricing, AutoBid can import your drawing and produce a cost report based on the layout. It allows users to place fast and accurate bids by creating the material take-off directly from the model.
-
Gatewing (Aerial photogrammetry UAV)
-
Tekla (3D modeling, Collaboration and BIM)
Tekla BIMsight is a standardized BIM 3D modeling software package that allows models to be imported from any BIM software format. This enables the designer to see how each part of the building comes together, and enables collaboration between the different trades. It will automatically detect clashes so you can fix them early in the building process. You can add comments, link documents, and share information on different platforms, including your Ipad. Like Sketchup, Tekla BIMsight is free. -
Meridian Systems (Construction Management Software)
Prolog is an industry standard construction management software. It automates day-to-day tasks for each phase of a construction project. It manages common construction documents such as RFI’s (Requests for Information), change orders, submittals, meeting minutes, drawing packages and contracts. With a tight integration with Microsoft Office, documents and emails are managed within a familiar system.
How does this affect Sketchup?
Trimble has a ton of experience in the 3D modeling industry. Not only do they directly support a number of 3D model software packages, but they also have many 3D scanning tools to help with data acquisition. They will be able to tap into the expertise of all the different companies they own to help develop Sketchup. This also proves that Trimble is very much interested in the 3D modeling industry, therefore has a vested interest in continuing to develop it.
This is just an introduction to some of the technologies Trimble has contributed to. Their other products serve many industries, including GPS/Mapping, surveying, agriculture, trucking, marine construction, and mining. Check out their products page to discover some more interesting Trimble ideas and solutions.
Have you ever dreamed of owning your own UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle)?? Well now you can with the Gatewing X100. It’s a small electric powered aircraft, that flies along a predetermined path and takes high resolution pictures for mapping and surveying. It’s 100cm wingspan and 2 kg weight is powered by an 8000 mAh Lithium-polymer battery. It’s on-board 10MP digital camera takes the pictures while it autonomously takes off, navigates the preset waypoints, then comes back for landing. The video below is cued up to the good part.
