Trimble Connect has been integrated directly into SketchUp 2016 for cloud-based collaboration
Trimble SketchUp 2016, the latest version of the push / pull 3D modelling tool for architects, engineers, design and construction professionals, features integration with cloud-based collaboration platform Trimble Connect. Trimble says the integration will allow teams to more easily access, reference, share and collaborate on projects in the cloud.
In addition, SketchUp 2016 offers several enhancements to its core modelling tools and overall usability.
This includes Enhanced Inferencing, to help users orient themselves, their tools and their geometry in 3D space; Refreshed Textures that have more contemporary choices and reorganised categories; Small Dimensions designed to improve clarity in confined spaces; and Improved Layout Layers to help group objects across layers or draw objects on shared layers.
Streamlined reporting gives users more control over what information SketchUp Pro exports from models, and how it is organized.
Tighter integration with 3D Warehouse allows users to download a model from the online platform for sharing and downloading free 3D models and materials, then reload it to update changes to every instance of that component.
“We’ve placed great emphasis on enhancing SketchUp for improved workflow capabilities and usability, paying careful attention to even the smallest details around drawing, the fluidity of 3D navigation and the hand-off between tools in the overall design and BIM process,” said Chris Keating, general manager for Trimble’s Architecture and Design Division. “We’ve also worked on making it easier for the SketchUp community to share models and collaborate with others. The direct integration with Trimble Connect is one more step toward breaking down barriers and fostering collaboration – something we believe to be critically important for enabling open BIM and successful building and construction projects.”
SketchUp 2016 is available now and supports a variety of operating systems including OS X El Capitan and Microsoft Windows 10. For the Windows version Trimble has re-worked SketchUp’s floating utility dialogs (Styles, Scenes, Components, etc.) so that they neatly stack inside customizable, completely collapsible trays.
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