Trimble Sketch out major 3D deal

Trimble has announced a ‘definitive agreement’ to acquire SketchUp, one of the most popular 3D modelling tools in the world, from Google. The major deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012, subject to customary closing conditions and expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. SketchUp is currently used by millions of users annually—ranging from architects to engineering and construction firms to building and design professionals—for designing, mo
April 30, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
2122 Trimble has announced a ‘definitive agreement’ to acquire SketchUp, one of the most popular 3D modelling tools in the world, from 1224 Google.

The major deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012, subject to customary closing conditions and expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.

SketchUp is currently used by millions of users annually—ranging from architects to engineering and construction firms to building and design professionals—for designing, modelling and visualising projects.

As part of the SketchUp platform, Trimble will also partner with Google on running and further developing SketchUp's 3D Warehouse, an online repository where users can find, share, store and collaborate on 3D models. The site enables users to create collections of models, including 3D Buildings, and share them with fellow modellers around the world. Individual models can be loaded, saved and viewed in 3D from within SketchUp or a web browser.

A Trimble spokesperson said that, for the foreseeable future, Google will host and operate the 3D Warehouse for Trimble, and the companies will continue to offer the same capabilities, functions and services that are currently available.

The ability for users to submit 3D Buildings for potential acceptance and viewing in Google Earth will be maintained. Currently the 3D Warehouse has almost two million user-generated models.

“SketchUp and the corresponding 3D Warehouse provide an important element of our long term strategy by enhancing the integration of our field presence with the wider enterprise,” said Bryn Fosburgh, Trimble vice president.

 “Trimble has already created the de-facto standard for field data models and project management tools for our key markets. SketchUp, together with these existing capabilities, will provide a stand-alone and enterprise solution that will enable an integrated and seamless workflow to reduce rework and improve productivity for the customer.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Software innovations benefit construction planning
    February 9, 2012
    Bentley Systems remains bullish with a healthy financial performance and continued investment in research and development, reports Mike Woof. The State Geological Institute of Dionyz Stur in Slovakia won an award in the Bentley Systems Be Inspired event's geotechnical category for an innovative project to log and analyse an area of the country's geology. As a leading player in the construction software sector, Bentley Systems is benefiting from growth in infrastructure investment worldwide. And despite the
    Read More
  • GPS technology developments
    June 13, 2012
    The use of GPS-inclusive technology is proving invaluable to contractors responsible for major transport-related construction projects across the globe. Guy Woodford looked at some of the latest and imminent site solutions featuring GPS Staff at Trimble Heavy Construction based in Sunnyvale, California recently finished developing three new solutions for connecting the construction site. The Trimble Connected Office, the Trimble Connected Controller and the Trimble Connected Machine, are all now available t
    Read More
  • Trimble’s versatile surveying tool
    September 24, 2018
    New surveying tool Trimble has developed its TSC7 Controller as a new field solution for civil construction surveyors. The TSC7 was designed based on customer feedback. It provides a tablet experience with a physical keyboard and a sunlight readable touchscreen. Front- and rear-facing cameras allow users to video conference their office from the field for on-the-job support, and capture videos and images. The TSC7 runs on Windows 10 Professional, driven by an Intel Pentium 64-bit quad-core processor. The
    Read More
  • New positioning tools streamline survey operations
    March 14, 2012
    Trimble has launched a range of new tools which it says will deliver faster and more accurate data to surveyors. The Trimble S6 Robotic Total Station with Trimble Vision Technology enables surveyors to remotely see and measure through a live video feed from the instrument on their data controller.
    Read More

Highlighted Content