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

  • ASECAP: maintenance mindshift turns spending into investment
    August 4, 2017
    With an estimated value of €8 trillion, the road infrastructure is probably the European Union’s largest single asset. It accounts for 83% of passenger journeys and more than 70% of freight movement. Despite this importance, global investment in roads - especially maintenance - has fallen, said Christophe Nicodeme, European Road Federation secretary general. There are grave consequences, noted Nicodeme in his opening keynote address to the recent Study and Information Days gathering, an annual event for mem
    Read More
  • Intrans Group becomes CS America
    April 30, 2012
    CS Communication & Systèmes has announced a name change for its Intrans Group business, a specialist in the design, supply and maintenance of high performance toll systems established in the US since 1979, to CS America. From its headquarters in Port Washington, New York, the newly named business will continue to deploy its global strategy to the US market and provide cost effective free flow and all electronic tolling (ETC) systems as well as fully integrated back-office and performing enforcement solution
    Read More
  • GRAA Winner Profile: Samuel De Champlain Bridge Corridor project
    June 7, 2023
    The Samuel De Champlain Bridge Corridor in Montreal, Canada is a complex project which includes one of the largest bridge projects in North America, the $4.2 billion signature cable-stayed Samuel De Champlain Bridge, as well as a new Île-des-Soeurs Bridge, reconstruction and widening of the federal portion of Autoroute 15, a 2,044m west approach, and a 762m east approach.
    Read More
  • Topcon releases SurveyMaster Lite
    February 13, 2012
    Topcon Europe Positioning has released SurveyMaster Lite, a new CAD-based desktop application for surveying and job site information editing and plotting. Mark Contino, TPS (Topcon Positioning Systems, Livermore, USA) vice president of product marketing, said: "SurveyMaster Lite is a cost-efficient surveying office software package perfect for the cadastral surveying and construction stakeout professional."
    Read More

Highlighted Content