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

  • A sophisticated data communications system is offered by Trimble
    March 8, 2013
    Trimble says that its combined device for mobile communications and surveying data collection offers high performance and reliability. Called the Trimble Slate Controller, this rugged new unit is said to combine the convenience and ease-of-use of a smartphone with durability. Optimised for use with the Trimble Access field software and the Trimble R4 GNSS receiver, the Trimble Slate Controller supports a surveyor’s workflows. Offering voice, SMS text, and 3.75G cellular data transfer capabilities on GSM cel
    Read More
  • ITF and FIA launch road safety co-operation on traffic crash data
    May 22, 2014
    A three-year programme has been agreed intended to improve the collection and use of traffic crash data. This landmark agreement forms part of the joint effort for UN’s Decade of Action for Road Safety. The partnership which will focus on the improvement of road safety data and its analysis was agreed between the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the International Transport Forum (ITF). FIA President Jean Todt signed the agreement together with the ITF Secretary-General José Viegas at an
    Read More
  • Deciding whether to buy new or used equipment
    May 20, 2015
    Customers can face the choice of buying used or new equipment – Dan Gilkes writes. The decision to buy either new or used equipment is almost as old as the construction plant market itself. However some of the reasons for choosing between the two might well be changing, to meet new demands from customers across the world and to cope with a changing supply base. Ever more stringent emissions legislation in Europe, the US and Japan, rapidly developing emerging markets that want the productivity of the latest
    Read More
  • Kirk Steudle Named 2018 IRF “Man of the Year”
    May 14, 2019
    Kirk Steudle, longtime Director of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and a globally recognized authority on the development of connected and automated vehicles has been nominated to receive IRF's most distinguished individual honour. According to IRF Chairman Eng. Abdullah A. Al-Mogbel "This accolade crowns an exceptional career and a highly respected voice on innovation in transportation, at a time when road sector stakeholders everywhere are embracing creative thinking in anticipation of ne
    Read More

Highlighted Content