Google SketchUp Set to Become Trimble SketchUp

The intuitive, easy-to-use, and (perhaps most important) free 3D modeler Google SketchUp might soon be called Trimble SketchUp.

In 2006, @Last Software’s SketchUp found a new home at Google when it was acquired by the search engine giant. This morning, history repeated—with a different player. Trimble, well-known among civil engineers and construction crews for its GPS, laser, and optical devices, has signed on to buy SketchUp from Google for an undisclosed sum.

In a blog post that echoed the one posted after Google’s acquisition, John Bacus, product manager for SketchUp, announced “A new home for SketchUp.” Bacus wrote, “Thanks to Google, more people than we ever imagined possible have been introduced to SketchUp. Thanks to Trimble, we’ll be able to continue to make SketchUp into the tool that we—and you—have always hoped it would become. With a strong wind at our backs and plenty of sunshine ahead, this voyage just keeps getting more exciting.”

The SketchUp team may have a sunny outlook, but user comments to the blog post suggest there’s a certain amount of anxiety about the acquisition in the SketchUp community.

One asked, “Should I be excited or worried now?” Another wondered, “Is the same developer team going to continue? Is SketchUp going to fragment to the different user groups?” Another chimed in, ” I hope they talk to the community to about what’s going on and what their plans are. I’m sure a lot of people are worried, me among them.”

In its FAQ document for the acquisition, Trimble addressed the fate of the SketchUp development team: “The core team for SketchUp remains intact ... Trimble values the creativity and customer focus of the SketchUp team. Trimble intends to grow the team by adding resources and collaborating with other Trimble divisions.”

In anticipation of what could arguably be the biggest concern for users, SketchUp’s Bacus wrote, “The free version of SketchUp is an important part of our world as well, and that isn’t changing in the least.” It was reinforced by Trimble’s press announcement, which stated, “We are committed to continuing to provide SketchUp as a free version to millions of users.”

Explaining the reason for acquiring SketchUp, Bryn Fosburgh, Trimble’s vice president, said, “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 standalone and enterprise solution that will enable an integrated and seamless workflow to reduce rework and improve productivity for the customer. Users will be able to collect data, design, model, and collaborate on one platform. The combined capability will enhance our ability to extend our existing market applications including the cadastral, heavy civil, and building and construction industries. In addition, the SketchUp platform will enable Trimble, third-party developers and our distribution partners to efficiently develop new applications.”

One of the most attractive aspects of SketchUp is its community and user-supported 3D content portal, Google 3D Warehouse. The site is home to an estimated two million user-generated models. At least for the foreseeable future, Google and Trimble said they will “host and operate the 3D Warehouse for Trimble and together the companies will continue to offer the same capabilities, functions and services that are offered today.”

As seen in this SketchUp forum discussion, some have speculated that Dassault Systemes, makers of CATIA and 3DVIA, was about to buy Google’s popular 3D modeler, but the rumors turned out to be false.

Concerns over the acquisition is understandable. Since Google’s acquisition, SketchUp has become the 3D modeler for beginners as well as professionals. The user community encompasses beginners, enthusiasts, do-it-yourself tinkerers, makers, hobbyists, and professional designers and engineers. Among architects, it has become the go-to software for quickly creating and exploring building concepts in 3D—the digital equivalent to a cocktail napkin. With so much data and workflows invested in SketchUp, these users expect Trimble, the new owner taking the helm, to chart a prudent course.