Pointools has unveiled a Plug-in for Google SketchUp in time for the European LiDAR Mapping Forum, Autodesk University and SPAR Europe. The new Pointools Plug-in for SketchUp streamlines scan-to-model workflows for all SketchUp and SketchUp Pro users by enabling reuse of the largest point cloud models, and by providing a first-of-a-kind solution to create 3D city models from mobile scan data.
Like the Pointools Plug-ins for Rhino and AutoCAD applications, the Pointools plug-in for SketchUp eliminates the need for time-wasting translations, maintains visual quality and accuracy of point cloud models in SketchUp, and increases modeling productivity by reading the Pointools POD model file format to display billions of points on screen.
“This is great news for Google SketchUp and SketchUp Pro users,” commented Joe Croser, VP Products at Pointools. “The Pointools plug-in for SketchUp has been designed from the ground-up to take full advantage of SketchUp’s modelling environment and supports Google’s geo-location services to coordinate StreetView textures and aerial imagery alongside point clouds.”
The Pointools Plug-in for SketchUp extends Pointools’ leadership as an enabler for reusing the largest point cloud models inside the broadest range of applications. Croser continued, “Through our Vortex platform and widely-used software plug-ins, thousands of Autodesk, Bentley, and Rhino users have been able to benefit from streamlined point cloud model reuse across different applications by eliminating time-wasting translations. Now, the Pointools Plug-in for SketchUp, enables the same users to increase their return on investment (ROI) from 3D laser scan data by also reusing the same point cloud models inside SketchUp.”
Google SketchUp is a modelling programme originally designed for architectural, civil and mechanical engineers as well as filmmakers, game designers and other design professionals. With both Professional and Freeware versions, SketchUp is easy and intuitive to use – allowing design professionals to draw the way they want by emulating the feel and freedom of working with pen and paper.
When will this be available for download?
By: Joe on November 30, 2010
at 4:02 PM
[...] enough, while at Autodesk University, Pointools announced there plug in available for SketchUp. Make the jump to read all about it, but I guess with this announcement maybe the next thing [...]
By: Pointools plugs in SketchUp : Use Point Clouds directly inside SketchUp Modeling Environment : BIM | BIM, the Built Environment and Stuff on November 30, 2010
at 5:49 PM
You will be able to download in a week or two. let’s say two to be safe
jc
By: Joe Croser on November 30, 2010
at 7:26 PM
Genius. Real point cloud democratisation, and for SketchUp free too. Well done!
By: Dave Walker on November 30, 2010
at 10:19 PM
Can’t wait for the download; impressive stuff!
By: Paul C on December 1, 2010
at 12:43 AM
I should wait for the download, but the suspense is killing me….
Will I be able to snap to points or use the points to build surface models from using sandbox tools?
It sounds like a great plug-in cant wait to see this in action.
By: PierreV on December 1, 2010
at 9:43 PM
yes (you can snap) and yes (you can make use of all SketchUp modeling tools)
thx for your interest. check out our video at http://pointools.wordpress.com
jc
By: Joe Croser on December 2, 2010
at 6:36 AM
HI Joe,
This is an exciting news! Hope We can download next week! (today is already Dec 10.)
I have aquestions,
Is it possible to use slices or sections? this will be useful when we want to model internal houses.
AND, approximately, how much it costs?
like pointtools!
By: Peng on December 10, 2010
at 9:04 AM
Hi Peng, you can use the clip box to take a slice or section so it’s very useful for the work you do. it is around £950
By: Dan Cutler on February 20, 2012
at 4:00 PM
1000 Euro ..is a little bit to much … for such a sketchup plugin. Thank You.
adam
By: adam on February 10, 2012
at 8:26 PM
Hi Adam, it is quite expensive compared to SketchUp being free. but in terms of comparable point cloud software it is very in-expensive. i hope you enjoyed the trial version?
By: Dan Cutler on February 20, 2012
at 4:01 PM