The Big Ask.... This month in CatchUp
we
There are also two great
Plus looking at FollowMe and
take a look at some cool
interviews.
FollowMe
plugins from Tomot’s Bi-Fold
inventor Jeremy Canterbury
panoramas with Pixeet and
Doors and Wikii’s Follow Me
and secondly we had chance
much, much more...
and Keep. Plus Adriana shows
to pick John Bacus’ brain about
how to quickly use images to
SketchUp, the ‘big move’ to
replace geometry with the help
Trimble and Star Trek.
The
first
with
and
Keep
tools,
Enjoy!
of transparency.
tranparencies
Treezy peezy
copy that
04 Use Alpha-Transparency to replace modeling. Adriana Granado shows how using .png/.tiff images can save ample time.
11 Tree[D] to SketchUp. Wyatt Thompson goes through the tools needed to make trees in SketchUp.
12 Save Copy As. Aidan Chopra’s takes a look a Fredo’s CurviLoft and explains
revolve
Where to now?
Gallery
16 Kickstarted your next idea. Read our interview with Jeremy Caterbury.
23 Interview. SketchUp Product Manager John Bacus spills the beans
27 Are you featured? Our members submissions to the Gallery for April.
Window treatment with Alpha-transparencies by adriana granados
inexhaustible source of possiblities Textures
with
transparent
background
can
As you already know me, I always tend to use
provide an inexhaustible source of possibilities
textures when the modeling process can be too
for mounting of any kind, from an iron fence to a
much time consuming or when I want to keep the
curtain.
face-count low. In this example I needed to use a
To get an image with alpha channel you need help from an editing software, such as Photoshop or PaintNet, to name just two. When you open an
wood blind that could let me to show the outside landscape, and at the same time see part of the window.
image in any of these programs that has a one
The first step was to take or find a picture of the blind
color background you can use the Magic Wand
in a front elevation to avoid any distortions. I had a
to select it. Use the Cut tool and save the image
very short time and I couldn’t find any appropriate
as a PNG or TIFF as these are the only formats
so I decided to use Sketchup to apply the texture of
that will allow you to use an alpha transparency –
a strip of the blind on a rectangle. I could have done
background defined as transparent – in SketchUp.
this directly into Photoshop but I preferred to use directly real world dimensions.
I scaled the rectangle to make it narrower and added another rectangle to place the vertical string. Then I copied it a few times. As a background I chose a lime green as it would be easier to cut in the photo editor.
Still in Sketchup I selected File > Export and saved it in PNG format. I opened the file in my photo-editor, cropped and cut the background. Saved it again and returned to SketchUp.
I created a new material and applied it on a face placed on top of a window. I used the fixed pins to adjust the texture to the face. I drew a small valance on the top of the window and with the Push/Pull tool I gave thickness to it.
I saved my material for future use and also created a component to use it several times in my model. With the Scaling with Orientation of Scaling Box by Fredo I could use it rolled up and down or adjust it to different widths.
Tree[d] to SketchUp by wyatt thompson
These first 5 steps are required to import a tree component into SketchUp with textures. 1. Download and install the free 3D tree creation program Tree[d] from here. 2. Create a tree using the program parameters. There are lots of tutorials about using tree[d] but it is a fairly straight forward process. Once you have created the tree choose File > Export OBJ... 3. Copy the required png/jpg textures from the tree[d]/texture folder into the same folder as the obj and mtl created in the previous step. You can open the .mtl file in a text editor to see which images are required. 4. Start a new SketchUp file. 5. From the Plugins menu, select OBJ Importer - Import OBJ [with textures]. Select the scale (feet or meters works best for trees). Select the proper YZ axes orientation.
The following steps attempt to make the file size of each tree component more manageable. These steps will take time to process so you may need to weigh the time spent vs the need for a more manageable model. 6. Clean up the model using Thomthom’s CleanUp plugin. 7. Now isolate the trunk/branches and leaves into groups. To do this quickly use the Select > All with same Material from the context-menu.
8. Paint the leaves - Open the Leaf group, select all the leaves, and select UV Toolkit from the Plugins menu. Select Frontface to Backface. 9. Simplify leaves – Select all the leaves and select Loose Geometry to Groups from the Plugins menu. With the groups still selected, run Convert in Single Components from the Plugins menu. Choose Yes when asked to convert all the entities to components. (You may have to run it multiple times until you get the option to select Yes, since the plugin doesn’t seem to work 100% of the time.) With the leaf components still selected, click Similar Objects from the Plugins menu and click Replace Similar Objects to eliminate redundant components. Be patient because these operations will take a while. 10. Purge the model using Window > Model Info > Statistics > Purge Unused. 11. If you don’t plan to render, edit a leaf component and hide the edges.
Ultimately, the file size will depend on the complexity and variation of the tree created in tree[d]. To create the smallest 3D tree, turn Leaves Off and set Cross-Geometry to On. When individual leaves are necessary (for a foreground tree, for example), start with the lowest number of leaves suitable for your purpose and set the leaf-size minimum/maximum to the same number. This will allow you to create a single leaf component instead of hundreds in Step 9. Using the default tree, I was able to obtain the following results.
Steps 1 -5 Steps 6 -10 Leaf Size min/max = same Cross Geometry On
Tree Geometry Comparison 6.0mb 3.5mb 2.5mb 1.8mb
12,000 faces 7,400 faces 7,000 faces 2,100 faces
Known Issues: Tree[d] utilizes vertex colors to create gradations in the color of the leaves based on the color palette you select in the Branch dialog. Each vertex of the leaf face in the tree[d] model is assigned a color, and the colors blend together across the face of each leaf. At this time, SketchUp is not able to import vertex colors so the color variations are not possible to recreate (at least using the above method; it may be possible using a different export format from tree[d]). There are two possible workarounds:
•
1. Export a png image from tree[d] and create a 2D face-me component in SketchUp.
•
2. Modify the leaf texture in SketchUp and use it to repaint the leaf components. This won’t have the same gradation effects, but it can be used to introduce variation into the model. Use Random Select by TIG to select random leaf groups/components to modify.
Below is a list of plugins used to accomplish this workflow.... TIG’s OBJ Importer
Thomthom’s CleanUp
Thomthom’s UV Toolkit
Chris Fullmer’s Loose Geometry to Groups
Matt666’s Component/Group Tools
Thomthom’s Component Comparison
SKetchUp TIP: Save a copy as... by aidan chopra
Every time I talk to Mitchel Stangl, I learn something new. Mitchel’s a mechanical engineer who uses SketchUp Pro to build massively intricate models of processing and manufacturing facilities. On his last visit to SketchUp HQ, Mitchel helped me improve my workflow by telling me about the File > Save A Copy As… command (which we apparently added at his suggestion). When I’m working on a big model in SketchUp, I like to save a new copy of my file every few hours. Doing so lets me easily go back to a previous version in case I’ve accidentally deleted something I need — this happens more often than I care to admit. It also provides a measure of protection against file corruption, which isn’t common, but can be devastating. For the last eight years, I’ve been choosing File > Save As… and creating a numbered copy in the folder that contains my project. The result is a long, long list of sequentially numbered files. The most recent is the one with the highest number appended to the end, as you can see in the screenshot below. Simple, no?
There are two problems with this system (as I’ve come to find out the hard way): First, when I come back to a project after a hiatus, I’m never 100% sure that I’m working on the latest version of my file. Maybe I saved a newer version somewhere else? Second, when I’m working on a set of drawings in LayOut, the linked SketchUp file always needs to be the most recent one. Every time I change the name of the SketchUp file (three or four times a day), I need to manually re-link the new model to my LayOut file. Yech.
Using the Save A Copy As… command (instead of Save As…) takes care of both these issues. It lets you save a version of your model as a new file without renaming the one you’re working on. The saved versions can be numbered and archived, but the “master” version is always called the same thing. There’s no confusion about which is the latest, and working with LayOut is twenty times easier. Presto. I love it when answers to complicated problems are so simple. Thanks Mitchel!
This is CatchUp’s first short
did indeed use SketchUp for his
interview with Jeremy Canterbury
preliminary design work.
, the inventor of the Revolve camera dolly, an ingenious low cost design that offers smooth and fluid tracking that could only be achieved with much more expensive systems until now.
Jeremy also advised us that he was Newbie to SketchUp and that he felt he was not experienced enough to comment on the various features of the application, however we were
Jeremy quickly surpassed his
more interested in learning more
target pledge goal of $7,500
about his background and how he
by nearly a factor of ten, finally
came up with the idea for a low
reaching $71,664 before the
cost camera dolly at just $120 for
closing date.
the Revolve dolly, rail kit, friction
CatchUp noted while viewing his presentation video that he looked to be using SketchUp in the preparation of his early design concepts. We contacted Jeremy and he confirmed that he
arm mount. Anyone interesting in ordering can get details here: http://www.tinylightbulbs.com/ revolve-camera-dolly.html
used SketchUp in preparing of his early design concepts
CATCHUP: Jeremy, can you give us a little
CATCHUP: Could you give our readers, that may
background about yourself and how you came
have an idea lurking at the back our their mind,
up with the idea for the REVOLVE?
some advise on how to bring these to fruition?
Jeremy: While I was a student I began working in
Jeremy: My advice would be to go outside of your
video production, but with no money for expensive
comfort zone and explore your ideas. I think that
film gear I was forced to build my own. After putting
many people leave good ideas on the shelf because
together my own camera dolly, I took it upon myself
they aren’t completely sure how to execute it. The
to design a solution that could be manufactured and
process of designing the Revolve as well as bringing
sold at an affordable cost, allowing film makers on a
it to market has been an entirely new experience
budget a chance to use professional quality tools as
for me. I had to learn along the way, and I think just
well.
diving into a project and seeing where it takes you is
CATCHUP: I understand that you used SketchUp
much better than just leaving it an idea.
in your design process. Can you tell us about
CATCHUP: Are there any further design ideas
your design work flow and how SketchUp helped
that you have in the pipeline that you can tell us
in this area of the process.
about?
Jeremy: SketchUp became my medium for visualizing
Jeremy: There are several other projects down the
and fine tuning the design. I was completely new to
road for me. I have been working on a follow focus
product design, and even to SketchUp, so having a
design which is another film tool which gives you
free 3D design program that was easy to use was
better control over your focus. I also have an idea for
instrumental in designing the Revolve. After a few
a product that will help us shoot better video with our
design iterations, I exported the files directly from
smart phones. With both of these projects, SketchUp
SketchUp and sent them to my manufacturer for
will be my instrument for realizing their form.
production.
“having a free 3D design tool was instrumental”
CATCHUP: Jeremy, thank you for sharing your experiences and views with CATCHUP. We look forward to seeing your new innovations soon.
doors galore! by rich o’brien
If you spend some time on our forums you will notice a lot of members share quality content from time to time. But recently one of our long time members, Paul Russam, shared a huge collection of doors and windows to do with as you please. The models are excellently compiled and can be viewed either opened or closed via layer control. Fully textured and nicely organized these really are a great collection to have in your library. The whole collection comprises of: •
6 internal single doors
•
5 internal double doors
•
1 internal lift door
•
1 external single door
•
5 external double doors
•
2 internal windows
•
8 external windows
•
1 velux roof window
Go grab a download here and don’t forget to leave a reply to thank Paul for his great contribution.
plugin tip : Follow and Keep by rich o’brien The Follow Me tool in Sketchup is a great addition but at times it can produce somewhat funky results. While funky results are cool they are not always what you need. Because it can twist and deform a profile as it sweeps through a curve the desired results is not what you intended in the first place. If you look at the image opposite you can see how the profile rotates as it revolves around the spiral. Notice how the green face does not remain in place and by the end of the sweep the profile has flipped vertically. This is typical when using the Follow Me tool and if you are looking to create some type of water slide it is perfect. But when you need the start and end profile consistent then you will need to use a plugin. Luckily Wikii wrote such a plugin called ‘Follow Me and Keep’. Once installed it resides in your plugins menu and it could not be simpler to use. Select the path and profile that you wish to sweep before running the plugin. You can also place a contruction point and this will set the align point of your profile sweep. Once complete the geometry is grouped separate from the path and profile. As you can see the end result is completely different than the standard Follw Me tool. To download Wikii’s Follow Me and Keep click here.
CONSTRUCTION MODELING OUR BOOKS TAKE SKETCHUP BEYOND SIMPLE DESIGN
i n s i t e b u i l d e r s www.insitebuilders.com
TRIMBLED BY RICH O’BRIEN
With all the news of acquisitions and the recent
we’d likely get it at least partially wrong. More
changes to both their website and place of work
importantly, if we had built everything everyone
it is fair to say that the team at SketchUp are in
wanted us to build SketchUp would have ended
the middle of some exciting changes.
up looking like the control panel of a nuclear
Despite the general upheaval we had a chance
power plant.
to discuss these recent changes with the
We have pitched SketchUp for years as “3D for
SketchUp Product Manager John Bacus.
everyone.” The only way that really works is if
What is a typical day at the office for SketchUp’s Product Manager?
“everyone” participates in extending SketchUp to suit their own particular needs. That SketchUp is now the leading design tool for artificial
Mainly, it involves drinking coffee and worrying.
climbing walls in North America (or pick your
Often, it includes going to meetings and sending
favorite other “that’s not what SketchUp was
email. All too infrequently, I get to draw pictures
built for” market) sends a little thrill down my
of things and speculate about the future.
Product Manager spine.
Sometimes, I get to go out and meet people from outside our office. Next week, for example, I’ll be in Helsinki. That’s usually pretty fun. Users have taken SketchUp in a direction that is far flung from its original intention. How do you feel about its adoption in these other ‘areas’? I feel pretty good about it. This was our plan right from the beginning - especially with the launch of SketchUp’s Ruby API. There’s no way that we could ever hope to build features that everybody in every market wanted for SketchUp. We wouldn’t know what to build and
SketchUp has always been easy to learn
we all feel out here as well. Other than that,
and makes understanding 3D very simple.
we’re always working on something out here in
But what other aspects are you most proud
Boulder. WebGL is still a very young technology
of?
and not yet widely supported, but it offers some
I think that’s a respectable thing to be proud of. It turns out that “simple” is pretty tough to
exciting opportunities for 3D modeling in the future.
build. It is also very satisfying to see the way
Recently you used Reddit to discuss what
that our user community has gotten itself
SketchUp users wanted from SketchUp ‘in
organized to deliver consistently great content
an ongoing effort’. What did you take away
(in 3D Warehouse, with Ruby, on YouTube and
from the conversation?
elsewhere.)
We learned what we already knew: SketchUp
You recently launched a new gallery and
users have great ideas and want to be actively
online viewer. What was the driving force
engaged in defining its future development. I
behind this and will this be available to
heard ideas for security around models (read
users at some point in the future?
only), aspect ratios for image export, and
The driving force for our new gallery was you guys - our SketchUp users with all the exciting work that you all do. I’m pleased that folks find the gallery so exciting— I know that is how
API for LayOut. And a bunch of other things as well. Everybody still wants SketchUp to perform better (everybody always wants more
performance). If I were thinking of getting
applications for particular markets. Its a decent
into the SketchUp extension development
bet that building construction will be one of
business, I think I’d keep the Reddit transcript
those markets.
bookmarked ;-). I’m also taking away my favorite new complement; “SketchUp wrecks shop.” Not quite sure what it means, but I like it. SketchUp is renowned for not letting future features into the public domain but if you could see into the future what would you like to see SketchUp capable of?
What has you most excited about SketchUp’s ‘new home’? Probably that there are so many familiar faces in it. SketchUp isn’t just fun to use— we have a lot of fun building it, too. It doesn’t much matter where we are or what we have to work with so long as we get to work on what we love. Though
Ah... sneaky. I don’t think SketchUp is unique
Tyson has been complaining a little about his
in holding future features closely until they are
new chair.
ready to ship, but we are careful about that. In the broadest sense, I think you’ll see SketchUp continue to grow both as a focused 3D modeling tool for “everyone” and as a platform for building advanced
“SketchUp wrecks shop”
What are some of the challenges you face
Trimble already has other companies that
as the newest member of the Trimble group?
are involved in the AEC market, Tekla and
Trimble has a large and diverse product portfolio with all kinds of interesting integration opportunities. The toughest challenge I’ll face in
Meridian for example, what do you hope to see happen by having a relationship with these types of companies?
the next year (after I get the espresso machine
I think you’re right to connect these things
plumbed in properly) will be to figure out what to
together— Trimble are building quite an
do next.
interesting product portfolio in the building
“Users will be able to collect data, design, model and collaborate on one platform”
construction space and they bring a few fairly unique opportunities into the game as well. While few architects are probably familiar with Trimble, every contractor in the world knows them and many use their equipment on a daily basis. I think Bryn Fosburgh put it best; “Users will be able to collect data, design, model, and collaborate on one platform.” ...including both design work in the office and construction work in the field. So, is SketchUp now a company or division within Trimble? SketchUp is now a part of Trimble. Various other Trimble acquisitions have used different syntax to describe what is essentially the same outcome. Has the team remained intact from the acquisition? In the majority, yes. In fact, the SketchUp team that has moved to Trimble is largely unchanged since the days of @Last Software. We’ve picked
up a few new friends along the way and lost some old ones here and there, but the SketchUp team today is essentially the same gang that has been working on SketchUp for the last twelve years. Will SketchUp Pro pricing strategy change? I don’t have anything to announce today except that which has been said already elsewhere. We intend to continue selling SketchUp Pro and to continue offering a limited version of SketchUp for free. Trimble is fully supportive of this strategy. How will you offer online support to users? For now, we’re continuing to offer support through all the usual channels. Nothing new to announce at this time. What is going to happen with your integration with Google Earth and the 3D Warehouse? 3D Warehouse is coming with us to Trimble, so you should expect to see the same integration or better in the weeks, months and years to come. In the short term, Google will continue to operate it on our behalf until we are able to stand up servers on our own that can handle the (surprisingly large) load.
In addition, all the plumbing for our UGC 3D
for a good long hike, but have less and less time
Building pipeline (the way you publish models to
to really do that these days. I have a growing
the 3D Buildings layer in Google Earth) remains
orchid collection that keeps me busy. I blame
in place. It is Google’s intention to continue
Bryce for that particular addiction. Beyond
accepting models through that pipeline for the
that, I like to think, draw, build and play with
foreseeable future.
my kids. A day not spent making something or
At the end of the last Basecamp you had a list of ‘wants’ from attendees. A lot of these were tackled through various updates in v8 but are there any current unaddressed ‘wants’ you feel need implementing?
fixing something is kind of a day wasted, in my opinion. I do as much of that as I can. Finally.....Shatner or Picard? Picard, because he’s the fictional one. Also, Patrick Stewart... because he’s the one with
Everybody has a pet issue and there’s always
talent. Come to think of it, Shatner is more than
more “want” than our team can directly address—
a little fictional these days as well. But I suspect
more than we probably think we should address
the correct answer is “Original series over Next
as well. We got a nice refresher from our recent
Generation but Picard over Kirk.” (never try to
Reddit session. Performance will always figure
out-geek a software guy).
high on our list of priorities (always has, always will) but I think features that streamline and encourage collaboration between designers probably interest me the most personally. Will there be a another basecamp in the future? I don’t have anything to announce yet, but I think we will surely do Basecamp again. It has been a blast every time we’ve done it— and we all learn a ton from one another. Away from SketchUp and it’s 30 million users how do you unwind? I like to get away in the mountains
CO M M U NI T Y
SHOWCASE
The latest gallery submissions on SketchUcation.com Each month we want to show what our members are achieving using SketchUp. If something takes your fancy just click the image to be brought to that topic.
clay Style
fullings mill
NPR hillside villa
John Higgins goes epic!
JeriSamui’s concept work through to final renderings are sublime.
kimbell
Russian House
geoma chair
Chedda revisits Louis Kahn’s Art Museum using Maxwell and SketchUp.
Allan Casas’ masterful use of water colouring bring it to life.
Alvis’ latest build is a tour de force in Sketchup modeling
BossFanta still SketchUp output.
delivering
quality
barbara barry
good start
El azul estudio
Fymoro’s tribute uses Thea’s merge feature to great effect.
DaveSec shows that his first gallery submission is well worth noticing.
Nomo81 shares another stunning project from their prolific studio.
cappuccino time
Gone thea
refreshing
Another Fymoro classic where does he get the time?
David Hennessy has moved from Maxwell to Thea and is loving it!
David Hier’s polygon heavy product shot makes superb use of Artisan.
books.sketchUcation.com learn with the experts at your pace
PIXEET by Mike Lucey
I
n
this
month’s
CatchUp
it
is
a
combination ‘Mayor Mike’s Gadget’ and
tripod adaptor, a lightweight extendable monpod
and
of
course
quality,
‘Useful App’ and need I say it, is yet again
Japanese
iPhone based but this one, Pixeet, is one
This lens look like a very professional lens
of the most useful I have come across of
albeit of diminutive proportions.
late. I have for some been playing around with various 360 degree panorama apps and devices with limited success, however after 15 minutes with Pixeet’s fantastic kit I was able to produce 360s of my living room in less than 15 minutes. The Pixeet kit I used, the “PRO” pack, consists of a quality silicone case that fitted my iPhone4S snugly, a slide in metal
manufactured,
the
fisheye
lens.
The kits also included a couple of stick-on
I decided to opt for the monopod setup as I
magnetic tabs for an iPad or iPhone if the
felt this looked more professional also I now
case is not to your liking. The tabs also had
leave the kit in this setup, just removing the
little indents to accommodate the iPhone
iPhone for insertion to the case I normally
flash. Attention to detail is first class!
use. It might be a good idea for Pixeet to
A soft pouch for the fisheye lens is included
include a large pouch that takes this set up.
and the monopod also has its own pouch.
The fisheye lens case is made of quality
I was a little confused about what the
aluminium with a magnetic ring at it’s base
included lanyard with attached rubber band
which attaches to the case’s in-built metal
was for and initially left in the pouch but
ring. When attached its reasonably secure
later discovered why it had been included
but a nudge can easily dislodge the lens
and decided to use!
and this happened to me on a number of occasions. This is when I discovered what the included l lanyard with rubber band was for! I quickly clotted the rubber band over the recess on the lens’ base and then tethered the lanyard to the slide-in metal tripod adaptor. Now if I nudge the lens by accident it doesn’t hit the floor.
The set up from opening the packaging took less than a minute and I would add that I didn’t need a scissors or Stanley knife to open it!
Once everything is in place its time for downloading the free Pixeet app from the App Store. This is a quick and trouble free operation.
The camera is held in landscape mode for the one shot 180 degree panoramas and in portrait mode for the 4 shot 360 degree panoramas. Once installed and the app icon is activated a straightforward Main Menu opens up on the iPhone.
Positioning is very important when taking shots.
Its
essential
that
the
iPhone
(camera) position axis is maintained for all
First step is to click the ‘New Panorama’
4 shots / images. The operator might feel
button.
screen
a bit ridiculous carrying out this operation
offering the user the choice of creating
in public and this is where to use of the
a 180 or 360 degree panorama. The 180
monopod comes in! It makes the job much
degree panorama only requires taking only
easier and more accurate also it ‘looks’
one image with the fisheye, whereas the 4
professional!
This
opens
an
option
images are required to create a 360 degree panorama.
Clicking
the
‘?’
icon
will
show
the
After each successful shot a flashing arrow
‘Assistant’ screen which advises the three
indicates that a 90 degree turn in required
steps involved in taking shots.
for the next shot. This process is repeated for the four required images. Once the final shot (4th) has successfully been taken the ‘Upload your Panorama Now’ screen pops up and its just a matter of clicking the appropriate 180 or 360 degree processing button. An ‘uploading panorama’ screen shows the progress and once completed, to view the panorama its a case of clicking the menu box on the top left of the screen to bring you to the Albums.
The ‘+’ icon puts up the iPhone Calibration Steps ,1 Vertical and 2 Horizontal. To ‘line up the shot’ all the operator has to do is align the green cross hairs within the square outline box, hold steady and wait for the 3, 2, 1 countdown which then results in an image being shot. Once this is achieved the highlighting green ring on the bottom of the screen dims and the two circle red arrows light up indicating the image has been captured.
Once in Albums its just a matter of locating the
The Pixeet website offers free accounts
Panorama you want the view. Panoramas can
which allow for a very generous upload of 50
be viewed through the app’s interface, or you
panoramas a month and the upload counter is
can sync them to a free account on the Pixeet
reset every month so the users gets virtually
website.
unlimited storage. Its possible to post to websites, blogs, social platforms or corporate portals in one click. Privacy settings, geolocalization, panorama management is under the users control.
Also Pixeet integrates into Google Street View. Add Google Street View panoramas to your virtual tours to show up the surroundings or drag The impressive panoramas show floor to
the pin to explore the world. A Microsoft TAG and
ceiling, something that has only been previously
QR Code is generated for each panorama and
possible with very expensive equipment. A large
album. Print the code on your ads or pamphlets
selections of sample panoramas can be viewed
to be visible in 3D on mobile devices.
on the Pixeet website here, http://www.pixeet. com/virtual-tours-360
You are not stuck with having to work via Pixeet. Its quite possible to import and export your
Virtual tours can easily be created and navigated
existing panoramas using the most standard
through placement of ‘hot spots’ in individual
formats also back up your panoramas or
panoramas which link / open further panoramas.
edit them through an external picture editing software.
Professional photographers Pixeet allows the importation of equirectangular, cube or cylindrical panos. Pixeet is also compatible with a wide range of digital cameras and fisheye lenses. All this functionality is free! Setting up a free Pixeet account is simple and this is where you edit and enhance your panoramas, add hotspots and other details / functions. Pricewise I think the various kits are a bargain. They cover both the iPhone 3 and 4 also other Android phones, starting at €49.90 and going up to €99.90 for the Pack “PRO” which includes the very essential Ultra Lightweight Monopod. A pro account is well worth considering if you see yourself taking a lot of commercial panoramas. The advantages are: •
Commercial use of your virtual tours.
•
Dedicated support
•
Convert panoramas into 360° Videos for Youtube
•
No more Pixeet logo on the viewer
•
Branding of the virtual tour with your own logo
•
Unlimited upload of panoramas
•
HD on the Internet, mobile devices and tablets
•
Record or upload audio files for any virtual tour ...
A Monthly Plan cost €19.90 or €199 per year and saving of €40. Pixeet it a joy to use, no learning curve worth talking about and produces great results. My final though is that Pixeet might be leveraged to work with SketchUp output possibly to create interesting interactive SketchUp native or rendered panorama tours! But that’s for another day.
CONSTRUCTION MODELING - Step 10
There are three general types of animations that can be quickly recorded from a piece-based construction model. The third is a very simple motion capture. If you use shortcut keys and the Outliner, an animation like the one in Step 10 takes about 5 minutes to setup and record. 1. Set up a path as a guideline for object movement 2. Make measured moves with even increments 3. Use a common pivot point for any rotation 4. Control key to Copy with Move and Rotate tools 5. Place an object copy for every animated position
6. Number the objects to match the Scenes 7. Hide all copies of the object in the Outliner 8. Unhide each object and add a corresponding Scene 9. Scene numbers match the object number 10. Repeat for each captured object position
Add an object for each frame in the animation
Name the objects to match each Scene frame
Multiple objects in motion share the same frame number
Select and Hide all the objects in the Outliner Objects in motion are not nested in the Outliner
Group objects that move together and name to match Scene
Unhide object and Add Scene for each frame
For videos SketchUp V6 or early is faster with onion skinning
Unhide object and Add Scene for each frame
Object and Scene match in the Outliner Repeat identical Scenes to create a delay
Object numbers match Scene number Adjust Scenes then set transitions and Play to test
Here’s the finished demo on You Tube
U-TUBE
Related videos from our books Animated phase model Scene click animation Pan and drive by animation Simple motion capture
http://youtu.be/m8rhtC6UC5M
SketchUcation roundup
Ssssshhhh!
As always, you can send your feedback to richob@sketchucation.com