For the last few weeks (and as fairly late newcomer) I have been exploring Google's SketchUp capabilities regarding 3D urban/building modelling. I have been using higher-level 3D modelling apps for a number of years now (mainly 3D Studio Max and Softimage XSI), long before SketchUp was released, and was thus a bit skeptical about using it in my work. It seems however that Google's application has been catching up and is day by day climbing the ladder in order to compete with the more serious 3D graphics packages.
One of the developments highlighting this is the very recent release of the V-Ray plug-in by ASGVIS for SketchUp. V-Ray is a rendering plug-in (originally released initially for 3D Studio Max a few years ago, now for a range of apps) enabling visualization professionals with state-of-the-art rendering solution that generates high-quality images of unparalleled photo-realism. SketchUp's render options are now easier (and much more enhanced) than ever, with default render settings reflecting correct settings for indirect illumination, the V-Ray Sun, V-Ray Sky and sampling levels. Some examples in the pics below....
One of the developments highlighting this is the very recent release of the V-Ray plug-in by ASGVIS for SketchUp. V-Ray is a rendering plug-in (originally released initially for 3D Studio Max a few years ago, now for a range of apps) enabling visualization professionals with state-of-the-art rendering solution that generates high-quality images of unparalleled photo-realism. SketchUp's render options are now easier (and much more enhanced) than ever, with default render settings reflecting correct settings for indirect illumination, the V-Ray Sun, V-Ray Sky and sampling levels. Some examples in the pics below....
Some of the V-Ray plug-in features include (for a longer list check http://www.asgvis.com);true raytraced reflections and refractions, glossy reflections and refractions, area shadows (soft shadows), box and sphere emitters, depth-of-field camera effects, antialiasing, caustics, a fully multithreaded raytracing engine, true HDRI support and finally distributed rendering allowing a single image to be processed over up to 10 machines...
SketchUp itself can be downloaded at http://www.sketchup.com (Google offers a free edition with limited functionalities which nonetheless can give the newcomer a good idea of how the full package works).
SketchUp itself can be downloaded at http://www.sketchup.com (Google offers a free edition with limited functionalities which nonetheless can give the newcomer a good idea of how the full package works).
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