Exporting 3D Models For Client Use

[jgray126]

Does anyone know of a way to export a Sketch-Up model to a program that would be easily viewed by a client? I need to export a scene with 21 buildings for a client to view and have no idea what would work easily.

 

Any suggestions would be appriciated.

[cadmunkey]

Jason, if the client is wanting to view them in 3D so he can orbit around the models then I suggest he downloads the free version of sketchup?

Either that or just export as a series of jpeg files.

[jgray126]

I was afraid that would be the answer. The representative from our company that will present the model isn't very nimble with the computer to put it gently.

 

Not only that, I'm afraid the file will be too heavy for a laptop to manuver. I guess we'll have to give it our best shot.

[BrianKitts]

The easiest way from the client end is if you create a 3D pdf of your model. But this requires you to have Adobe Acrobat 3D. Then all you have to do is export a .3DS file from your modeling application and convert it to the 3D PDF. Then on the client end they can spin the model naviagate through your views etc.

 

The only thing I don't like is the lighting transfers really bad so you almost need to setup a lighting rig for the PDF or just use the built in lights for the PDF. But the benefit is that it doesn't require the client to have anything other than an updated version of acrobat reader which is free even if they don't have it although most normally do.

 

I've attached an example file. unfortunately I can't upload a PDF bigger than 1MB or I would do a heavy one. Last large one I did was a full hospital no site and it was about 9 MB

Edited December 4, 2008 by BrianKitts

[ronll]

You can export them for Google Earth and your client can easily import them and view them there. Open GE and zoom into your location. Leave it open and then in Sketchup go to TOOLS>GOOGLE EARTH>GET CURRENT VIEW. Now when you export your model to GE, it will have a world location. When your client opens GE and imports the model, it will zoom right to it.

[Dave Buchhofer]

another option which may or may not be ideal, is the Autodesk Design Review (DWF) format. its very easy to create, annotate, and collect comments in, navigation isn't the most straightforward however.. so it would be somewhat dependant on the user.

 

if navigation in sketchup (Or google earth) for rough presentation is an issue, i'd also say take a look at that SpaceNavigator thing. its a bit easier to coach someone for 2 minutes in how to use that, as opposed to trying to explain orbiting and zooming with hotkeys to a 3d newb

Edited December 4, 2008 by Dave Buchhofer

[Macer]

I think the 3d pdf is a good option, but if you wanted to keep it in sketchup just set up a load of pages at all the possible view points. They can even be titled correctly and all your presenter has to do is hit the desired page tab. Not perfect but definatley simple and cheap!

 

*Sorry, pages (version 5) are now called Scenes.

Edited December 4, 2008 by Macer

[AJLynn]

If you don't have a good laptop or a guy who can use it well, why not set up a walkthrough in Sketchup and export it, then let him run the animation?

[rmccoy]

The 3D pdf is a good option for presentations for people not too handy with computers. we have recently started showing 3D pdfs of our progress/white models for in-house client meetings. This way they can easily show different views of the projects in real time and not have to come over to the design department and look over someones shoulder.