Agenda - Planning Commission - 04/05/2012

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THE TOOLS White no article could cover the full breadth of software and tools available, there is a small collection of programs that have emerged as the most common tools for the profession. Each of the tools and their appli- cability to creating development regulations is outlined on the following pages. Although not all the tools summarized are new, all have been recently upgraded or expanded, adding features that improve their useful- ness in assisting with development regula- tion and visualization. Google SketchUp Google SketchUp has become firmly estab- lished in the planning toolbox primarily because of its cost and the fact that it is being taught and promoted in most planning programs. SketchUp was created by @Last Software in 2 000 as a general purpose three - dimensional (3 -D) model- ing program that sought to simplify 3 -D design and development. In 2006 @Last Software and SketchUp were purchased by Google, which now distributes the software at http: / /sketch up .google.com. There are two types of SketchUp avail- able: a free version for home and personal use and a professional version. For those unfamiliar with the program, the free version provides an opportunity to learn the soft- ware and become familiar with drawing in three dimensions. The professional version expands the software's exporting abilities allowing for better integration with other software, including AutoCAD. SketchUp is easy to use and can quickly generate simple, dimensioned diagrams that can illustrate basic zoning requirements. More experienced users can create detailed models that can visualize new development and create scenes that portray activity, character, and excitement. Google SketchUp has become firmly established in the planning toolbox primarily because of its cost and the fact that it is being taught and promoted in most planning programs. SketchUp has a number of features that make modeling fast and easy, includ- ing its ability to reuse and repurpose ele- ments from drawing to drawing. By creating "components," SketchUp allows users to create reusable elements within individual drawings or between drawings. SketchUp's 3 -D Warehouse (http: / /sketchup.google .com /3dwarehouse), which allows users to retrieve models that have been created and shared by others, is full of elements to add detail and interest to a model, includ- ing buildings, trees, people, cars, and other objects. SketchUp also has the ability to cre- ate styles for line types, backgrounds, shadows, and other elements, making it easy for a city or private firm to maintain a consistent look and feel among drawings and illustrations. Google Earth Google Earth is a virtual globe that allows its users to view aerial imagery from alt over the world. Developed by Keyhole, Inc., it was acquired by Google in 2004, which now dis- tributes the software at http: / /earth.google .com. Like SketchUp, Google Earth offers free and professional versions. The free ver- sion's functions allow users to "fly" around the globe, download aerial images, view 3 -D buildings and terrain, and perform basic measurements, including area and distance. Google Earth Pro extends the capability of the software by allowing higher - resolution image exports (4,800 pixels compared to 1,000 pixels), the ability to import GIS data, and in some areas, access to parcel and tax information. Recent improvements to Google Earth include access to historical imagery, the ability to place 3 -D models created in SketchUp into Google Earth, and the ability ZON INGPRACTICE 3.12 AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION Ipage 3