Google Sketchup for Site Design: A Guide to Modeling Site Plans, Terrain and Architecture

Well done and an oft referred to part of my library. However, with the purchase of Sketchup away from Google by Trimble and the subsequent release of Trimble's version 2013, the book may need some revisions. Without them, it might not be worth the premium. There are a cadre of very capable Sketchup professionals that were part of Google or were attracted to its Sketchup development by Google's supportive environment. Whether that spirit and loyalty will be maintained at/by Trimble remains an open question. This book was one of the better during the Google tenure.

After watching a video of a talk given by Daniel Tal at the Sketchup Basecamp (July 2008) my approach to terrain modeling changed completely for the better. Thus when i heard of the book he was about to publish i got really excited and looked forward to what else he could teach me about terrain modeling and the use of the sandbox.I thought the book would only deal with site modeling and the sandbox but was pleasantly surprised to see it covers much more than that. No book on an application like Sketchup is so complete as to cover all its uses and features but Daniel Tal's does a hell of a good job at showing what it can do. Focusing on landscape architecture, the book covers all the basics of modeling landscapes - natural and man-made -, buildings and urban elements.The initial chapters are useful even for Sketchup veterans but my interest picked up in chapter 12 which, along with 13 and 14, are like Daniel's video written down in much more detail. Chapter 15 (Sandbox Architecture) is a real treat, revealing one of the many different uses of Sketchup's tools that are there but one does not find by oneself. I had never thought of using the sandbox tools to drape a 2D drawing of a façade over the 3D volume of the building it corresponds to. Great stuff indeed! Even the AutoCad chapters are useful for people who use other drafting applications.The book is full of tutorials, and when you finish each of them you really know how to do what it intended to teach you. The illustrations are really helpful in that respect too. No subject is left without illustration or tutorial; there is hardly a page without at least an image - and with very good images: they look good and one can see the many details in each one. It helps a lot that the book is printed on paper of superior quality.I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn how to use Sketchup or to improve his or her knowledge of this superb program. Moreover, it is a must for anyone wishing to go beyond buildings to model terrains and landscape architecture in detail. In this respect, Daniel Tal's book is unique and well worth every cent.

Daniel Tal's book has become my "go to" resource for SketchUp, and continually comes to my rescue for any obstacles I encounter with this amazing program. Whenever I can't figure out a process, or make something work - all I need to do is pick up the book -and I find my answer within minutes."SketchUp for Site Design" can either be read straight through, or used as a reference guide. It is now my primary reference for SketchUp - even ahead of online tutorials. The book is inspiring in its presentation of the possibilities for SketchUp; and quite often, I become so fascinated with the information presented, that I end up reading the entire chapter. Such as; while reading about the drape tool, I learned that it could be used to easily overlay a facade of windows and doors onto a building mass.Everything is written in a manner that is easily absorbed by either the beginner, or the more advanced user. Each process discussed, begins with the fundamental information necessary to get started and then works on to the more detailed finer points. Any topic or process the reader would like to learn is easily found in the index; from downloading a ruby script to making optimal use of the more advanced tools. And the many tutorials that are interjected throughout the book are especially helpful for the beginner.I would recommend this book to anyone - from those who are curious, to the serious user who wants to become proficient with SketchUp. Its many applications are endless, from wood working to basket weaving to urban planning and architecture. And Daniel Tal's book is the very best resource available to learn SketchUp for any level user.

I've been using SketchUp for a couple of years now, but wasn't taking advantage of the full feature set (e.g. Sandbox) because I just hadn't been able to find a tutorial that breaks down these complex operations into easy-to-follow steps. Daniel Tal's book changes all that. He begins with the simplest tools and doesn't take anything for granted -- simple geometry, pushing/pulling, the stuff you probably have figured out on your own. But early on, Tal imposes a discipline: he teaches you how and why to use layers, components and Ruby scripts to make your models (and your life) far more efficient. Each chapter builds logically on the next, and the tutorials increase in difficulty but never get too far ahead of your current learning. Tal even makes his own models available in the SketchUp 3D Warehouse, which (a) helps keep the book slim and affordable, and (b) gives you the option to check your work -- or not -- at your own pace. In this respect it's a fantastic teacher for the self-directed "student." By the last chapter I was comfortably creating complex landforms, architecture and site features, but never felt like I had broken a sweat or struggled to keep pace. The only missing bits I could wish for are equal time for the Mac version of SketchUp (the book is PC-centric), and some discussion of VectorWorks (the book explores the integration of AutoCAD). These are minor quibbles for an otherwise wonderful guide that should be your first stop on the road to mastering SketchUp.

From cover to cover the Author goes to great lengths to get across the inherent capabilities of the program, and runs easy to follow step by step guides. From beginner to seasoned user, there's something for everyone. I've been using SketchUp now for many years, and I picked up some great little tips n' tricks for process modelling.One downside is that a small amount the links are now defunct, but this beyond the control of the author/publishers. However, there are still myriad work-arounds available. But please don't let that put you off, I can't rate this book highly enough!

Excellent book if you follow it through to learn how to draw buildings for sketchup. I found it very easy to follow.

At first, I didn't like the writing style of the book which made it hard to learn as you went along but once you get into the tutorials it becomes more understandable with good step by step aids.measurements are in feet and inches though which is a let down.

👍

It was published a few years ago..but still one of the best books on Sketchup EVER.Relevant, beautiful looking book, definitely buy the physical book...a joy to own...One of the best authors of Sketchup Material.By the way do not let the title or contents deter you from purchasing if you love Sketchup.You will learn much and see how all of this info will transfer for use immediately to many other projects.Definitely a book to have on your shelf.