Are you interested in creating models of public buildings or upgrading your own home and furnishings? Google SketchUp is one of the easiest and most intuitive 3D modeling applications available, and so finds its way into the workflow of all designers, not just professional architects. With it, you can make all of the above and more happen. You can do woodworking designs of furniture, and you can even model your own home for inclusion on Google Earth.

Beginning Google SketchUp gets you started with the free version of the SketchUp tool (while noting the differences with the professional edition) and using it as a part of a design application tool chain. This book also encourages you to go beyond basic modeling, and includes sections on integrating real-world textures and objects into scenes.