Google Sells SketchUp 3D To Trimble Navigation

Google sold its SketchUp 3D modelling platform to Trimble Navigation today for an undisclosed price. SketchUp is a popular application for creating quick 3D models through its intuitive interface for both beginners and professionals. It was purchased by Google back in 2006 and is available in a free version as well as a more advanced paid version. It is also used for 3D models within Google Earth.

Trimble specializes in surveying, mapping, and marine navigation equipment and hopes to expand its field presence with SketchUp. The company will partner with Google to continue developing SketchUp's 3D Warehouse, which is an online repository of 3D models created and shared by users.

When Google purchased SketchUp back in 2006, it was just a tiny start-up. It now has millions of active users with over 30 million activations in just the last year. The acquisition by Trimble is expected to close later this spring and the company assures that the free version of the SketchUp software will continue to be available to users.

[via Reuters]