Trimble has agreed to acquire Google’s 3D modeling tool, SketchUp, for an undisclosed sum.
The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012, and it would not be material to Trimble’s 2012 earnings.
As per the deal, Trimble will also partner with Google on running and further developing SketchUp’s 3D Warehouse, an online repository where users can find, share, store and collaborate on 3D models.
SketchUp is currently used for designing, modeling and visualising projects, and enables users to develop collections of models, including 3D Buildings, and share them with fellow modelers around the world.
The platform also allows individual models to be loaded, saved and viewed in 3D from within SketchUp or a web browser.
Trimble said users can continue to submit 3D Buildings for potential acceptance and viewing in Google Earth.
SketchUp, bought by Google in 2006, now boasts almost two million user-generated models in the 3D Warehouse.
Trimble vice president Bryn Fosburgh said SketchUp, together with these existing capabilities, will provide a stand-alone and enterprise solution that will enable an integrated and seamless workflow to reduce rework and improve productivity for the customer.
"Users will be able to collect data, design, model, and collaborate on one platform," added Bryn.
"In addition, the SketchUp platform will enable Trimble, third-party developers and our distribution partners to efficiently develop new applications."
SketchUp product manager John Bacus wrote in a blog post, "With over 30 million SketchUp activations in just the last year, we’re awfully proud of our accomplishments."
