Creating With SketchUp – Interview With John Lang

Creating With SketchUp – Interview With John Lang

Can you believe that software that is seemingly as simple as SketchUp could be used in an area as complex and technically advanced as drilling for oil? Yet the challenge has been successfully carried out by John Lang with the project he shares with you in the book “Creating with SketchUp” where SketchUp is used for conceptual visualization of oil exploration.

Click on the picture below to display an excerpt of John Lang’s case study published in the book

Here is the interview I conducted with him:

What did you get from your participation in this book?

The projects in this book, together with excellent examples in 3D Warehouse demonstrate that Google has once again selected the best in class product, and made it available to everyone.

Google SketchUp is a “disruptive technology” in the CAD (Computer Aided Design) world, enabling a new generation of modelers to place virtual objects in a 3D virtual world. Please see my talk to the Professional Petroleum Data Management Conference for more information.

This book led to a Space Science Institute ‘Google Our Future School’ project where I mentored 50 (8 to 11 year old) students to create a virtual school using Google SketchUp and SketchyPhysics, proving that primary school children can use SketchUp.

What are the changes that brought to your SketchUp workflow?

I now use SketchUp with Google Earth to conceptualize ideas and infrastructure projects at a very early stage, using workflow that includes the export of GIS data with hyperlinks to critical project information. This enables the rapid sharing of 3D Model with project information.

The use of SketchyPhysics is also now a regular part of my modeling.  It enables simple movement such as a rotating drill bit or complex issues such as a barge dumping rock to bury a sub sea pipeline.

What other tips can you give that are missing in your case study in the book?

The use of Outliner to control groups  and the visibility of components in the model.

Is there anything else you would like to say about SketchUp, the book or your work?

The use of SketchUp is only limited by you or your children / students imagination. Well done Google.

John Lang’s company website

• Monitor Energy Ltd.

Geology – Trapped Oil (SketchUp)

Platfrom Drilling Offshore (SketchUp

This article is part of the presentation of the authors of the joint book “Creating with SketchUp – 16 projects, from architecture to theatre” published in French.