Google SketchUp is a powerful, free, and accessible three-dimensional modeling tool. To begin to appreciate some of the power of this program, point your browser to Google Maps and select the Earth tab at the top of the screen, perhaps downloading a small plugin. Next, type in the name/location of your favorite piece of architecture. Google Maps will display a beautiful three-dimensional scale model that you can navigate dynamically.

This website offers valuable information to assist not only with the teaching and learning of geometry concepts, but also helps to improve 21st century skills in the classroom. GSU is a software used by many professionals in the workforce such as architects, builders, engineers, designers, physical geographers, and regional planners. Having experience with this program will prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s jobs.

The image below of the Louvre Pyramid in Paris, France is just one example of hundreds of thousands of other virtual models Google Maps/Earth load from the Google 3D Warehouse for dynamic three-dimensional viewing. All of these models were designed by users of Google SketchUp since its release in 2006!