- How hard/easy was it?
At first I struggled with SketchUp; since it’s been years since I last used any kind of 3D modeling software and I kept forgetting where different controls were.
- What elements particularly bogged you down?
Using the tool bar! I would forget where to find specific functions. I also had some trouble rotating the screen or zooming in where I wanted.
- What compromises did you have to make?
The proportions and placements of the windows were slightly off. As you can see from the pictures, I tried to incorporate some of the hills and trees around my house into the model, but the hills are still unfortunately angular.
- What humanistic uses can you envision for this tool in the areas of research or teaching?
I could see this being a useful way to get a sense of the physical environment of a specific historical location, or, perhaps, the relative scale of different historical structures.
- What tip do you have for other novice SketchUp users about the tool that you found most useful, or a technique that you wish you had figured out sooner?
Take advantage of the tutorials floating around online! You don’t have to start from zero. Spend some time testing out the different tools, but be sure to use the lists of keyboard shortcuts available.
