LEDAS Opens Up Parametric Modeling for Google SketchUp Users

By DE Editors

LEDAS Ltd. (Novosibirsk, Russia) releases the first free application for variational direct modeling in Google SketchUp. Driving Dimensions plug-in gives Google SketchUp users a unique combination of wide capabilities with an easy-to-use tool for parametric editing of 3D models.

The first version of Driving Dimensions sets two kinds of driving dimensions: the length of an edge and the radius of a circle (an arc). With these tools SketchUp users can increase efficiency of 3D modeling; control dimensions at the time of editing; create families of parametric models; and easily modify alien models: created by other users or imported to SketchUp from other programs, by simply specifying driving dimensions for their elements.

Driving Dimensions is a plug-in operating directly in the Google SketchUp environment. Its release is part of the LEDAS strategy, announced two weeks ago, for launching the new technology of variational direct modeling.

Access further information in a white paper, “Variational Direct Modeling: How To Keep Design Intent In History-Free CAD.”

Driving Dimensions is based on the LGS 3D variational geometric solver, which solves the systems with thousands simultaneous constraints in the real-time mode. The solver can be integrated with all geometric kernels and serves as a basis for implementing the new technology of variational direct modeling.

Driving Dimensions (free download) is compatible with Google SketchUp 6 and Google SketchUp Pro 6 running on Windows 2000/XP/Vista.

For information about the LGS 3D variational geometric solver, please go to LEDAS Ltd.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.