SketchUp isn?t ?CAD?, but instead is a 3D software application used to create everything from 3D massing models to fully rendered and highly detailed models. While CAD products are ideal for developing construction drawings, they can be very complex and constraining in the design phase of a project. That?s where SketchUp fits in. SketchUp is used predominately on the front-end of the design process where designs are in a fluid and tentative state.
Buildings have to look great, but you have to live in them too Many people, most in-fact, just don't understand 2D drawings, especially when it comes to designing interiors. 3D is critical to help clients interpret interior spaces. 2D drawings are helpful when constructing a building, but fall short when trying to help a client understand what a space will look like. SketchUp brings designs to life.
Transform your 2D GIS data into 3D virtual reality with SketchUp Pro. With SketchUp Pro you can quickly create realistic buildings, massing models, street furniture, utilities, cars, people, terrain, pretty much anything in 3D.
Urban planning is visual City managers and urban planners have relied on GIS tools for years. As powerful as they are, the data is 2D making it difficult for ordinary people to visualize development proposals. Using SketchUp Pro to create 3D models allows the community to understand the geometric data, enabling faster decisions, more informed choices and less wasted time. Developing current, proposed and alternate scenarios of skylines and city scenes will expedite the planning process.

Other Features
Art directors, film Makers, cinematographers and others use SketchUp for commercials, movies, and previsualizing special effects. Storyboards, lay-outs & models created with SketchUp are used to share ideas with crew members, thereby reducing the many design iterations and costs commonly associated with filming. By using SketchUp during pre-visualization, both time and money are saved - leaving more of both for production!

Game Development
We didn't exactly set out to be a level design tool (in fact, truth be told, we didn't know what 'level design' was) but game designers sure seem to love SketchUp.
Model your virtual world
Whether the games are web-based or created for popular video game units, the race is always on to get the latest and greatest games to market. SketchUp works great for level design because it's fast, accurate, really easy-to-use, and, well, just plain fun. Game designers tell us that SketchUp enhances their creativity and is a great way to quickly communicate concepts to the rest of the team.