Trimble Extends its BIM-to-Field Capabilities for Building Contractors with SketchUp File Integration

SUNNYVALE, Calif., July 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB) introduced today the first integration of SketchUp® file import capabilities into the Trimble® Field Link layout software. By supporting model data from Tekla, Autodesk, and now SketchUp, Trimble extends its capabilities in bringing constructible Building Information Modeling (BIM) solutions from the office to the field. Recently acquired by Trimble from Google, SketchUp Pro is used by architects; general, steel and concrete contractors; and mechanical, engineering and plumbing (MEP) contractors to easily create 3D models for visualization of residential and commercial building construction projects.

The Trimble Field Link layout software is part of Trimble's construction layout solutions that allow general and MEP contractors to locate and then stake field points from 2D and 3D design models. With the addition of SketchUp import support, Trimble Field Link now allows contractors to take their 3D SketchUp Pro models from the office into the field for quick site verification and viability testing of the proposed prototype.

"By adding SketchUp model import support into our Trimble Field Link construction layout solutions, we further connect the design process to the actual construction phases," said Pat Bohle, general manager of Trimble's Building Construction Division. "Having the ability to take SketchUp prototypes into the field for quality assurance/quality control measures as well as to easily test the feasibility of these mock-ups in project conditions, allows contractors to reduce risk and contain project costs."

The new version of Trimble Field Link with SketchUp file support is available now through Trimble's Authorized Distributors of construction layout solutions for MEP and structures contractors. SketchUp Pro is available for purchase through the SketchUp online store or through the SketchUp sales team.

About Trimble's Building Construction Business

Trimble's Building Construction Division is a leading innovator of productivity solutions for the building construction contractor. Trimble's solutions target general, concrete, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractors on large and small commercial, industrial and residential jobsites. Trimble is focused on delivering solutions that tightly link office based process and information with the field crew—including taking Building Information Modeling (BIM) and other design data to the field for highly accurate positioning and layout of foundations and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Trimble solutions provide a high-level of process and workflow integration from the design phase through to the finished project—delivering significant improvements in productivity throughout the building construction lifecycle.

About Trimble

Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring positioning or location, including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user in the field and to ensure communication between the field and the office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif.

Source : www.trimble.com