SketchUp for Geoscientists - Google SketchUp Workshop: Modeling, Visualizing, and Illustrating - page 262

FiG 15.5
Step 3: SketchUp Models in ArcGIS
Goal : To publish petroleum models in ArcGIS 3D analyst/ArcScene.
Inputs : SketchUp petroleum models, and Shape file of X and Y
coordinates.
Tools : ArcGIS 3D Analyst and SketchUp Pro.
ArcGIS is the most widely used GIS software for the petroleum industry. Unlike
Google Earth, the ArcGIS extension 3D analyst can place 3D objects below
the earth's surface. I installed the ArcGIS 9.2/SketchUp Pro importer/exporter
(http://sketchup.google.com/download/plugins.html#arcgis) plug-in, which
adds a button to ArcGIS, which enables the use of SketchUp models as sym-
bols for point feature classes in an ArcScene model, using the Import button.
I created an ArcGIS 3D point feature class and located the SketchUp models in
the ArcScene document (See Figure 15.7). When time permits, I will investi-
gate this method further as groups like The University of West Virginia have
created an immersive 3D ArcGIS ArcScene/SketchUp virtual reality model
of Morganstown village (http://humanitiesgis.org/projects/virtualmotown/
index.html).
Step 4: Visualize Drilling and Production
Goal : To create a realistic directional drilling program visualization.
Inputs : Example directional drilling program and generic trap model.
Tool : SketchUp Pro.