SKP Import for SpaceClaim is a SketchUp SKP file import add-in for SpaceClaim®. This add-in gives SpaceClaim the ability to import geometric data from SketchUp SKP files.
SKP Import for SpaceClaim reads polygon mesh data stored in SKP files and imports it into SpaceClaim. A polygon mesh in a SKP file is comprised of a set of triangular faces. SKP Import for SpaceClaim creates trimmed planar surfaces for each triangle and knits them together to create a solid. The solid is then cleaned up so that adjacent coplanar faces are merged in single trimmed planar faces. If the polygon mesh is closed (i.e. it does not contain boundary edges) then SKP Import for SpaceClaim will create a closed solid feature, otherwise an open surface will be created.
SKP Import for SpaceClaim is very easy to use. It adds new commands to SpaceClaim. Once installed, it automatically loads itself into SpaceClaim and adds a new ribbon bar to SpaceClaim called "SKPImport" containing the newly added commands.
The 'SKPImport' ribbon bar consists of the following commands:
Import - Import a SKP file.
Help - Display the SKP Import for SpaceClaim help file.
Register - Register your copy of SKP Import for SpaceClaim.
About - Display the SKP Import for SpaceClaim About box.
The SKP File Format
SketchUp is a 3D modeling program designed for architects, civil engineers, filmmakers, game developers, and related professions. It also includes features to facilitate the placement of models in Google Earth. It is marketed as an easy-to-use conceptual tool with a simple interface. A well known feature in the SketchUp World is the 3D Warehouse. Users can use their Google Accounts to upload models, and then browse the 3D Warehouse for many components and models. SketchUp's native file format is has a SKP extension.