Google 20% Day #2

Goals for today: 
1. Based on my experimenting, see if the the information the articles gave about Sketchup, (architecture, able to but it on Google Maps, geometry, learning, easy to use, etc.) are true.  
I think this tool works best for architecture, because its main function is creating buildings. And it is possible for you to add a location for your building on Google Maps. It could be used for geometry as well. You can make circles, squares, lines, and arcs, and hexagons. You can also free draw or use lines to make other polygons Sketchup doesn't make. Using the tape measure you can measure how long the sides of your shape are. This is very useful. It is fairly easy to use, but takes a while to figure everything out.  
2. Find information on how to better use Sketchup, because I don't completely understand everything. 
 http://www.wikihow.com/Use-Google-SketchUp - This link was very useful. When I downloaded Sketchup I didn't really search how to use it, I just started experimenting. This link showed me a few things I didn't know. For example, to rotate the viewing screen you click the center mouse button. Also, you can make 2D shapes. This is helpful for geometry. The most helpful information was to make windows appear like they are actually windows you click the "translucent" option. The whole time I was experimenting I got frustrated because I couldn't make the windows any color but white. Now I understand. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqtw9R__0gk - This is a video on the basics of Google Sketchup. From this video I discovered that you can only make video games if you have the full version of Sketchup. Also, you can draw a shape on the ground and then use the push/pull button to make the rectangle 3D! You can then draw shapes on the building and push or pull them to have other shapes extending from the building. Ctrl Z can undo. You can move the building in different angles. You can look at buildings made by other people and you can upload your own building. 
3. Research how it was developed and created, who created it, etc. 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Sketchup#Initial_development - This article gave me information on the production of Google Sketchup. It was created in a company called Last Software by 2 men, Brad Schell and Joe Esch. They co-founded it in 1999. Google took over Last Software in 2006, which includes their Sketchup program. Google Sketchup 6 was released in 2007. In 2008 version 7 was released, and in 2010 version 8. Each one had more and more functions and improvements.    

Today I learned how to better use Sketchup so that next time I want to create something with it, it will look more realistic and professional. I also learned a little about the production of Sketchup. but it was hard to find links on the creation process. 

Next Google 20% day I want to work on making a building that's more realistic and has more detail then the buildings I have been making.