I ran across two relatively new developments the other day that I thought might interest some of you here.
The first is a new site, Sketchfab (https://sketchfab.com/), which describes itself as the "youtube of 3D". Basically, it's a place you can showcase/browse 3D models, and there's some pretty neat stuff on there. An article with more info is here (http://www.forbes.com/sites/rakeshsharma/2013/12/28/first-look-at-sketchfab-a-youtube-for-3d-files/).
The second is a new product, called Spike (http://www.ikegps.com/spike/), that attaches onto your smartphone. It combines photos, laser scanning, and GPS to make 3D models of objects you see in the real world. From this article (http://www.gizmag.com/spike-laser-measurement-smartphone/30218/), it says, "Spike is also compatible with 3D modeling software SketchUp. This means that rather than importing measurements manually, users can take an image with Spike to reproduce a scalable model of the object or building". I'm thinking of you real-world BATters with this one. No more need to eyeball dimensions when you can just visit the building and make a 3D scan of it.
Exciting stuff! ;D