This is a tutorial describing how to set up a custom isometric camera in Google SketchUp 6.0 (and/or 6.0 Pro version). The default orthographic camera positions are top, right, left, front, side and iso (with a 30 degree to ground plane only). In SketchUp, there is no ability to set up a custom camera with specific x,y,z coordinates. These steps will guide you through aligning your existing perspective camera to a special angled prop, by choosing the "align to face" option and then setting the camera to "parellel projection" or orthographic view. The camera you will create will be suitable for rendering images for isometric game graphics.
Step 1: Decide what angle you would like your isometric to be. I have chosen the 1:2 isometric projection suitable for web-based isometric games. Below are three views of a cube: perspective (should read orthographic isometric view), top, and side. I am showing a cube here to illustrate the position the camera (shown as an eye) must be in order to 'see' in isometric view. Typically in web-based isometric games, the ratio of the height to width of a cube or 2D tile is 1:2. The angle the cube makes to the ground plane then is approximately 27 degrees. Note: image from www.compuphase.com, used under terms of Creative Commons.
Step 2: Create a prop in SketchUp. We will create an angled prop to which we may align the camera's aim. In SketchUp, Create a wedge with a 30-60-90 right triangle (I used legs measuring 5 and 8.66, as in example above); use the rotate tool and rotate this wedge 45 degrees. Now select the face on the hypotenuse of the wedge, right click and select "align view." Wait you're not finished...go the the menu bar, under 'camera' select "parallel perspective". Now your camera is set up for isometric view for games. Good Luck!
Below are images showing the construction of the prop in SketchUp
