No, not Weird Science 2, but instead Google has invited contributors to submit their own 3D ‘super models’ to appear in Google Earth.
You build a 3D model of your chosen building in Google SketchUp, geo-locate it, upload it to the 3D Warehouse and then open up Google Earth to see if it’s made the cut.
An interesting ‘open source’ way to expand the Google Earth offering using the power of crowds, as well as increase the loyalty of the contributors.
James Terence
Not sure I’d want to go to all that effort and then find the Googlers don’t want to include it. Also a good promo for their 3D tools. Neat bit of marketing all round and just the tip of the iceberg for quasi ‘open sourcing’ this year…
Raoul
How do I, do that, how do I start?
Chris
Hi Raoul,
You start by going to http://sketchup.google.com/ and download the app (will require a fair amount to time to familiarise yourself with it). Once you’re done you go to the 3D Warehouse and upload it http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/ (you need to register) and then finally to Google Earth to see if it’s made the cut a few weeks later.
Let me know if you go ahead, would be interesting to see what you can come up with.
Cheers
Chris
jp mendez
Cool, consumer generated 3D map. Wikipedia map. Would be even cooler if they truly opened it up wiki-style rather than the ‘we’ll let you know’ approach…
Great blog.
wibs
good