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.
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…
Posted by James Terence | January 11, 2007, 4:32 pmHow do I, do that, how do I start?
Posted by Raoul | January 12, 2007, 10:01 amHi 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
Posted by Chris | January 12, 2007, 10:17 amCool, 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.
Posted by jp mendez | January 12, 2007, 8:10 pmgood
Posted by wibs | February 23, 2007, 1:55 pm