3D Building Models Enhanced in Google Earth

I just noticed this post at the Google Lat Long Blog.

Apparently, the models we make in Google Earth now feature a new, pop-up "balloon" design, featuring photos of nearby places and links to what's nearby. Click on a link and it takes you to a second balloon that includes sponsored links (Google Ads).

Cincinnati Inclined Railroad

One of my favorite blogs, www.shorpy.com, has published a beautiful, high-resolution photograph an old, inclined railroad in Cincinnati, Ohio (USA).

This is one of those non-SketchUp instances where I just wanted to share something interesting and relevant in a different sense.

In the comments section below the photo (at the photo blog) you will see a Google Maps view of the same location-- unfortunately the railroad is gone, replaced in part by a large highway interchange.

Mapper-Modeler Conference in Zurich

Just a quick note:


If you get the chance you might want to attend the Mapper-Modeler conference held by Google in Zurich, Switzerland. Read more about it at the SketchUp blog HERE.


Briefly, to apply for a spot you must fill out a form and provide the following:

• Collection of models: A link to a 3D Warehouse collection that contains geo-models you've built and contributed 
• Brief statement: A short paragraph (3 or 4 sentences) that outlines what you hope to gain by attending the conference. Please also mention any special knowledge or skills you might be able to contribute.

EDIT: Someone pointed me to www.kayak.com as a way to begin planning a trip easily.

AVATAR Created With SketchUp

Surprise! James Cameron's movie Avatar was apparently partly created using Google SketchUp. SketchUp Islander Aerilius writes

This article [found at www.cgsociety.org] shows beautiful images and explains the new camera which allows to see the real actors in front of the camera as well as a real-time preview of how they look like as Na'vi (page 2).

I checked it out and it's worth a look. Beautiful illustrations and explanations of the technical wizardry that made the film possible.

Avatar vehicles were roughed out on Google
SketchUp according to www.cgsociety.org

San Sebastian-Donostia, Spain Video

Screen shot of the San Sebastian - Donostia model video

A bottle has floated ashore on SketchUp Island with a note from SketchUpper "gipuzkoa3d." He writes

I'm working on my new blog, and created a promotional video of my city. I think Sketchup Island is one of the best sites to display and disseminate the qualities of SketchUp and Google Earth. It also promotes community of 3D models and opens up many future options.

Well, thanks, gipuzkoa3d! 

Check out his blog here and the video of San Sebastian-Donostia as seen in 3D/Google Earth here. (Note: If the video link does not work, refresh the browser window).

SittingDuck's Masterpiece

Check it out:



SittingDuck has this to say about this model:

It's a small chapel in Brussels.  More than a year ago I modeled it in the traditional way.  Now a few weeks ago I remade it in Building Maker.  Now I decided to take the best of both worlds.  It took me about 8 hours in total, but I manually combined the photos I took with the Building Maker textures, and very painstakingly corrected all the geometry flaws in the model.  You can see that the colors and shading are still unified, but the textures have increased many times in sharpness/detail.

Cool stuff.

Google Snowmobile

OK, now they've gone and done it. Google Street View for ski slopes:



My favorite thing is the Google Street View character (that little orange guy) appears on skis in the bottom right corner of the map.