Hi Chris, I absolutely get it. Had we any idea about the problems we were going to uncover doing the final push (which, btw, is a completely different animal than the normal layer update pushes), we may have been able to set expectations better.Regarding: "I get the feeling that Google is currently pushing to Auto-Generate as much as possible right now so they don't have to publish as many models (i.e. in areas that are already slated for auto-generated crap ... I mean models)."I get that you're frustrated, but this is completely false and untrue. The 3D user created buildings have absolutely no bearing on the 3D Imagery. None whatsoever. We're developing the 3D Imagery as its own entity, and as I've said a number of times, the technical issues that we uncovered when we attempted to do the final/complete user generated push, were and are very serious.I think that the general modeling population really hasn't come to grasp just how difficult, expensive, and time-consuming it is to publish an entire planet's worth of individual user-created models, and what's happening with the final push is evidence of the difficulty. It's an immense technical challenge and even larger task.Now Chris, we've had a good relationship over the years and I've always respected you, but taking any/all opportunities to take a jab at me/Google, knowing that it's my responsibility to manage a response, makes my life harder and can spoil this relationship. I'd rather finish on a high note. :)That being said, I'll keep everyone up to date with any changes.Cheers,- Craig
On Tuesday, February 4, 2014 9:26:52 PM UTC-7, SnowTiger wrote:
Hi Barbara, I already had return money from my last two contracts, because my clients didn't want wait longer. That was really painful and embarrassing and unfortunately totally devastating for my business. After all I got an invitation to 3d Basecamp in Boulder, but I have to say: No Thanks! No more friendship with Google.
PS: Good luck with new 3d imagery - it is really breathtaking solution!