The Next Dimension of Google Maps - Official Post

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CraigD - Google

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Jun 6, 2012, 2:06:05 PM6/6/12
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Today, we provided a preview of some changes that are coming to the 3D landscape in Google Earth, starting on mobile devices. Later this summer, we’ll unveil a new way of displaying 3D buildings on Google Earth for mobile, achieved by building complete cityscapes from the 45-degree aerial imagery used in Google Maps and Building Maker.

One of the biggest challenges in showing 3D buildings in Google Earth has been gathering complete 3D coverage to represent the real world seamlessly and consistently. For example, many areas in Google Earth have specific buildings and landmarks in 3D where they are available, but the surrounding area is flattened out and only available in two dimensions.

New imagery rendering and computer vision techniques now allow us to create an accurate and comprehensive 3D representation of entire metropolitan areas. But we recognize this impacts our amazing geo modeling community. In the select areas where it will launch, the 3D Buildings layer on mobile and tablet devices will display only the new automatically generated 3D imagery. Manually modeled 3D buildings from both our users and own team will continue to appear everywhere else, as well as on desktop versions of Google Earth for now. As we expand our ability to provide comprehensive 3D buildings and terrain for entire cities and regions, we know this raises questions for anyone who has modeled for Google Earth.

What is going to happen to the buildings in Google Earth that I’ve modeled?
When we release the new 3D imagery in select regions later this summer, any models you’ve previously created in the areas covered by the new 3D imagery will no longer appear in Google Earth for mobile. Your models will remain available in the 3D Warehouse and continue to inform the 3D models in Google Maps.

What about Building Maker models?
Building Maker is a useful tool irregardless of the eligibility for those models to appear in the 3D Building layer in Google Earth. It's a great way to start a dimensionally accurate, aerially textured model for SketchUp, and useful for creating context models for SketchUp scenes. Building Maker will continue to be available for these purposes.

What about SketchUp models?
In the regions where the new 3D imagery is available, we will no longer publish the 3D Buildings layer in Google Earth for mobile. However, we anticipate that there will be many parts of the globe that will take some time to expand to with this new type of 3D imagery, or never be able to reach at all. In those regions, user contributed models will still be important for providing a complete picture of the 3D landscape. User contributed 3D buildings may also continue to help inform the 3D buildings on Maps.

Why is my model being replaced by something with less geometric detail?
In some cases, the close-up work done by individual modelers may be more detailed than the current model created by the new 3D imagery techniques. Those detailed and beautifully textured models will of course continue to be available in the 3D Warehouse, and we appreciate you letting us share your model in Google Earth to date to provide a representation of the world in three dimensions.

However, using aerial imagery to create 3D models enables us to keep these 3D versions of the world more accurate and up-to-date than is possible with manually created models. In addition, the new 3D buildings and terrain are all generated from the same high resolution aerial imagery, enabling precise alignment of the new models and a seamless 3D experience across an entire area. In an effort to create an accurate, consistent, and more complete 3D representation of the Earth, we are replacing all existing models with the new 3D imagery and will continue working to improve them over time.

WiIl I still be able to submit buildings to Google Earth?
We are thrilled by the commitment shown by users contributing 3D buildings to Google Earth, and hope to continue working with these modelers from all over the world to accurately and realistically represent areas where the new 3D models are not able to be created. We encourage you to submit your models for areas where we have not released new 3D imagery.

How will I know if my models are going to be affected?
We are currently exploring ways to inform you about changes to the places where your model appears.

So what does this mean for the future of 3D in Google Earth?
As mentioned above, there are many areas that will remain unaffected by the initial release of new 3D imagery on Google Earth for mobile, and will continue to display user contributed 3D models. For modelers who would still like to publish SketchUp models for clients, you can create your own instance of Google Earth via the plugin using the Google Earth API, which enables you to publish 3D content on the web to share with clients or the general public.

Our goal remains to create an accurate, consistent and comprehensive 3D representation of the Earth. With 3D imagery in its infancy, we can’t truly see what the future holds; but the one constant in this fast-paced, high-tech world is change, and further improvements are ahead.
 

peterg/gipuzkoa3d

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Jun 6, 2012, 3:39:24 PM6/6/12
to 3D Modeling for Google Earth & Maps
Hola Craig

Despues de leer tu post, me surgen algunas dudas..

¿ Esto quiere decir que todos modelos hechos en sketchup y aceptados
en la capa 0 van a desparecer de google earth ?

¿ Los modelos importantes se conservan en Google Earth ?  ¿ pero
desaparecen en los dispositivos móviles....?

¿ el cambio que anuncias,  solo significa una diferencia entre
móviles
y pc de escritorio ?

Me parece entender que..

¿solo en dispositivos móviles desparecen los modelos creados por
nosotros ?

esperando más información te envío un saludo...

:(
:)

Peterg

On 6 jun, 20:06, CraigD - Google <cra...@google.com> wrote:
> *Today, we provided a preview<http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/never-ending-quest-for-perfect...>of some changes that are coming to the 3D landscape in Google Earth,
> starting on mobile devices. Later this summer, we’ll unveil a new way of
> displaying 3D buildings on Google Earth for mobile, achieved by building
> complete cityscapes from the 45-degree aerial imagery used in Google Maps
> and Building Maker.
>
> One of the biggest challenges in showing 3D buildings in Google Earth has
> been gathering complete 3D coverage to represent the real world seamlessly
> and consistently. For example, many areas in Google Earth have specific
> buildings and landmarks in 3D where they are available, but the surrounding
> area is flattened out and only available in two dimensions.
>
> New imagery rendering and computer vision techniques now allow us to create
> an accurate and comprehensive 3D representation of entire metropolitan
> areas. But we recognize this impacts our amazing geo modeling community. In
> the select areas where it will launch, the 3D Buildings layer on mobile and
> tablet devices will display only the new automatically generated 3D
> imagery. Manually modeled 3D buildings from both our users and own team
> will continue to appear everywhere else, as well as on desktop versions of
> Google Earth for now. As we expand our ability to provide comprehensive 3D
> buildings and terrain for entire cities and regions, we know this raises
> questions for anyone who has modeled for Google Earth.
>
> What is going to happen to the buildings in Google Earth that I’ve modeled?
> When we release the new 3D imagery in select regions later this summer, any
> models you’ve previously created in the areas covered by the new 3D imagery
> will no longer appear in Google Earth for mobile. Your models will remain
> available in the 3D Warehouse and continue to inform the 3D models in
> Google Maps<http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2012/03/introducing-more-detailed-...>
> .
>
> What about Building Maker models?
> Building Maker is a useful tool irregardless of the eligibility for those
> models to appear in the 3D Building layer in Google Earth. It's a great way
> to start a dimensionally accurate, aerially textured model for SketchUp,
> and useful for creating context models for SketchUp scenes. Building Maker
> will continue to be available for these purposes.
>
> What about SketchUp models?
> In the regions where the new 3D imagery is available, we will no longer
> publish the 3D Buildings layer in Google Earth for mobile. However, we
> anticipate that there will be many parts of the globe that will take some
> time to expand to with this new type of 3D imagery, or never be able to
> reach at all. In those regions, user contributed models will still be
> important for providing a complete picture of the 3D landscape. User
> contributed 3D buildings may also continue to help inform the 3D buildings
> on Maps<http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2012/03/introducing-more-detailed-...>
> .
> instance of Google Earth via the plugin using the Google Earth API<https://developers.google.com/earth/>,
> which enables you to publish 3D content on the web to share with clients or
> the general public.
>
> Our goal remains to create an accurate, consistent and comprehensive 3D
> representation of the Earth. With 3D imagery in its infancy, we can’t truly
> see what the future holds; but the one constant in this fast-paced,
> high-tech world is change, and further improvements are ahead. *

drobbins

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Jun 6, 2012, 4:01:36 PM6/6/12
to 3D Modeling for Google Earth & Maps
Thanks for the update Craig!

The post still doesn't answer my questions.

1.Will those new models that will replace the ones that were made by
hand be interactive (clickable)?

This in my opinion was the real power of Google Earth's 3D layer was
to click on a whole building and have a pop-up bubble lead you to
other relevant information about the location or to Place pages of
nearby businesses. Does the new 3D buildings retain that layer of
interactivity or will that all be handled by geo-located icons near
the building locations?

Also, can I make individual buildings disappear like with the current
state of models in the 3D layer? That is convenient for me when I want
to place a new structure in an existing building's location. I right
click and make that model go away then upload through Sketchup my new
model in it's place. Will that type of functionality be retained?


Let's say there is a current location that has no user generated model
in the 3D warehouse, and an automated one is generated for the 3D
upgrade. I'm pretty sure that the automated one at ground level will
look melty and undefined, but I would like to take the model that
exists and use it as a base to refine and use for my own purposes.
Will the new Automated models be made available for download from the
3D warehouse so I could do that in Sketchup?

Thanks,

Darian


On Jun 6, 2:06 pm, CraigD - Google <cra...@google.com> wrote:
> *Today, we provided a preview<http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/never-ending-quest-for-perfect...>of some changes that are coming to the 3D landscape in Google Earth,
> starting on mobile devices. Later this summer, we’ll unveil a new way of
> displaying 3D buildings on Google Earth for mobile, achieved by building
> complete cityscapes from the 45-degree aerial imagery used in Google Maps
> and Building Maker.
>
> One of the biggest challenges in showing 3D buildings in Google Earth has
> been gathering complete 3D coverage to represent the real world seamlessly
> and consistently. For example, many areas in Google Earth have specific
> buildings and landmarks in 3D where they are available, but the surrounding
> area is flattened out and only available in two dimensions.
>
> New imagery rendering and computer vision techniques now allow us to create
> an accurate and comprehensive 3D representation of entire metropolitan
> areas. But we recognize this impacts our amazing geo modeling community. In
> the select areas where it will launch, the 3D Buildings layer on mobile and
> tablet devices will display only the new automatically generated 3D
> imagery. Manually modeled 3D buildings from both our users and own team
> will continue to appear everywhere else, as well as on desktop versions of
> Google Earth for now. As we expand our ability to provide comprehensive 3D
> buildings and terrain for entire cities and regions, we know this raises
> questions for anyone who has modeled for Google Earth.
>
> What is going to happen to the buildings in Google Earth that I’ve modeled?
> When we release the new 3D imagery in select regions later this summer, any
> models you’ve previously created in the areas covered by the new 3D imagery
> will no longer appear in Google Earth for mobile. Your models will remain
> available in the 3D Warehouse and continue to inform the 3D models in
> Google Maps<http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2012/03/introducing-more-detailed-...>
> .
>
> What about Building Maker models?
> Building Maker is a useful tool irregardless of the eligibility for those
> models to appear in the 3D Building layer in Google Earth. It's a great way
> to start a dimensionally accurate, aerially textured model for SketchUp,
> and useful for creating context models for SketchUp scenes. Building Maker
> will continue to be available for these purposes.
>
> What about SketchUp models?
> In the regions where the new 3D imagery is available, we will no longer
> publish the 3D Buildings layer in Google Earth for mobile. However, we
> anticipate that there will be many parts of the globe that will take some
> time to expand to with this new type of 3D imagery, or never be able to
> reach at all. In those regions, user contributed models will still be
> important for providing a complete picture of the 3D landscape. User
> contributed 3D buildings may also continue to help inform the 3D buildings
> on Maps<http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2012/03/introducing-more-detailed-...>
> .
> instance of Google Earth via the plugin using the Google Earth API<https://developers.google.com/earth/>,
> which enables you to publish 3D content on the web to share with clients or
> the general public.
>
> Our goal remains to create an accurate, consistent and comprehensive 3D
> representation of the Earth. With 3D imagery in its infancy, we can’t truly
> see what the future holds; but the one constant in this fast-paced,
> high-tech world is change, and further improvements are ahead. *

CraigD - Google

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Jun 6, 2012, 4:07:31 PM6/6/12
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Hi Peterg, 

I understand this news is coming as a shock to many of you, so we tried to detail what we could in the above announcement. That being said we're here to answer whatever questions we can.

No, not all models made in SketchUp will disappear. Only the 3D models (SketchUp and Building Maker) that are located in the selected cities in Google Earth will be replaced with the 3D imagery models.

Right now, Google Earth on mobile devices will replace the 3D Buildings in select areas when it is release later this summer. We believe that mobile access, on tablets and mobile devices, is becoming more important every day. Here's the official word:

Why is this only available on mobile? Will auto-generated buildings be available on Earth for desktop in the future?
Increasingly, users want to access information - be it text or geographical - while on the go. We’re excited to soon offer these 3D cities and tours on Google Earth for mobiles and tablets. We’re working to provide a consistent user experience across both mobile and desktop, and hope to announce a desktop version as soon as possible.
 

I hope that helps answer your questions.

Thanks,

    - CraigD

CraigD - Google

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Jun 6, 2012, 4:19:43 PM6/6/12
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Hi Darian, thanks for your good questions. Unfortunately, at this time I can't go into too many details about the functionality.

Regarding hide, because the buildings are created from a mesh, there is currently no "Hide Building" capability. 

More functional details will become available as we get closer to the mobile devices launch.

Cheers,

   - CraigD

Kevin DeVito

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Jun 6, 2012, 4:27:11 PM6/6/12
to 3d...@googlegroups.com
So Glad I partnered with Esri last year! This is the exact same method Apple will use. It is a big grid. I have no problem with that but your 3D modeler network will likely be unhappy. 

drobbins

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Jun 6, 2012, 4:44:17 PM6/6/12
to 3D Modeling for Google Earth & Maps
Kevin,

It's not that I am unhappy, but I'm disappointed. I see (saw) a lot of
potential for the tool that Google Earth/3D models/interactivity could
be, but realizing that it won't realize that full potential because
that's not Google's business focus. That's not a slight, Google, I
have enjoyed playing around with your tools, I just have a different
vision and desire for capabilities that I would want in those tools.

Darian

On Jun 6, 4:27 pm, Kevin DeVito <devitoke...@gmail.com> wrote:
> So Glad I partnered with Esri last year! This is the exact same method
> Apple will use. It is a big grid. I have no problem with that but your 3D
> modeler network will likely be unhappy.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Wednesday, June 6, 2012 11:06:05 AM UTC-7, CraigD - Google wrote:
>
> > *Today, we provided a preview<http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/never-ending-quest-for-perfect...>of some changes that are coming to the 3D landscape in Google Earth,
> > starting on mobile devices. Later this summer, we’ll unveil a new way of
> > displaying 3D buildings on Google Earth for mobile, achieved by building
> > complete cityscapes from the 45-degree aerial imagery used in Google Maps
> > and Building Maker.
>
> > One of the biggest challenges in showing 3D buildings in Google Earth has
> > been gathering complete 3D coverage to represent the real world seamlessly
> > and consistently. For example, many areas in Google Earth have specific
> > buildings and landmarks in 3D where they are available, but the surrounding
> > area is flattened out and only available in two dimensions.
>
> > New imagery rendering and computer vision techniques now allow us to
> > create an accurate and comprehensive 3D representation of entire
> > metropolitan areas. But we recognize this impacts our amazing geo modeling
> > community. In the select areas where it will launch, the 3D Buildings layer
> > on mobile and tablet devices will display only the new automatically
> > generated 3D imagery. Manually modeled 3D buildings from both our users and
> > own team will continue to appear everywhere else, as well as on desktop
> > versions of Google Earth for now. As we expand our ability to provide
> > comprehensive 3D buildings and terrain for entire cities and regions, we
> > know this raises questions for anyone who has modeled for Google Earth.
>
> > What is going to happen to the buildings in Google Earth that I’ve modeled?
> > When we release the new 3D imagery in select regions later this summer,
> > any models you’ve previously created in the areas covered by the new 3D
> > imagery will no longer appear in Google Earth for mobile. Your models will
> > remain available in the 3D Warehouse and continue to inform the 3D models
> > in Google Maps<http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2012/03/introducing-more-detailed-...>
> > .
>
> > What about Building Maker models?
> > Building Maker is a useful tool irregardless of the eligibility for those
> > models to appear in the 3D Building layer in Google Earth. It's a great way
> > to start a dimensionally accurate, aerially textured model for SketchUp,
> > and useful for creating context models for SketchUp scenes. Building Maker
> > will continue to be available for these purposes.
>
> > What about SketchUp models?
> > In the regions where the new 3D imagery is available, we will no longer
> > publish the 3D Buildings layer in Google Earth for mobile. However, we
> > anticipate that there will be many parts of the globe that will take some
> > time to expand to with this new type of 3D imagery, or never be able to
> > reach at all. In those regions, user contributed models will still be
> > important for providing a complete picture of the 3D landscape. User
> > contributed 3D buildings may also continue to help inform the 3D
> > buildings on Maps<http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2012/03/introducing-more-detailed-...>
> > .
> > instance of Google Earth via the plugin using the Google Earth API<https://developers.google.com/earth/>,
> > which enables you to publish 3D content on the web to share with clients or
> > the general public.
>
> > Our goal remains to create an accurate, consistent and comprehensive 3D
> > representation of the Earth. With 3D imagery in its infancy, we can’t truly
> > see what the future holds; but the one constant in this fast-paced,
> > high-tech world is change, and further improvements are ahead. *

profedetecno

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Jun 6, 2012, 5:07:49 PM6/6/12
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Que me lo expliquen por favor.

Van a desaparecer nuestros edificios de google earth?
Van a dejar de aceptar edificios en google earth?
Soy profesor en un instituto y mis alumnos estan entusiamados con crear modelos, incluso han participado en el MYT 2012, y quieren seguir creando edificios. ¿Que les digo? parad chicos que ya no los van  aceptar.

Me gustaria que me lo aclarasen.
Gracias.

profedetecno

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Jun 6, 2012, 5:09:25 PM6/6/12
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Tiene esto algo que ver con la compra de sketchup por parte de Trimble?


El miércoles, 6 de junio de 2012 20:06:05 UTC+2, CraigD - Google escribió:

Paul van Dinther

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Jun 6, 2012, 5:09:51 PM6/6/12
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I must be using maps wrong. First of all, I never use Google earth on my Nexus one. In fact. I un-installed it to make some room. When I am out and about I use Google maps a lot. Mostly for turn by turn navigation but also to orient what I am on foot. The reason a flat map works on a mobile phone is because the interaction is easy and I am only interested in where am I and how do I get there. Sometimes I search for a business but that is rare.

Having 3D landscape and city data available is great if I want to see a location in context. This is more when I want to know something about a location for holiday, accommodation, real-estate etc. I don't tend to do that on my mobile phone but on my large screen desktop. But this is of course only my perspective on it all.

I suspect the real reason this new data is rolled out to mobile first is because there is little legacy. Mixing the old 3D building data with the new data is probably undesirable and therefore desktop won't be rolled out until enough of the new data is available. I am guessing the Google Earth code base is about to be scrapped as Google transitions to a 3D enabled maps on the browser using Web-GL

I would like to know how much of the Google Earth API will be retained. I suspect the First person view possible in Google Earth will no longer be available due to technical and resolution limitations. As a Google Earth developer it would be great to hear more about this.

drobbins

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Jun 6, 2012, 5:17:59 PM6/6/12
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That's a good question about the API functionality, Paul.

pmolsen

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Jun 6, 2012, 5:21:38 PM6/6/12
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It didn't take long for the axe to fall. This is what I said on May 5th on the Supermodeler forum following the Trimble announcement:

"As I said in a posting a month or so ago, several other companies have already demonstrated automated 3D modelling of complete cities. Google will be left behind in the dust if it continues with manual modelling.

 I suspect this is the beginning of the end for our hobby. I expect they will release automated models for numerous complete cities in the near future. Then they won’t need Sketchup (or us) any more.

 Oh well, it was fun while it lasted."


Craig, are  you able to tell us whether Google intends to publish the rollout schedule of cities to Earth and Maps desktop please? I was working on a major modelling project (Cockatoo Island in SYdney Harbour). Clearly no point in continuing if Sydney will be replaced in the near future.

Another question. Will it be possible to turn off the 3D buildings mesh and turn on either all or individual Sketchup models, or are they now effectively dead and buried? 

pmolsen

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Jun 6, 2012, 5:30:47 PM6/6/12
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I feel sorry for you in particular Paul. You obviously have a lot more time and energy invested in the current Earth and Maps than many. 


On Thursday, June 7, 2012 7:09:51 AM UTC+10, Paul van Dinther wrote:
I must be using maps wrong. First of all, I never use Google earth on my Nexus one. In fact. I un-installed it to make some room. When I am out and about I use Google maps a lot. Mostly for turn by turn navigation but also to orient what I am on foot. The reason a flat map works on a mobile phone is because the interaction is easy and I am only interested in where am I and how do I get there. Sometimes I search for a business but that is rare.

Having 3D landscape and city data available is great if I want to see a location in context. This is more when I want to know something about a location for holiday, accommodation, real-estate etc. I don't tend to do that on my mobile phone but on my large screen desktop. But this is of course only my perspective on it all.

I suspect the real reason this new data is rolled out to mobile first is because there is little legacy. Mixing the old 3D building data with the new data is probably undesirable and therefore desktop won't be rolled out until enough of the new data is available. I am guessing the Google Earth code base is about to be scrapped as Google transitions to a 3D enabled maps on the browser using Web-GL

I would like to know how much of the Google Earth API will be retained. I suspect the First person view possible in Google Earth will no longer be available due to technical and resolution limitations. As a Google Earth developer it would be great to hear more about this.

Hey Pauyl

CraigD - Google

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Jun 6, 2012, 5:33:52 PM6/6/12
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Hello profedetecno, there are many regions that will not be affected for quite some time. Your class will still be able to create models for your region using SketchUp, but it is currently unclear how they will be previewed in areas that have auto generated 3D data.

Only buildings that are in auto generated areas will disappear from Google Earth when it is released.

It is unclear what the plans are for Model Your Town competitions at this time.

The autogenerated 3D model technology has nothing to do with SketchUp's sale to Trimble.

Thank you for your questions.

Cheers,

     - CraigD

CraigD - Google

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Jun 6, 2012, 5:46:36 PM6/6/12
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Hi Peter, I can appreciate your disappointment. Your models are some of the best in all of Google Earth.

As you may know Google does not publish rollout schedules for any of its data updates, so unfortunately I can't speculate on the schedule of 3D imagery cities.

It's still unclear whether the 3D imagery will have the ability to be toggled off in certain regions, but there are currently no plans to have an additional 3D Buildings layer in areas that have 3D imagery data. There will still be many regions that will continue to display the 3D Buildings layer for some time though. I'll be able to answer questions like this in more detail as the release dates get closer.

     - CraigD



peterg/gipuzkoa3d

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Jun 6, 2012, 5:46:16 PM6/6/12
to 3D Modeling for Google Earth & Maps
Hello Craig

Una pregunta directa sobre lo que a mi me puede afectar...

En mi ciudad San Sebastián, dispongo de mas de 200 modelos (buenos
modelos) fabricados a mano.
Actualmente en google maps, existe la posibilidad de ver imágenes de
la ciudad a 45º, desde la actualización de 2 de febrero 2012.
¿ significa esto que próximamente mis modelos volaran de la capa de
Google Earth de escritorio ?
¿ esto significa que también volaran de mis aplicaciones hechas con el
plugin GE ?

Otro ejemplo sería la ciudad ganadora del ultimo concurso MYT 2012,
Getaria.
¿También serán retirados en el tiempo cuando se dispongan imágenes a
45º ?
Si esto es así puede significar mucho....en el caso de Getaria.......
En este momento bing maps ya las ofrece a 45º y posiblemente vosotros
también dispongáis de ellas, puesto que son imágenes publicas de libre
uso..


saludos
Peteg


On 6 jun, 23:33, CraigD - Google <cra...@google.com> wrote:
> Hello profedetecno, there are many regions that will not be affected for
> quite some time. Your class will still be able to create models for your
> region using SketchUp, but it is currently unclear how they will be
> previewed in areas that have auto generated 3D data.
>
> Only buildings that are in auto generated areas will disappear from Google
> Earth when it is released.
>
> It is unclear what the plans are for Model Your Town competitions at this
> time.
>
> The autogenerated 3D model technology has nothing to do with SketchUp's
> sale to Trimble.
>
> Thank you for your questions.
>
> Cheers,
>
>      - CraigD
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Wednesday, June 6, 2012 3:07:49 PM UTC-6, profedetecno wrote:
>
> > Que me lo expliquen por favor.
>
> > Van a desaparecer nuestros edificios de google earth?
> > Van a dejar de aceptar edificios en google earth?
> > Soy profesor en un instituto y mis alumnos estan entusiamados con crear
> > modelos, incluso han participado en el MYT 2012, y quieren seguir creando
> > edificios. ¿Que les digo? parad chicos que ya no los van  aceptar.
>
> > Me gustaria que me lo aclarasen.
> > Gracias.
>
> > El miércoles, 6 de junio de 2012 20:06:05 UTC+2, CraigD - Google escribió:
>
> >> *Today, we provided a preview<http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/never-ending-quest-for-perfect...>of some changes that are coming to the 3D landscape in Google Earth,
> >> models in Google Maps<http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2012/03/introducing-more-detailed-...>
> >> .
>
> >> What about Building Maker models?
> >> Building Maker is a useful tool irregardless of the eligibility for those
> >> models to appear in the 3D Building layer in Google Earth. It's a great way
> >> to start a dimensionally accurate, aerially textured model for SketchUp,
> >> and useful for creating context models for SketchUp scenes. Building Maker
> >> will continue to be available for these purposes.
>
> >> What about SketchUp models?
> >> In the regions where the new 3D imagery is available, we will no longer
> >> publish the 3D Buildings layer in Google Earth for mobile. However, we
> >> anticipate that there will be many parts of the globe that will take some
> >> time to expand to with this new type of 3D imagery, or never be able to
> >> reach at all. In those regions, user contributed models will still be
> >> important for providing a complete picture of the 3D landscape. User
> >> contributed 3D buildings may also continue to help inform the 3D
> >> buildings on Maps<http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2012/03/introducing-more-detailed-...>
> >> .
> >> instance of Google Earth via the plugin using the Google Earth API<https://developers.google.com/earth/>,
> >> which enables you to publish 3D content on the web to share with clients or
> >> the general public.
>
> >> Our goal remains to create an accurate, consistent and comprehensive 3D
> >> representation of the Earth. With 3D imagery in its infancy, we can’t truly
> >> see what the future holds; but the one constant in this fast-paced,
> >> high-tech world is change, and further improvements are ahead. *
>
> On Wednesday, June 6, 2012 3:07:49 PM UTC-6, profedetecno wrote:
>
> > Que me lo expliquen por favor.
>
> > Van a desaparecer nuestros edificios de google earth?
> > Van a dejar de aceptar edificios en google earth?
> > Soy profesor en un instituto y mis alumnos estan entusiamados con crear
> > modelos, incluso han participado en el MYT 2012, y quieren seguir creando
> > edificios. ¿Que les digo? parad chicos que ya no los van  aceptar.
>
> > Me gustaria que me lo aclarasen.
> > Gracias.
>
> > El miércoles, 6 de junio de 2012 20:06:05 UTC+2, CraigD - Google escribió:
>
> >> *Today, we provided a preview<http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/never-ending-quest-for-perfect...>of some changes that are coming to the 3D landscape in Google Earth,
> >> models in Google Maps<http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2012/03/introducing-more-detailed-...>
> >> .
>
> >> What about Building Maker models?
> >> Building Maker is a useful tool irregardless of the eligibility for those
> >> models to appear in the 3D Building layer in Google Earth. It's a great way
> >> to
>
> ...
>
> leer más »

CraigD - Google

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Jun 6, 2012, 6:18:16 PM6/6/12
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Hi PeterG, I'm not entirely sure what your question is, but we're not publishing the names of cities that will have 3D imagery data at this time. I would assume that larger cities will be published before smaller cities, but this may vary.

Since we have our own airplanes to collect the 3D imagery data, we are not relying on public/free/licensed data from other sources at this time, regardless of whether they have it already.

Thanks,
 
     - CraigD


Sebastian S.

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Jun 6, 2012, 6:33:08 PM6/6/12
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Does that mean that all my work (and that of others too of course) is for nothing?? I'm modeling since I'm 16, that would be 3 years for nothing?!
 
Most of my models are Skyscrapers (Skyscraper=big city=new imagery), does that mean they all are gonna be replaced with this new technology? Maybe you don't see it always but I really work hard on (nearly) every model, and so do many other. There must be a way that everybody is satisfied...
 
Why can't it be for mobile use only?
 
Regards
 
Sebastian S.

Beryl Reid

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Jun 6, 2012, 6:41:38 PM6/6/12
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Thanks for the announcement Craig. I'm glad I was around for the "early years" of 3D Google Earth and Maps. It was a lot of fun to be a part of it, and feel like a contributor to such an awesome experience. You know really well and personally how many hours goes into good geo modeling. I am not going to look upon those hours as wasted time, but I do see how this changes everything. We would be foolish to expect a digital earth to remain the same over time. It's what happens in a digital world... change and evolution.

It does feel unsettling and uncertain. I'm looking forward to the next 3D world in Earth and Maps. I also plan to continue my own 3D modeling because it gives me so much personal pleasure I can't imagine just stopping.

regards
Beryl Reid

CraigD - Google

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Jun 6, 2012, 6:45:49 PM6/6/12
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Hi Sebastian, your models are all very good and I completely understand how this news affects you. I can only imagine your disappointment. The 3D imagery has made big advancements that allow city-wide regions to be created and updated comprehensively and accurately. The real downside is that people's work like yours, mine and many others will no longer fit in the landscape. There will be many areas that will still require hand made models for some time to come, but most of those will indeed be outside of large populated areas.

I really wish I had a better answer for you, but we had to make some difficult decisions for future development, and this was one of them.

That being said, this change is not immediate so there is still time to display your models.

    - CraigD

CraigD - Google

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Jun 6, 2012, 7:05:28 PM6/6/12
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Thank you Beryl, I always appreciate your positive outlook!  We didn't come to these changes easily...there were a lot of "what if" meetings and for those like yourself who take a lot of joy in the art of modeling, it was even more difficult to make such a drastic change to the way we display Google Earth in 3D.  In the end it was nearly impossible to merge the two technologies and we focused on what is really the beginning of a new era of 3D.  Being able to create 3D cityscapes - complete with buildings, terrain and even landscaping - from 45-degree aerial imagery means that models do not get mis-aligned, or have incomplete textures, or inaccurate heights, but it comes at the cost of some very nice models.  I plan on continuing to model with Sketchup too. :)

Cheers,

     - Craig

fguerra

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Jun 6, 2012, 7:17:55 PM6/6/12
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Craig:

Modeling for Google Earth via Sketchup has been a great hobby for me for the last 2 years or so, and I´m not going to stop. As soon as this weekend I have plans to travel to a nearby town to collect all data possible so i can start modeling some buildings.

I can´t deny that Sketchup selling announcement and this Google Maps news have been a shock, but we can´t stop technology and this step was just long awaited for many people. As for Google Earth I would like to give you a couple of recommendations:
1.- Even if we get to the time to have all the world mapped with your new plane technology, It would be nice to keep the man made building models in a separate layer. That way we can keep modeling feeling it is worth doing it.
2.- Be able to download certain area terrain data to Sketchup so we can use it for real life projects, making use of the accuracy you are offering now.
3.- Trees and landscape layer. What is the world but a great landscape project. You know you can do better on this one.

I really hope this changes are for the better.
Federico Guerra
Monterrey, Mexico.
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2k10

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Jun 6, 2012, 7:22:57 PM6/6/12
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Hello every 3d Modeler,

This is something that as a user I have been expecting since years ago, and as a 3d Modeler has been worrying me the same amount of time, since I began to use Sketchup in 2007. Obviously, Google can't wait for us to model every building in every city and town around the world. Can't, and shouldn't. I understand that.

Selling the software that we have been using for years to model buildings manually in Google Earth was a signal for me. Making the option to download/delete all our 3d models available from the 3D Warehouse a few days ago is another.

On the other hand, Google is rolling out its own 3d auto-generated models in mobile because the world is becoming mobile day by day. Like it or not, it's a fact. But of course, I think it's also a fact that it only takes a bit more of effort to make the 3d Google Auto-generated models available in Google Maps & Earth desktop versions. Google hasn't said that they are replacing all the 3d models of the actual 3d layer in all versions and platforms of Google Maps & Earth soon. But it hasn't said anything to the contrary. In business talk that means to me that they will, of course, replace them. Who could blame them?

In my humble opinion, and I wish I was totally wrong with this, there is no place for 3d modelers in the Next Dimension of Google Maps & Earth. :(

Anyway, thank you Google for all the happy modeling during this years. :) 

Asdas

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Jun 6, 2012, 7:25:26 PM6/6/12
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Hi,

I was wondering if this going to include the Middle East countries? Will all the models in this area be removed too?
And if we upload new models now, will they stay for a long time or what?

Paul van Dinther

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Jun 6, 2012, 7:37:27 PM6/6/12
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On Thursday, June 7, 2012 9:30:47 AM UTC+12, pmolsen wrote:
I feel sorry for you in particular Paul. You obviously have a lot more time and energy invested in the current Earth and Maps than many. 


Don't be sorry Peter, I don't expect Google to throw out their API. The platform changes, probably some API changes but this development actually increases the potential user base. Despite being assured the Google Earth will be around for a while, I remain sceptical. Google has a 3 year depreciation policy that over the years will reduce to one year so I know that Google Earth in its current form will be around for at least 3 years. But that is not enough for some of the large projects I am working on.

So, I am keen to embrace the new tech ASAP and run with it while benefiting from the increased attention maps are getting. But I am running ahead of myself, I have no knowledge or even subtle hints from Google that they have a Web-Gl version of Google Earth in the works. It just makes sense that they do.

In fact their HD video http://youtu.be/N6Douyfa7l8 seems to have been recorded using a Space Navigator which suggests the video is made on a special version of Google Earth. It is frustrating that we get so little heads up from Google as it makes running a business around Google Technology very difficult.

I am sorry for all the modellers out there that their work will gradually vanish but maps must represent the real world and not the artists interpretation of it. I trust the auto generated data a lot more and prefer it, despite the lesser geometric detail.

So.... Bring it on Google!! :-)

pmolsen

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Jun 6, 2012, 7:42:49 PM6/6/12
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Hi Craig,

From a technical perspective, I know that the Streetview cars are equipped with Lidar scanners as well as cameras. Will Google be using that data, both the point cloud as well as the streetview imagery, combined with the 45-degree photography, to construct the automated models? It would obviously give a much more accurate representation.

CraigD - Google

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Jun 6, 2012, 7:51:40 PM6/6/12
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Hi Peter, we're not using Streetview data for the 3D imagery models, it's all data from the air.

Cheers,

    - Craig

Jason Mill

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Jun 6, 2012, 8:07:37 PM6/6/12
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I'm very disappointed for our clients who have paid to have beautiful handcrafted models at the humanistic street level and will see them replaced by crude aerial based auto gen models .. and now have no control of when/if/how their business will appear. I'm pleased our contracts stated could not gaurantee Google would not drop user generated 3D models in the future.

We've been in this game since 2004 and had only just solidified a good business model around our model assets and their use in GE .. luckily for us we had a feeling this move was coming and so have worked on delivering our model set via other mediums, including gaming engines and AR apps.

We also would like to see the functionality of the API and GE desktop maintained so that kml/kmz based data/models can be viewed in this way. Photo-realistic models are only the beginning of what can be visualised in GE.

Looking at the bigger picture this is a great move for tech in general although I expect a very similar eye candy based model from Apple next week .. Google had the market cornered on interactive user driven 3D models and its a shame they feel the need to dump it.

Had a ball while it lasted .. cheers to all the crew here in the 3DGEO community, I've enjoyed sharing with you all.

best
Jason

pmolsen

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Jun 6, 2012, 8:37:48 PM6/6/12
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A couple more questions:

- What happens to all the models in the 3D Buildings Layer that are not buildings? For example there are numerous aeroplanes, ships, cable cars etc. that obviously will not be modelled by the aerial photography. Will they be retained or will they all vanish?

- What about KMZ files and in particular animations? Will they still be supported in GE? Are there any plans to provide support for them in Maps?

Auquicu

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Jun 6, 2012, 10:12:09 PM6/6/12
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Will data collected with the planes used to change the terrain in Google Earth those areas that are currently not so accurate? 

Denoall

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Jun 6, 2012, 11:42:49 PM6/6/12
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Pedro es obvio no usaron ahora remplazaran nuestros modelos probablemente no nos afecte a todos en este momento pero mas temprano que tarde nos afectara ellos hablan de que no podran usar esta tecnologia en todas las areas pero como si no te remplazaran los modelos futuros tambien la verdad estoy en desacuerdo totalmente con esto

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Denoall

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Jun 6, 2012, 11:49:56 PM6/6/12
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This is a treason to the 3d community after all the hard work we have put in Google earth this is really unfair. I really do not feel like keep modelling after reading your post

Oliver Davis

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Jun 7, 2012, 12:21:34 AM6/7/12
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Thanks for forwarding links to Brian's announcement Craig (and the Q and A). A Steve Jobs said at his 2005 Stanford Commencement Speech,  "Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking."  You have to think for yourself, move on, adapt and make it your own.

While this group's 3D is fully navigable and not oblique 45-degree renderings, the GE models today are heavyweight and the navigation is tricky for most users. This news really should come as no surprise - especially as it relates to mobile. That said, while we expect change we have damage control to deal with in the real, client facing world.

Craig, please don't take offense to these pointed questions, we just would like some insights:

-Will the GE plug-in/API continue to be supported for non-mobile environments?  If it is deprecated, will this group be notified of Google's plans to remove custom models from the API entirely?  What's Google's interpretation of its deprecation and notification requirements for the API and model support? Under Section 4 of the Warehouse TOS it appears that the submitted content and features may be removed without notice. While the Maps API TOS is a bit different. 

4. Provision of the Services by Google (Warehouse)

4.3 As part of this continuing innovation, you acknowledge and agree that Google may stop (permanently or temporarily) providing the Services (or any features within the Services) to you or to users generally at Google’s sole discretion, without prior notice to you.  

Maps API TOS https://developers.google.com/maps/terms

4.4 Changes to the Service; Deprecation Policy.

Google will announce if we intend to discontinue or make backwards incompatible changes to this API or Service. We will use commercially reasonable efforts to continue to operate the Service or the applicable APIs without these changes until the later of: (i) one year after the announcement or (ii) April 20, 2015, unless (as Google determines in its reasonable good faith judgment):

-Can you explain what 'informed' for 3D maps mean? 

-Will there be a way to develop or submit 'better models' or obliques than the LIDAR generated models in the presentation? What's the process? Is UGC dead except for photos?

-Will users be able to update these new 3D models with on-site imagery?  Could one download and replace textures or update geometry if models are replaced? UGC is being used to updated and model terrain more accurately.  Would 3D go down a similar path?

-When/where have UG models been used in mobile? Are you just referring to Nexus One?  

-You mentioned hosting models on your own GE environment. The performance is poor (slow) since the content isn't compressed and hosted by Google. Can Google share the compression algorithm for our own version and use of the GE-API? Make server/hosting recommendations? Wouldn't this group be required to establish an enterprise account (if they were to pass through hosting costs)? 

-What is Google doing with the SketchUp/GE models that this group has submitted? What happens if they are removed from the warehouse? Marked Private? Did Google sublicense/assign our models and client information/data to Trimble? Also from Warehouse TOS...

11. Content license from you

11.1 (b) By submitting, posting or displaying the content you give Google a perpetual, sublicensable, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, and non-exclusive license to reproduce, adapt, modify, translate, publish, publicly perform, publicly display and distribute any Content or derivative works thereof which you submit, post or display on or through, the Services.

11.2 You agree that this license includes a right for Google to make such Content available to other companies, organizations or individuals with whom Google has relationships for the provision of syndicated services, and to use such Content in connection with the provision of those services.


If you want to survive, you need to embrace the change. If you want to continue adding value over Google products you should consider this an opportunity. Add custom Streetview to your services, sign up as a trusted photographer, repurpose your SketchUp files as map overlays, build interior maps, make everything you do mobile friendly, build a relationship with the new SketchUp guys and design and develop your own products.

We look forward to continued dialogue.

Francis LaLonde

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Jun 7, 2012, 1:24:04 AM6/7/12
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Well, I've only been involved with the 3D community a little over a year.  I'm a little sad that modeling on the 'personal' level is being phased out (though slowly, and with a town population of about 32,000, it'll probably be a couple of years before we - Bay City, MI - get coverage).  Still, I've enjoyed learning how to use SketchUp, which I'm hoping can eventually assist me in learning other modeling programs, such as Blender - with a view towards creating animation/videos.

I do have a few questions:
1 - is SketchUp version 8 going to be the last version?
2 - will SketchUp continue to be freely available (well, I currently don't have need for the 'pro' version - LOL ) ?

Otherwise, I'm just glad to have been able to tag along for the ride.

stada

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Jun 7, 2012, 1:48:15 AM6/7/12
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This move of Google is completely understandable to me. It doesn't surprise me that Google was looking for a quicker way to show the world's buildings 3D.  The hours, no years, I have spent in modelling I'll use for modelling augmented reality apps, 3D prints, etc. 
A question: am I still allowed that to use the Google Qualified 3D Geo Modeler logo? 

Regards,
Dick Stada

 

pmolsen

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Jun 7, 2012, 2:25:19 AM6/7/12