How to have my model replace existing building & trees on a site in Google Earth

[John Newton]

If I have a proposed 3d model of a site with trees and a building etc, how can I have this replace the data that Google Earth is showing for the existing trees/building (that will be demolished as part of the project?) IE, I don't want the existng trees and existing building to portrude through my model but I want to have my model shown in the correct location along with all the existing trees/streets/buildings nearby.

I want the client and planning staff to be able to see the proposed project in context of the neighborhood etc.

Thanks for any advice.

John

[Google Craig]

Hi John, can you include a link to the model, or a Google Earth placemark of the location?

I'm not sure what your experience level is with 3D Geo-Modeling for Google Earth and the procedure for having a model accepted, so please indicate what you know. The high level is that user created 3D models for Google Earth are uploaded to the Trimple 3D Warehouse where they are evaluated against the acceptance criteria. If there is another previous model at that location, then the better model is chosen to be published. It gets complicated when models don't meet the acceptance criteria, and/or there are special circumstances like the Google Earth imagery doesn't show the current building.

Also, you can only publish buildings to Google Earth in their current state, not in a future state. So if a building is under construction, we will not publish the finished version until the building is in that state of development.

Please let me know whether there is a link to your model, or the location.

Thanks,

    - Craig

[Google Craig]

Ugh...typo.  Trimble 3D Warehouse. :)

[John Newton]

Hi Craig

Thanks for your help-I'm wanting to be able to replace a specific lot with my proposed work to show a client but not intending it to be part of public consumption on Google Earth (ie be able to show it privately to client/city staff reviewing a project etc.) The ability for Google Earth to show all the existing trees and buildings around would make a great context and visualization tool. Ideally, we should be able to make some sort of Google Earth layer that "blanks" the 3D data at a specified region and then would allow architects to place their proposed project on a layer visible to clients/planning staff etc.

It would also be nice to eventually export the full 3D data of a specified area from Google Earth to be incorporated into Sketchup etc...

[Google Craig]

Hi John, all of that is possible in one way or another. It will help if you have a specific location, but it's possible to download models from the 3D Warehouse and then populate a small area with them and your model in Google Earth (while still having 3D terrain). It's also possible to turn off some buildings from being displayed in Google Earth's 3D Buildings layer, as long as they are user generated models.

You can also use the Google Earth Plug In API to create your own 3D building region and share that with clients on the web.

And you can download models from the 3D Warehouse to your own SketchUp model for your own planning purposes.

Cheers,

    - Craig

[John Newton]

Hi Craig,

Per your question on

[Google Craig]

Sorry, I missed that question, John. 

[ARKYTK]

Craig

 

Since building maker has been retired, and the new pictometry models cannot be selectively turned off or exported to SketchUp - I am curious if there is a new process that you suggest for architects where we can utilize GE to insert new-project-models into the new context modeled cities that are now native to GE.  This is critically important to architects in the process of seeking approval from both clients and municipalites to receive zoninig approval, permits, etc..  It seems short sighted to ignore the largest industry in mankind (construction) in order to utilize an automated process that will still only focus on major metro areas and provides lesser quality models.  I am sure that selling SketchUp to Trimble has something to do with this new direction, however, without a more granular workflow GE is alienating an industry that truly needs this type of technology. 

[Google Craig]

Hi ARKYTK,

You can expose the legacy 3D Buildings:

Win: via Tools Menu > Options... > 3D View and disable "Use 3D Imagery"

Mac: Google Earth Menu > Preferences... > 3D View and disable "Use 3D Imagery"

[ARKYTK]

Really Craig,  I can also use a grass whip to mow my yard, but its an antiquated process.

Are you basically 'not' telling us that Google has decided to turn its back on the A/E industry?

Because telling me to use tools that are being phased out is not an answer...

[SnowTiger]

That's all there is folks.

We just have to get over it and move on to something else.
Google does not and will not be looking to accept ANY more models for Google Earth ... no matter how many times you ask or how you ask the questions.

I don't get how so many people can still be asking the same stupid questions over and over again after MONTHS of the same discussion that is clearly explained in a Sticky Thread that is almost impossible to miss ... let alone all the additional Threads and Posts that go over all this.

People ... NO .. There will NOT be any more Google Earth Modeling.

[Google Craig]

Hi ARKYTK, as SnowTiger points out, the program for submitting 3D buildings for inclusion in Google Earth has been retired. So I'm not telling you to use any tools for this, because the program doesn't exist anymore. 

Best,

     - Craig