Implications of end of google earth

Tyler Miller · 19 Dec 2014, 15:25

Hey guys -

Nothing to fear here in regards to SketchUp's Add Location feature. SketchUp uses the Google Maps API, not the Google Earth API. Google Earth the application is not going away.

Google's announcement that they are ending the Google Earth browser plugin ("Google Earth API") is a natural consequence of tightening browser security models. Most modern browsers are dropping support for any form of plugins over the next couple years.

Fortunately, much of the functionality of the Google Earth plugin has now been incorporated into Google Maps using more modern browser capabilities like WebGL. This is the same technology we use to do 3D views of SketchUp models on the 3D Warehouse, and it does not require a browser plugin.

So, nothing to fear here and it is all a natural progression of technology.

Thanks,
Tyler

glenn · 19 Dec 2014, 17:02

Thanks Tyler. It would have been nice if Google clearly stated that in the article I referenced.
Glenn

panixia · 19 Dec 2014, 18:53

@tyler miller said:

So, nothing to fear here and it is all a natural progression of technology.

god bless you

david_h · 19 Dec 2014, 19:14

@panixia said:

@tyler miller said:

So, nothing to fear here and it is all a natural progression of technology.

god bless you

I wasnt THAT worried.

It's the end of the Google Earth as we know it. . but I feel fine.

hellnbak · 19 Dec 2014, 19:55

@david_h said:

I wasnt THAT worried.

It's the end of the Google Earth as we know it. . but I feel fine.

Box · 19 Dec 2014, 21:29

glenn · 19 Mar 2017, 02:56

@tyler miller said:

Hey guys -

Nothing to fear here in regards to SketchUp's Add Location feature. SketchUp uses the Google Maps API, not the Google Earth API. Google Earth the application is not going away.

Google's announcement that they are ending the Google Earth browser plugin ("Google Earth API") is a natural consequence of tightening browser security models. Most modern browsers are dropping support for any form of plugins over the next couple years.

Fortunately, much of the functionality of the Google Earth plugin has now been incorporated into Google Maps using more modern browser capabilities like WebGL. This is the same technology we use to do 3D views of SketchUp models on the 3D Warehouse, and it does not require a browser plugin.

So, nothing to fear here and it is all a natural progression of technology.

Thanks,
Tyler

Seems that we should have been worried. You guys knew about a 5year grace period, but didn't mention that to the users until 2 months before the change.
Upcoming Change to Add Location
https://forums.sketchup.com/t/upcoming-change-to-add-location/40953
Tyler thanks for the misdirection,
Glenn

Dave R · 19 Mar 2017, 03:49

Glenn, the discontinuation of a variety of Google-related links to SketchUp was announced when Google sold Trimble. It's Google that has decided to turn off the access. It wasn't Trimble deciding to discontinue it.

andybot · 20 Mar 2017, 16:36

D'oh!! No aerial map will be available? Anyone know of other options that we can use after this cutoff?

slbaumgartner · 20 Mar 2017, 23:43

Trimble is already working with other sources to provide terrain and overhead images when the Google API is discontinued. Time will tell how the coverage and quality compare with Google Earth.

andybot · 21 Mar 2017, 15:50

@sketch3d.de said:

according to the FAQ it will be OSM for the maps and DigitalGlobe for the satellite imagery and terrain data.

Thanks! I saw the part about OSM, but it seemed they didn't have anything available for aerials. Glad to see it's in the pipeline. I will be interested to see the quality.

panixia · 23 Mar 2017, 07:28

@glenn said:

Tyler thanks for the misdirection

+1

sketch3d.de · 23 Mar 2017, 10:06

according to the FAQ it will be OSM for the maps and DigitalGlobe for the satellite imagery and terrain data from Trimbles own sources.

bmike · 23 Mar 2017, 19:27

I use a relatively cheap (and easy to use) app for hiking / adventure / bike routing - is uses various servers for aerial images, as well as topo maps, etc... as far as I know access to many of these is free or relatively cheap. I know there are pros that use this for trail mapping, etc.

TopoFusion.com | GPS Mapping Software for Windows

TopoFusion is GPS Mapping software for Windows. Analyze GPS data using topo maps, 3D, color aerial photos and satellite imagery. GPS playback and advanced features for athletes.

(topofusion.com)

Can SketchUp integrate with the maps / topo in a similar way?
Here are all the map sets / imagery that is available in TF:

TopoFusion.com | Features

Features and available imagery for TopoFusion GPS mapping software.

(topofusion.com)

pbacot · 23 Mar 2017, 19:37

What's really good for quick studies is the geo located aerial imagery. That way one can quickly locate new work relative to existing features, good enough for initial planning and presentation. The actual "terrain" model (that I've seen) is only so useful at the site scale. Topo maps might be better, lacking a survey.

bmike · 23 Mar 2017, 20:35

@pbacot said:

What's really good for quick studies is the geo located aerial imagery. That way one can quickly locate new work relative to existing features, good enough for initial planning and presentation. The actual "terrain" model (that I've seen) is only so useful at the site scale. Topo maps might be better, lacking a survey.

Agreed that the usefulness of the imported 3d data isn't always as useful, but its usually close enough for early stage work, until a survey is done or can be found / imported / created.

sketch3d.de · 5 Apr 2017, 10:43

@unknownuser said:

Update 4/4/2017: The new data layers are now available in SU 2017. This means that Pro users will see two new layers in add location: "DigitalGlobe Satellite" and "Trimble Map". Make users will now see a "Trimble Map" layer. Google Satellite will remain as the default layer for a few more weeks.

glenn · 6 Apr 2017, 15:48

digitalglobe imagery is terrible compared to google satellite.
Image is blurry, typically older.
But at least Trimble didn't wait until the last minute to address this issue.

pbacot · 6 Apr 2017, 16:08

@sketch3d.de said:

@unknownuser said:

Update 4/4/2017: The new data layers are now available in SU 2017. This means that Pro users will see two new layers in add location: "DigitalGlobe Satellite" and "Trimble Map". Make users will now see a "Trimble Map" layer. Google Satellite will remain as the default layer for a few more weeks.

And if we stick to 2016 we'll still have the same functionality as before? (I haven't seen a change)

sketch3d.de · 6 Apr 2017, 16:29

@pbacot said:

And if we stick to 2016 we'll still have the same functionality as before?

@unknownuser said:

SketchUp 2016 (Pro or Make) and older versions of SketchUp
At this time, there is no feasible way to update these versions of SketchUp to use the new geodata service. The Add Location and Photo Textures features will no longer function.

@pbacot said:

(I haven't seen a change)

22.05.2017