Duplicate models in GE

jwallis

Hi I wish to place 5 copies of a model within GE. The model would be exactly the same except for rotated at different angles (ideally)
Is there a way that i can use just one copy and have an instance (3dsMax terminology) or componenet (SU) of this model reference the original model. The model is 4 meg so and i need to place it 5 times. So rather than have a 20 Meg download i would prefer to have the 4 Meg download referenced 5 times.
thanks

jwallis

I was also wondering if this can be done in GE without using SU.
If i have to use SU does the use of the component keep the file size to a minimum within GE?

Gaieus

Using components in SU will drastically keep file size down but you will not merit the same in a kmz file.

Also, though you can export a model with different scenes to GE (they will become "cameras" although unfortunately not exactly the same view as in SU) but layer visibility will not be "translated" into the kmz file.

So the only solution is to rotate your component as many times as you wish to show it in GE, export the views one by one then in GE

create a "folder"
drag and drop the exported (and loaded) kmz files into this folder
set the folders properties with radio buttons (not checkboxes)
(This will allow you to show only one version at a time while checkboxes can display multiple versions)
and now you can "navigate" between your views/scenes in GE.
Have a look at this example in the Warehouse.

jwallis

thanks again Gaieus. You are very helpful.