Importing Automated Google Earth 3D Imagery
-
Since October 1st 2013 Google Earth no longer uses user generated 3d models. Instead it is rolling out the use of automated 3D Models created with stereo photogrammetry (see
http://3dmodeling4business.com/the-story-behind-google-earths-new-3d-cities/).For those cities which have been created with the new system the results are quite impressive as long as you don't zoom in too far.
My question is whether anyone knows if it is possible to import the new 3d imagery into Sketchup? It would be great to be able to do so. We can import terrain data of course but I can't find a way to import the new 3d imagery. If anyone knows if it is possible it would be great to know how!
-
You can not "take" what you don't have the permission to use. The question here is not whether there is a way to import and use this data, but rather whether Google allows its use.
Unfortunately these autogenerated models (like previous autogenerated or sub-licensed city models by Google) are proprietary and not for use under free licenses. If you want something gratis, you can not rely on proprietary data, because it is always bound to some terms or limitations and can at any time be taken away. You should be looking for, and supporting "open data".
I totally agree, it would indeed be cool, if such amounts of geomodels would be available as open data, and if both users (downloaders) as well as creaors would contribute to it.
-
Aerilius thanks for the reply. I did of course mean whether it was possible to legally import the 3d information. Obviously if Google don't want it to be used then that is the end of the matter. I was hoping however that it was currently allowed but just not widely documented.
Given that terrain information can be imported into Sketchup and the close ties with Sketchup I'd like to think that it would be something that Google and Trimble would be willing to support. If anyone from Trimble could comment I would appreciate it.
-
Hello Kenny, just checking if you had already worked out your problem. I'm in the same need for a way of importing this new 3D imagery into Sketchup (or any other CAD software) to work with it. I'm a PhD student working with augmented reality applications, and this would be a great thing to work with. Please let me know if Google had made this available.
Advertisement