Prior to this advancement, all 3D content hosted by Google Earth would either be 1) presented on the Google Earth client (and Google 3D Warehouse) and/or 2)Presented on any other domain via the Google Earth Web browser application programming interface (API).

Now, the addition of Google Earth in Maps search means that 3D buildings developed and submitted to Google by users (hobbyists, professionals, and others) are now part of the Google Maps search results via maps.google.com. 3D Models will also appear in Google Earth and other websites using the Google Earth browser tools (SketchUp models can also be rendered as still images for print/web - part of another conversation).

The key benefit of Google Earth/Maps 3D for schools is the broad exposure of their campuses - NC State Centennial is a prime example. NC State Centennial hires a firm (concept3D) to create a 3D model of its campus within Google Earth, its website  http://centennial.ncsu.edu/map-directions.php and www.campusbird.com.  Upon the completion of this project, concept3D submits the models to Google for processing, and within about one week the content appears in five places: the Google Earth Client, NCSU’s website, www.campusbird.com, Google Maps and and iPhone app.

1- NCSU Website (Google Maps + Google Earth 3D)

2- Google Maps (with Google Earth 3D models within standard Google search)

NCSU in 3D in Google Maps

3- The Google Earth Client and Google 3D Warehouse

NC State 3D Model in Google Earth

4- Campus Bird (www.campusbird.com - a maps and 3D-based school search service)

NCSU Centennial In Campus Bird

5- iPhone Mapping (Google Maps - 3D not yet available)

NC State Map on iPhone App

As far as I know there aren’t any other technologies or open source tools that present 3D across multiple web-based media. Several schools have asked me when their 3D content will appear in standard Google Maps search — the answer is now.

Building interactive maps and 3D environments across multiple media is enhanced by this development. And, the integration of Google Earth as a standard component to Google Maps is a further indication of Google’s commitment to 3D, and the considerable value placed on presenting content across multiple platforms.

- Oliver Davis, CEO

Image Of Drupal and Google Earth Integration

Our world in the geoweb and 3D continues to evolve as we build out more geo+data oriented websites using Drupal and Google Earth. For AntennaWise (formerly simuwise - logo and naming contribution by concept3D and studiovert) we designed and developed the new company site — www.antennawise.com . The site and tools allow wireless operators, planners, federal agencies, municipalities, civil engineers and developers to make more informed decisions using 3D and Google Earth via the web.

AntennaWise has some very cool features which allow their customers to:

-Setup an account with private viewing privileges and the ability to view reports and other project related data.

-Use the mapping portal to evaluate and analyze cell-site performance using Google Earth and 3D (3D created by client or AntennaWise using SketchUp)

-Comprehensively assess safety and health impact using the 3D mapping portal

concept3D is grateful to build out the design and develop www.antennawise.com and wish them all the success.

We’ve previously shown their work on Boston University, and it’s great to see them continue to expand. Much like the preparation for our trip to Disney last year, I can see this being a very valuable resource for incoming freshmen; it’s a great way to get familiar with the campus before you even arrive!”

Visit the Published Article on Google Earth Blog

Over the past few months we’ve developed an eCommerce site that allows professionals to order custom 3D models, renderings and/or Google Earth content.  Our intent is to allow professionals to work with a trusted, U.S.-based, firm to act as their in-house SketchUp, rendering and Google Earth shop at outsourced prices. concept3D’s Self Service Site

The Process is Easy:

• There are 3 Step tabs that walk you through your order.
• Each Step tab lets you choose from options such the size of your project to adding people and rendering out the model.

• Models can be created from just about any file type.  Here is an example where a PDF was used.

• You can choose to have a rendering made of your model.  You can also upload an existing SketchUp model and have it rendered too!

• You can also choose from options that will let you visualize your model on Google Earth and create a video of your project using concept3D Pro Services.

Key benefits to using the site and working with concept3D:

• Professional designers with over 10,000 models created across close to 100 firms
• Pricing is guaranteed to match any comparable, published price
• On time delivery-every time
• Availability via phone, chat or email
• Worldwide service, based in the United States
• Multiple services including: 3D modeling, renderings, Google Earth integration and more
• Instant, simple, flexible ordering process
• Several payment types.

It’s live today and we look forward to extending this simple online ordering tool to new and existing customers alike. concept3D’s Self Service Site

DestinyEarth.com is a concept3D innovation created to present the amazing capabilities of the Geoweb that reshapes the web as we know it.

The location-based search on DestinyEarth is built around the Google Earth plug-in, a virtual globe containing all of the content you find in Google Maps plus 3D buildings, terrain and custom information ‘layered’ by us.  Currently, these include event dates and markers for the U2 360 Tour, the 2009 Dave Matthews Band Tour, the 2009 New England Patriots season schedule, and the 2009 Cirque du Soleil Tour.  There are two methods of search on the site: by clicking locations or layers in the left side bar or by using the search bar.  Either will take you to your chosen location, provide you with a Google Map for reference, and search results from Google by web, news, shopping, prices and local.

We will be adding new features and featured content frequently to the site, and hope to hear suggestions from everyone via email or on the Facebook Fan Page.

DestinyEarth.com

It was a pleasure to participate in John and his family’s world trip in Google Earth. John was great to work with every step of the way, and has been gracious to share his thoughts:

“When I wrote my travel memoir, 360 Degrees Longitude, I wanted the reader to connect to the places and events in the book in a powerful way.  It was obvious to me that intertwining the books trajectory with Google Earth would not only lift the story off the pages, but would be unique in the publishing world.  When I first contacted concept3D to help do something that had never been done before, they enthusiastically accepted the challenge.  The only real instructions I was able to give them was ‘I want my Mom to be able to figure out how to use it’ and ‘I want it to be slick.’  They delivered handsomely on both requirements. In less than two months we sold out of our first printing and readers have raved about how the Google Earth layer gives them a sense of what it is like to visit places, say, like rural Africa, that they simply wouldn’t be able to otherwise.”

Find out what readers are saying and buy the book on Amazon.

We enjoyed participating in this event featuring leaders in the Denver community (including Mayor Hickenlooper and Sally Hamilton, from University of Denver) and beyond (including former Secretary of Transportation of Energy under Clinton - Federico Peña; and Luella Chavez d’ Angelo, president of the Western Union Foundation.) The foresight to leverage Google Earth and rendering a story that connects people around the globe is one small example of Denver’s emphasis on globalism with a focus on the arts and innovation.

Forensic architecture, which Norwood specializes in, involves evaluation and analysis of design and construction deficiencies in a wide range of built structures. Norwood Architecture’s principal, Steve Norwood, AIA has testified in deposition, arbitration, and trial settings and has served as a neutral architect on multiple projects.

Norwood Architecture utilizes SketchUp to create easy-to-comprehend visuals detailing construction deficiencies.  Layout has also become a part of their workflow.  Over the course of our lunch, several good Layout questions were brought up.  One in particular involved the best way to dimension in Layout.  I explored the idea with a Sixty Second Series video:

Class attendees with backgrounds in architecture, planning, and real estate learned a range of new skills to effectively and efficiently use SketchUp and Google Earth. One of the students commented during the training. “If you try to learn yourself you get stuck a lot, if you don’t know where to look for help you can get frustrated and spend a lot of time looking. Having an instructor to go to for help during and after the class was well worth my time”.

The New Horizons Computer Learning center utilizes what is called a “Middle Monitor” system for training. Rather than have students continuously look up and down from a projected instructor screen, every other student shared a 2nd monitor displaying the instructor screen.

Over the course of three days, a wide range of SketchUp Pro and Google Earth Pro content was covered.  A bonus hour of training was included after each class which allowed for some custom topics including photo-texturing tricks for Google Earth models, dynamic component creation, and Google Map integration of kml data.

If you miss out on the June series not to worry, concept3D will be hosting additional Google-Certified and AIA/ASLA accredited SketchUp and Google Earth classes in July.

Save 20% by using the discount code EARLYBIRD7 by registering by July 15 for the next classes. July Class Registration

concept3D had its first Minnesota ‘Brown Bag Session’ at Brauer & Associates, LTD. in Hopkins, Minnesota.  Over the course of  an hour, concept3D presented many SketchUp, Google Earth and Photoshop tips and tricks.

I remember what it was like to be frustrated with some aspects of SketchUp.   I learned very fast that there is always a faster way to do something in SketchUp, Photoshop, and Google Earth.  (Those are the programs I use daily).  I learned many tips and tricks from watching other people use those programs.  After nine years of using SketchUp, I am still enthusicatic about the program.  The ‘Brown Bag Sessions’ are a great way for us to pass on the knowledge that we have learned over the years.

A variety of topics can be covered during a Brown Bag Session.  Each Brown Bag session is custom taylored to a companies work flow and needs.  Some possible topics:

1. Importing AutoCAD and site countours.
2. Creating photo-realistic renderings from SketchUp models using the V-ray plugin.
3. Using vegetation that doesn’t create large file sizes.
4. Making models more efficient to speed up performance in SketchUp.
5. How to accuratly scale and build a 3D model from a single photograph.
6. Working on an existing company project and showing time saving tips.
7. Modeling in Google Earth and the Google Earth API.
8. Getting the most out of the 3D Warehouse.
9. Overview of very useful plugins.
10. Question and answer session.

Here are few tips and tricks.

Brown Bag Sessions are currently free to the metro Minnesota and CO areas.  They usually take place over lunch.  If your firm or school is interested or would like to know more about a concept3D Brownbag Training Series, send an email to training@concept3d.com

Brauer & Associates Ltd. is a Minneapolis-based land use planning and design firm specializing in projects that add value to the public realm, improve the quality of life in our communities, and protect the natural environment in meaningful ways. The firm has been providing professional services in this capacity since 1963. With over 500 public-related projects in the last 12 years alone, the firm’s collective experience provides public clients with vast, relevant experience that can be applied to projects of varying type, size, complexity, and importance to the community and region.