14 DAY TRIAL // Google Earth is an impressive program created by Google that allows you to view images captured from satellites in real time. This way, you can view maps representing a specific location and even view directions and calculate distances with the innovative features included in the software solution. Google tried to improve the application periodically adding new functions, but this time, the company wants users' help.
"That's right, Google is looking for the hottest models on the planet. They can come from any city in the world, and they can be any height, but they must be interesting to look at, well-made and lightweight. Of course, by "lightweight" we mean that the file size should be reasonably small," Google said in a blog post.
The company wants you to create some 3d models of any building, city or state and send it to Google to allow its employees to analyze and include it in the Google Earth features.
If you want to send 3d models of your neighborhood to Google, you should download Google SketchUp, a powerful application that was designed to allow you to build 3d models with ease. After the installation of the software solution, you should draw the 3d model of the building you want but don't forget to mention its location in Google Earth. Then, you should upload the file that contains your 3d model using the 3D Warehouse, a service created by the company to store all the files sent by the users. The last step of the process is to download the last version of Google Earth and select the 3D Building feature located in the Layers menu. This way, you can find out if the 3d model designed by you is included in the application.
"If you don't find it, keep checking -- sometimes it takes several weeks for models to appear in Google Earth. In the meantime, visit "Best of 3D Warehouse" to see some that have made the cut. Fly to Denver CO, Boulder CO, New York, NY and Calgary, Canada to start. Then investigate other cities to see if they contain 3D buildings yet. In short, 3D modelers, Google Earth is your palette; Google SketchUp is your brush. Show the world what you've got!" the company concluded.