Slashgeo

redgeographics writes "Well... we've all been waiting for it of course. Google has released a special, free, Google Sketchup version (free for non-commercial use). The way they're letting you place the model in real world coordinates is pretty sweet: you open up Google Earth, zoom in to the area of interest, then go into Sketchup and hit 'get terrain'. It loads a screenshot from Google and you can use it to place your model on. How simple can it be? (okay, I haven't used Sketchup before, so if this is old functionality, don't flame me...)

More information and a download is available at http://sketchup.google.com/"

Very Spatial links to Microsoft Live Labs' Photosynth, which "takes a large collection of photos of a place or object, analyzes them for similarities, and displays them in a reconstructed 3-Dimensional space ." There's a must watch video and must read "smart photos" page. From Very Spatial: "The word is that Photosynth will be available for free, at least at first, but no word yet on an exact release date." This tool will directly compete with Stitcher, and to some extent, Google SketchUp. The user-friendly virtual world reconstruction tools is getting crowded (see previous stories below). Microsoft doesn't yet have software to tie a photo library with Windows Live Local (Google does), but don't be surprised if it comes to life. Update: 08/01 15:51 GMT by S : Got the story Slashdotted, with a link to Very Spatial :-)

Abe Megahed writes "Hypercosm has released new mapping features with its latest web based 3D model exporters for 3ds Max and SketchUp. The 3D model can be placed on top of a 3D map, aerial, or hybrid map underlay, which is used to give the models a sense of place and scale. To view Hypercosm 3D models, you need to install a plug-in, which is available for Windows or Macintosh computers. Mapping for SketchUp models. Mapping for 3ds Max models." Hypercosm products were quickly mentioned by Ogle Earth two years ago. Some related stories below.

The Google Earth Blog reports : "Google has announced another 3D model your campus contest. This time, after the outcry (also this) last year, the contest is International (not just North America). Details on the contest are at the official contest web page. The contest is open to students of higher education worldwide (see rules). According to the site, the contest participants "...earn lasting online glory and, for the winners, an Apple iPod Touch, a Nintendo Wii Console, and a Google t-shirt and hat.""

For more information and relevant Google links, visit the Google Earth Blog.

SlashDot is currently running an article about this. It's truly amazing technology, and I suggest you view the video link provided below. Here is their summary : "The user interacts with VideoTrace by tracing the shape of the object to be modeled over one or more frames of the video. By interpreting the sketch drawn by the user in light of 3D information obtained from computer vision techniques, a small number of simple 2D interactions can be used to generate a realistic 3D model."

The video is pretty good, so I will provide a link to it since it's hard to find. Video Demo.
For more information and a links to the full story, follow the SlashDot link above.

The GEB mentions the release of Google's SketchUp for Dummies. From the blog: "SketchUp is the most intuitive and fun 3D modeling program I've ever used, and I've used programs like it for over 20 years. I'm sure this book will be worth looking into if you are just getting started with SketchUp, or have never used 3D modeling tools before."

Several news items on the Google front. First, the Google Earth Blog introduces the new Google Earth Outreach, which are new global awareness layers. The GEB also share two changes in Google Earth layers and gallery. Meanwhile, Ogle Earth also shares links regarding Google Earth Outreach and discuss how France's Dassault Systemes and Microsoft are aiming at Google 3D warehouse. From the Outreach post: "Today Google has announced a new initiative called Google Earth Outreach designed to help nonprofit organizations around the world leverage the power of Google Earth to illustrate and advocate for the important work that they do. [...] Google Earth Outreach enables any organization to quickly and easily get the resources it needs to create compelling stories through Google Earth layers. The program includes comprehensive online guides, video tutorials, and case studies about using Google Earth specifically targeted to the needs of nonprofit organizations."

The official Google Lat Long blog announced the Help Model a City initiative. From the blog entry: "This was in response to cities like San Jose, California, that don't have the resources to model a city on their own and who are hoping to enlist the help of 3D modeling ethusiasts. So far a few cities have published 3D "massing models" along with digital photos, making it easy for 3D modelers anywhere in the world to create visually accurate 3D textured buildings." Google is very brilliant in making people willfully and happily work for them. This is the case with Google's 3D Warehouse, but you can find similar examples such as Google's Image Labeler. In the same entry, about 2D GIS it is said: "While they may be very effective analysis tools, these applications often fail to impart knowledge in a format that the average citizen can easily grasp."

The Google Earth Blog offers a link to video tutorials for learning how to send models from SketchUp to Google Earth. From the blog: "Here are some Google Earth relevant tutorials: Google Earth to SketchUp - Part 1, and SketchUp to Google Earth - Part 2. If you are looking to learn more about using SketchUp, these video tutorials are worth watching."

Very Spatial links to a video showing how to use SketchUp along with Google Earth. From MacBreak: "Alex Oliver shows us modeling in Google Sketchup and how to export 3D models to Google Earth."

From the Google Earth Blog : "Google has released a big upgrade to Google SketchUp 7 - their 3D modeling tool. SketchUp 7 is available in a free version, and a Pro version which includes a number of features helpful to professional modelers (such as a presentation tool, more model making features, printing, and e-mail support - see comparison). The Pro version costs $495, but is available for free to educators and only $49 for students." Update: 11/17 17:34 GMT by S : The announcement from the official Google Lat Long blog.