· Google Earth is simply based on 3D
maps, with the capability to show 3D buildings and structures (such as
bridges), which consist of users' submissions using SketchUp, a 3D modeling
program software.
· Many buildings and structures from
around the world now have detailed 3D structures; including those in the United
States, Canada, Mexico, India, Japan, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Pakistan
and the cities, Amsterdam and Alexandria.
· In August 2007, Hamburg became the
first city entirely shown in 3D, including textures such as façades. The
'Westport3D' model was created by 3D imaging firm AM3TD using long-distance
laser scanning technology and digital photography and is the first such model
of an Irish town to be created.
· Three-dimensional renderings are
available for certain buildings and structures around the world via Google's 3D
Warehouse and other websites. In June 2012, Google announced that it will start
to replace user submitted 3D buildings with auto-generated 3D mesh buildings
starting with major cities.
· Although there are many cities on
Google Earth that are fully or partially 3D, more are available in the Earth
Gallery. The Earth Gallery is a library of modifications of Google Earth people
have made.
· In the library there are not only
modifications for 3D buildings, but also models of earthquakes using the Google
Earth model, 3D forests, and much more.
