Google Earth and SketchUp

Importing a SketchUp model into Google Earth (even as a preview) provides a user-friendly method of viewing a site or building in its complete context. One of the problems with most 3D modeling tools is that only a limited amount of contextual information can be created before crashing the file. Also these programs can typically only represent the information in drawings and still images. Google Earth and SketchUp allow the viewer to explore the space 3-dimensionally.

In addition to being able to use all of the information already stored in Google Earth, the program allows for even more information to be linked to the file through the descriptions of placemarks and image overlays. In placemark descriptions, the designer can include all the data he desires in text form or he can add links that may direct the viewer to more information. Image overlays make it simple for the designer to share ideas in a plan perspective. Sketches or drawings may be superimposed over the existing Google Earth terrain to better represent site different aspects of site analysis, programming, or plan views of a project. Also, the ability to “turn off” and “turn on” different layers of information allows the viewer to control the amount of data that appears on the model, which can help maintain legibility. The viewer can also control what information he or she wants to analyze in relation to other data.

This method seems particularly beneficial when creating a site analysis, as multiple layers of information can be represented in the SketchUp model and in Google Earth as image overlays, placemarks, and polygons (a drawing tool in Google Earth). Information that is too cumbersome to include in the model or textual data can be added in the placemark descriptions or can be linked to the file. One caution, however, is to not overload the model or descriptions in a manner that lessens the legibility of the model or that is overwhelming to the viewer.