3D Buildings
Google earth has recently added a new 3D buildings layer to their free-online program. The 3D buildings layer has the capability to show buildings and structures (such as bridges) in three dimensions. The layer was created using SketchUp,a 3D modeling program that takes 2D images and transforms them into 3D models. While the program started as simple “gray [3D] buildings with no color or photo textures…
over time the models have become much more realistic and interesting by incorporating [texture,color,and detail]” (Taylor,F. 2009). 
Hundreds of buildings across the globe can now be viewed in three-dimensions,in places like the US,India,the UK,Japan,Ireland,Germany,and Canada (Google 2009). While the 3D buildings layer was initially developed to aid Local Government in carrying out town planning functions,the 3D has rapidly expanded and is now used to help generate more tourism and interest in the buildings available for viewing (Wikipedia,2010). The 3D buildings layer is also great for teaching children spatial awareness,and allows for “virtual field trips”across the globe.
360 Degree Cities
The Google 360 degree Cities program,created as an “add on”to the 3D buildings layer”,was created to help engage the public and create tourism interest by featuring popular city’s buildings,landmarks,and terrain online.
The layer was also built to be used in classrooms as a learning tool (much like the 3D buildings layer). The layer was built and is now funded by a wide variety of organizations which means the information available is both diverse and expansive. In addition,Google encourages people to upload photos to add to the archives of the layer;the uploaded pictures help add detail,color,and texture. The layer is hugely popular and successful;“more than 350 million internet users have turned to Google Earth to better understand and navigate their world,and the 360 degree cities add-on is one of the most popular aspects of the program” (Google,2009). “Through the “360 degree cities”layer,[governments] can encourage…the [general] public and professionals in the private sector” to come visit and explore their cities (Google,2009). The layer also helps engage the pubic in planning land use,redevelopment and historic preservation;it helps foster economic development through real estate expansion and new business recruitment,and it helps boost tourism by showing landmarks and attractions in 3D (Google,2009). Teachers who have used the 360 degree cities layer feel that “it greatly enhances their ability to get students engaged and interested in the subject matter”they are teaching,and in this case showing (Borja,2006). Virtually touring the Roman Coliseum in vivid color and 3 dimensions is much more exciting that viewing it in a dusty old text book.
Abigail Mathieson
