Google Earth view now in Google Maps!

Very exciting news, something we had long expected to happen, Google Earth is now visible through the Google Maps interface.

Why is this exciting I hear you ask...  well  this means that everyone can now enjoy the wonders of Google Earth, including the 3D buildings layer, without having to install Google Earth.  All you need to do is go to Google Maps, find a map location your interested in and then click the 'Earth' button on the top right of the screen.  For example if you zoom in on Perth, then click the earth button you will see our latest geomodels, the two tallest buildings in Perth.  More to follow on these soon.

The integration of Google Earth into maps is exciting as it will make it the 3D buildings layer far more accessible. All you need is the Google Earth plugin.

Currently when you click on a 3D building in Google Earth a balloon pops up which contains text and a link which are populated by the maker of the model.  This functionality isn't yet in the earth maps view, but Google have confirmed they are working to include this functionality very soon.

Google have helpfully created this video to explain more...

This is great news for both geo-modelers and for users of Google Maps!  There are still a lot of features included in the full version of Google Earth that aren't available in the maps view that we would highly recommend downloading it.  A few of the additional features of Google Earth include:

• Additional layers including information such as photos
• The animation of sun and shadows
• Historic photo imagery
• Tape measure to measure distances

See the Iceland volcano in full 3D technicolor in Google Earth

They obviously weren't thinking about us poor English speakers when they named the Icelandic Volcano the Eyjafjallajokull .  I haven't even tried to say it out loud, what a mouthful!

Well the good news is we didn't have to create a geomodel of the volcano as they helpful chaps at Google have already mapped the terrain of the whole world in Google Earth.  Handy really as it would have been tough to fly over to take the necessary pictures what with all the planes being grounded.

If you want to see it for yourself from the comfort of your own home download a free copy  of Google Earth here, install, then make sure the terrain button is ticked (bottom right corner), and search for Iceland. Simples.

Just in case you want a quick peek beforehand we have included the Google Earth view below, which you can interact with as long as you have the plug-in.  Not much to look at for all the trouble it's causing is it?!

Powered by Google Earth Hacks

Of course now you have Google Earth installed you can see all a whole range of 3D buildings and terrains including Cannam Design's Geomodels which you can browse in the Google 3D Warehouse.  Just make sure you have the 3D buildings layer ticked (in the bottom right corner).

Here are some other amazing pictures of the eruption:

Dubai: Worlds first air conditioned bus stop

I spent last week in Dubai and really wanted to create a model while I was there.  Unfortunately due to time constraints (too much sightseeing and socialising to be done!) I didn't have much time for modelling.  Shame really as Dubai is full of architectural treats.  I did have time to create a model which was of interest to me, as I am also a building services engineer.

Dubai has created the worlds first air conditioned bus stop!  Not the most sustainable idea, but then again in a place where the temperature can hit 40 degrees it means more people may be encouraged to use public transport.

The model has already been approved in super quick time and is available for all to see in the Google Earth 3D buildings layer.

Picture of the model

3D model (spin around to see the air con unit on the back)

Google Earth model

I arrived in Auckland on Friday for a extended holiday. Hopefully will have a chance to do some modelling while I tour around, watch this space!

Introducing the worlds tallest building, the Burj Khalifa

Due to being a bit overzealous with the sightseeing I haven't had a chance to create any 3D models of Dubai yet, so I thought instead I would share a model of a building which just happens to be the tallest in the world.  For the moment anyway.  The Burj Khalifa which opened in January 2010 stands at 828 metres tall.

I visited the viewing tower on the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa last night with a friend, and the view was spectacular. You can see for miles, and it makes all of the surrounding buildings (which are already massive) look like models.

The Burj Khalifa currently holds 14 world records which you can see for yourself on the wikipedia page. My friend helpfully suggested another record that it might hold, longest drop for poop from the toilet on the top floor! Although I'm not sure they'll be keen to publicise that.

Wondering what all the fuss is about? See for yourself, here are a couple of photos I took:

The Burj Khalifa on the left.  Entrance to Dubai mall, the worlds largest shopping mall, on the right.

The Burj Khalifa

The view from the viewing platform on the 124th floor

The Burj Khalifa at night

There are already a number of 3D models which have been created for Google Earth and I thought I would share my favourite one with you.  It was created by a fellow Google Earth modeller, and I really hope this one makes in onto the 3D buildings layer.  You may need a plug-in to be able to view the 3D model below, if you can't see it you need the plug-in.

Wokingham's first Google Earth model: The Ship Inn

Ok as promised previously during my short stay in Wokingham I have spent some time crafting a model of one of my favourite pubs.  It also happens to be the first ever 3D model created for Google Earth in Wokingham.  And finally it's the first building you see when driving into the town centre, and what a great building it is too!

The Ship Inn, Wokingham

You can also see it here in 3d:

The Ship Inn

It turned out to be quite a tricky model due to all the extensions, but I'm pretty happy with the final result!