Creating 3D buildings using textures (photographs) involves a different approach than traditional SketchUp modeling. Our SketchUp experts have created a series of video tutorials that outline some tips, tricks and best practices that will get you up to speed quickly. Alternatively, you can download a PDF here.
| Video Name / Description |
Posted |
Watch Video |
| 1. |
Introduction
Outlining the goals in modeling for Google Earth and how it is unique. |
12/21/2006 |
Watch |
| 2. |
Beginning the Process
This tutorial covers the first steps in creating a suitable model for Google Earth including: importing terrain, resetting the origin, and other tips. |
12/21/2006 |
Watch |
| 3. |
Delete Unseen Faces
This tutorial covers the cleaning of unnecessary geometry from your model. |
12/21/2006 |
Watch |
| 4. |
Important Detail Only
This tutorial shows the hierarchy of detail which should be used in modeling for Google Earth. |
12/21/2006 |
Watch |
| 5. |
Single Faces
Details in Google Earth models should be shown with single flat faces. |
12/21/2006 |
Watch |
| 6. |
Simplify Curves
The default arcs and circles in SketchUp are too complicated to work well in Google Earth, learn how to simplify them. |
12/21/2006 |
Watch |
| 7. |
Components
File size can be optimized in your model by turning repeated geometry into instanced components. |
12/21/2006 |
Watch |
| 8. |
Using Colors
For small faces or hard to photograph areas in your model, plain coordinated colors can work nicely. |
12/21/2006 |
Watch |
| 9. |
Hiding Edges
This tutorial shows the steps to take to get your model to export to Google Earth without lines showing. |
12/21/2006 |
Watch |
| 10. |
Texture Optimization in Picasa
This tutorial details the techniques for getting images ready to use in Picasa, Google's imagery program. |
12/21/2006 |
Watch |
| 11. |
Texture Application
This video shows the techniques for applying photos to your model and removing their perspective. |
12/21/2006 |
Watch |
| 12. |
Texture Optimization in Photoshop
This video shows the techniques for getting images ready to use in Adobe Photoshop. |
12/21/2006 |
Watch |
| 13. |
Advanced Photoshop Techniques
This tutorial shows some additional techniques in Photoshop which can be useful. |
12/21/2006 |
Watch |
| 14. |
Finishing Touches and Posting
This tutorial demonstrates the final checklist of things to make a model "Google Earth Ready" and shows the process of posting to the 3D Warehouse. |
12/21/2006 |
Watch |
