Put your city on the 3D map

How to Become a Model(ed) City:

If you're a local government, community group or educational institution and are interested in building a 3D model of buildings in your city, you're in the right place. Google offers the resources you need -- whether you're starting from scratch or have existing data to share.

Create 3D models

Google SketchUp is software you can use to create a 3D textured model of buildings in your city or community. We offer video tutorials and a step-by-step guide showing you the easiest way to create photo-textured 3D models for Google Earth.

Learn about Google SketchUp

Download Google SketchUp

Hire a modeling service provider to model your city and community buildings in 3D. Visit our 3D Modeling Services section on the 3D Warehouse website to find a professional modeler for your project.

Share your models

The Google 3D Warehouse is an online content repository for 3D models and enables a collaborative approach to building a 3D representation of your city on Google Earth. Your city's textured model can be uploaded to the 3D Warehouse directly from Google SketchUp. Geo-located models that meet our criteria will be seamlessly included in the "3D Buildings" layer in Google Earth.

Visit the Google 3D Warehouse

Submit to us directly. If you would like to share your 3D data with the public but limit its access to "view only," you can provide it to us directly. Following a review, we will incorporate it on Google Earth such that users can view the 3D models, but don't have the option to download and enhance them.

Learn how to share your data

View your city in 3D

Google Earth lets you fly anywhere on Earth to view satellite imagery, maps, terrain, and 3D buildings. Download Google Earth, search for your city and make sure the "3D Buildings" layer is turned on.

Download Google Earth