Creating models for Google Earth
Video Tutorials
Creating models for Google Earth presents a unique challenge compared to everyday SketchUp modeling. These videos cover the techniques you need for making great models specifically for Google Earth.
Click on the headings to expand each section and see the video tutorials within.
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Introduction (1:05)
Outlining the goals in modeling for Google Earth and how it is unique.
Delete Unseen Faces (00:57)
This tutorial covers the cleaning of unnecessary geometry from your model.
Important Detail Only (0:55)
This tutorial shows the hierarchy of detail which should be used in modeling for Google Earth.
Single Faces (1:19)
Details in Google Earth models should be shown with single flat faces.
Simplify Curves (1:45)
The default arcs and circles in SketchUp are too complicated to work well in Google Earth, learn how to simplify them.
Components (0:53)
File size can be optimized in your model by turning repeated geometry into instanced components.
Using Colors (0:29)
For small faces or hard to photograph areas in your model, plain coordinated colors can work nicely.
Hiding Edges (0:59)
This tutorial shows the steps to take to get your model to export to Google Earth without lines showing.
Texture Optimization in Picasa (2:00)
This tutorial details the techniques for getting images ready to use in Picasa, Google's imagery program.
Texture Application (2:11)
This video shows the techniques for applying photos to your model and removing their perspective.
Texture Optimization in Photoshop (4:06)
This video shows the techniques for getting images ready to use in Adobe Photoshop.
Advanced Photoshop Techniques (1:55)
This tutorial shows some additional techniques in Photoshop which can be useful.
Finishing Touches and Posting (3:55)
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.