RobiNZ CAD Blog

Walt Disney World in Google Earth

Disney have just released a remarkable 3D model collection on Google Earth covering the massive Walt Disney World® Resort, Orlando. The level of detail is incredible to the as you can see in the comparison below. It shows Google Earth and a photo I took at Autodesk University 2005 – the photo is on the left, no it’s on the right!

You can explore all the parks and many of the surrounding resorts. It does take a while for some of the more complex models to download, even with broadband, but it’s quicker than the days it takes to see it all in the real world!

Official Google Blog: Explore Walt Disney World^® Resort in 3D

This revolutionary project features 3D models of our four Orlando theme parks and more than 20 of Disney’s Resort hotels. Incredible in scope -- containing over 1,500 3D models -- Walt Disney World Resort in 3D is the most detailed 3D rendering undertaken on Google Earth to date. 

Design productivity secrets from "Google User Experience", and a flaw in their UX?

“UX is an acronym for User experience" but many of the principles discussed in this ChangeOrder post apply to all design projects, especially the tips about design presentations.

ChangeOrder: Secrets of UX Design Productivity from Google

Last Thursday, I attended a free session organized by SIGCHI, Puget Sound region at Google Seattle HQ. Jake Knapp, a very well-spoken user interface designer, entertained a packed house with a speech on 17 tactics that he uses for creating strong UX work in "the flood" of projects that pour through his UX department from month to month…

• Have Strong Project Foundations
• Let the Code Be the Mockup
• Be Smart About (Re)using Research
• Designers Need to Create Memorable Presentations
  • Have a singular goal for your presentation.
  • Start on paper, and see the big-picture story
  • Make horizontal and vertical storyboards
  • 3 words or less per slide
  • Follow the 10/20/30 rule, per Guy Kawasaki.
  • Be careful how you present mockups
  • Drawings invite people to participate – Keeping the design work rough cues everyone to know it's a work in progress -- and treat it as such in discussions.

Via swissmiss

As a Google user, isn’t everyone on the net?, I have pondered one aspect of their Homepage (it’s even seen in the ChangeOrder Post!). While I understand their drive for simplicity it would be nice if the menu could sense, and cope with, a wider screen. Flying out a menu when there’s ample space for it’s contents doesn’t enhance my Google UX!

Google Maps for New Zealand

Google recently launched a localised version of their New Zealand map. We’ve had basic road/location info since last year but this adds search and links to local directories. It will even help you buy a parrot that’s not “resting”.

Official Google Blog: Haere Mai! Google Maps lands in New Zealand
Today we're pleased to announce the full launch of Google Maps in New Zealand. Although we've offered basic mapping in New Zealand for some time, today we're unveiling a localised and customised site for our users in New Zealand.

Satellite tracked Godwit expected in NZ today - 30,000 km to Alaska & back!

It’s a long-haul flight to nearly everywhere from New Zealand. Often you crawl off the plane with a sense of achievement for merely surviving the flight. Spare a thought for the little Godwit “E7” who is about to complete a 30,000km round trip from New Zealand to Alaska.

There have been many theories, and a few myths, about the flight of the Godwit. Many remember it as the symbol for our domestic airline – National Airways Corp – (before it was merged with Air New Zealand) and from popular children’s books.

Satellite tracking and Google Earth combine to enable anyone to see the E7’s track. Many birds were tracked to Alaska, via China, but only E7’s transmitter has lasted long enough to record the remarkable 11,500km journey home direct across the Pacific. Hopefully E7 is here by now and having a good rest.

Makes 14 hours sitting, eating, sleeping, watching movies in a 747 seem rather trivial…

Godwit expected in NZ safe today - Christchurch News - The Press
A feathered harbinger of spring was expected to land safely in New Zealand last night. The 30,000km round trip of the Godwit from New Zealand to Alaska and back again has been tracked by satellite for the first time…

The Pacific Shorebird Migration Project Webpage has maps, information and a kmz file download to view in Google Earth:

http://www.werc.usgs.gov/sattrack/shorebirds/overall.html

Photo Credit N. Warnock

UPDATE 12–09–2007:
Bar-tailed Godwit E7 returns after a marathon flight - Asia-Pacific Shorebird Network
E7 – a female Bar-tailed Godwit fitted with a satellite transmitter at Miranda, Firth of Thames in New Zealand on 6th February returned to the place of tagging on the evening of Friday 7 September (local time) after a logged flight of 29,181 km (about 500 hours of flying). During that time she flew to the Yellow Sea, where she stayed for five weeks before flying to Alaska to breed, then flew 11,570 km back to her regular non-breeding site in New Zealand in about 8 days 12 hours.

Tags: Godwit, Google+Earth

Want to know more about CAD/BIM and Google Earth?

Looking at the statistics for this blog there is one thing thats remarkable.

Judging by visits to the post “DWG to [Google] Earth, do you read me?” lots of people are interested in Google Earth and CAD.

It’s responsible for about one third of the visits coming from search which makes me wonder:

• Is there a huge untapped demand for information more posts on CAD/BIM and Google Earth?
• If so what are you all trying to achieve?

Leave a comment or email me using the “email me” link in the r/h column.

Tags: Google+Earth

How Google Earth [Really] Works

If you’ve ever wondered what’s actually going on when you Google Earth, here’s an explanation: 

How Google Earth [Really] Works - RealityPrime
I thought there might be some interest, and despite some valid intellectual property concerns, here we are, with "part one" of explaining how at least part of Google Earth works…

Via www.ogleearth.com

Tags: Google+Earth

ZNO's Google Earth 3D Christchurch, New Zealand

I was adding The Warehouse Stores, just locations not models, to Google Earth today and stumbled on ZNO’s stunning Christchurch models. I knew they were working on them but didn’t realise they’d just been released. Zoom in to Christchurch and have a look at their brilliant work!

This kmz file (619 bytes) will get you to Christchurch in http://earth.google.com

ZNO Christchurch is online at Google Earth.
After many many months of hard work ZNO CHRISTCHURCH has made the default layer in Google Earth….

PS: Pity about the use of “Snap Preview” on the ZNO blog. Am I the only one who find it’s annoying, or worse…

Tags: ZNO, Google+Earth

AutoCAD Publish to Google Earth "updated for 2008"

One of my most popular older posts is the result of people searching for “AutoCAD, Google Earth & kmz”. About a thousand people a month find this post about the Autodesk Labs AutoCAD Google Earth Extension. The good news from Shaan is that it’s just been updated for 2008!

Between the Lines: Publish to Google Earth for AutoCAD 2008
New Version for AutoCAD 2008 posted!

Google Earth Extension Technology Preview
This AutoCAD 2008 add-on is useful in publishing and viewing your DWG-based data and 3D models within Google Earth™.
Applicable Products: AutoCAD 2008, AutoCAD Architecture 2008, AutoCAD Civil 3D 2008, AutoCAD Map 3D 2008

Tags: Google+Earth

New Zealand Roads, Route Finding and Tourism info on Google Earth

If you’re considering visiting New Zealand Google Earth can help. Tourism New Zealand have added a “100% Pure New Zealand” info layer to Google Earth with details on Destinations, Scenic highlights and Visitor Centres. The info links back to their 100% Pure New Zealand.com site.

While checking that out I also noticed Google Earth also now has the full road network and route finding, Google Maps had it some time ago, so you can find those destinations!

 

Google Earth with kiwi roads!

I first found it via Computerworld

Google Earth Blog: 100% Pure New Zealand Layer in Google Earth
Buried in the new layers added to Google Earth on Monday, was a new sub-layer found under the Travel and Tourism layer. The new layer is the first example of a country getting a built-in GE layer celebrating the travel and tourist spots in Google Earth.

Tags: Google+Earth

How will a stadium impact the waterfront? - Architectural Desktop + Google Earth shows

UPDATE 23–11–2006: As per the comments, the images & .kmz model now show the Union building at 47m OAH.

I never thought I’d be modelling a stadium but this shows what a bit of time, Architectural Desktop and Google Earth can achieve.

There has been a fair amount of controversy about a proposal to build “Stadium New Zealand”. This new sports stadium will be located in Auckland and built for the 2011 Rugby World Cup but the $300 – $1,500 million cost, depends who you believe, will endure long after that game is over. This could be considered a local issue but they are considering both “hotel bed” and “airport” taxes so tourists may contribute to this folly.

What I consider to be the most important question, "Do we actually need a 60,000 seat stadium?", seems to be beyond the debate as we simply get the choice of extending an existing stadium, Eden Park, or building on a proposed new Auckland City Waterfront site. The consultation process for this project has been crazy and shown both National & Local Body politics at it’s worst. Tonight on TV news the Mayor of Auckland mentioned taking advice, hearing voices, from the spirit of a long dead and revered former Mayor which shows how weird it, and he, has become.

I oppose the proposed waterfront location as it just seems wrong to put a massive inward focused building in such a prime harbourside location. Some people quote similar stadium locations working in Wellington & Melbourne but, although near the city & water, neither compares. This site impacts all future development in the waterfront and when that land, currently in port use, is made available for public use I’m sure a better activity can be found.

The waterfront proposal has been presented with flashy videos and artist impressions. Given the impact of a bulky/high structure the visuals seem a little bit, to be kind, “creative”.

I’m not alone in thinking this and Architect/Blogger Peter Cresswell (NotPC Blog) provides some evidence. In his post “Stadium drawings deceptive” he shows that Union House (white building with diagonal bracing – indicated by red arrow in the image) is 44m 47m high while the stadium, quoted as being 37m high, seems much shorter in the illustration. Another blogger, Whaleoil, has also commented on this comparing other measures including container crane booms and port lights, both supposed to be about about 30m, to estimate the shortfall.

Curious I decided to investigate. Using Peter’s Union House measure as a datum and the published plan, sections & height of the stadium I created a mass model in Architectural Desktop. I also traced some surrounding building plans (from an image) and used heights estimated from photos to mass them. There are many estimations in the surrounding buildings but Union House (red) is 44m 47m high & the Stadium section is scaled to 37m above ground level and as accurate as working from images allows.

I then used the Autodesk Labs AutoCAD Google Earth plug-in to create a Google Earth model. The result looks somewhat different to the artist impressions released. Have a look comparing that the red mass to the Union Building in the illustration & decide for yourself;

Is the artistic impressions use of height/perspective is rather approximate.... or creative... or maybe, deliberate?

Download Google Earth – http://earth.google.com – and the model and have a look.

File Attachment: WaterfrontStadiumAuckland47.kmz (274 KB)

Related sites & links at: http://www.waterfrontstadium.co.nz/

Have your say: http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/stadium/default.asp

Tags: Stadium+New+Zealand, Auckland, Waterfront, Eden+Park

DWG to [Google] Earth, do you read me? - Autodesk Labs AutoCAD Google Earth Extension

I’ve been playing with the new Autodesk Labs AutoCAD Google Earth Extension and thought worth sharing the results. This will work with AutoCAD 2007 based products including Architectural Desktop which is what I used. My first recommendation is “Read the Instructions!”. There is some manual set-up to load the arx and toolbar once the install process is complete.

In my ADT “Playhouse” project I created a Project Navigator View which included the shell of the building + some landscape items (path, drive & retaining wall) ready to export.

Kiwi & Aussie Roads in Google Maps!

Yep, street level mapping for New Zealand & Australia in Google Maps, soon for Google Earth I hope!

Google Earth Blog: Down Under and Kiwis Get Roads in Google Maps

Google Maps Mania: Big News: Google Maps street maps for ALL of Australia and New Zealand!

Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2005.. Google Earth Feed

This is neat. Watch the 2005 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in Google Earth, with yacht positions and standings updated every ten minutes. Great way to track the race as Kiwi supermaxi’s Alfa Romeo and Konica Minolta battle for line honours.

Getting it working
If not installed already, download and install Google Earth
Open the race feed file: cyca_rshyr_yachtrace.kml

Google Earth is a 3D interface to the planet. It combines satellite imagery with a model that can be zoomed, spun and tilted. The Google Earth feed is for private, non-commercial use only.

Full Details: Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2005.. Google Earth Feed.

Santa on Google Earth

Follow Mr S. Claus on his delivery trip around the world…

Official Google Blog: This just in....
I love Google Earth and have been planning a big trip with it…
S. Claus

AECnews.com is blogging the SketchUp 3D Base Camp

I was surprised to get a trackback from Randall S. Newton to my post regarding Google Earth + SketchUp!

For the past few days I’ve been reading his blog posts from the SketchUp Users Conference, 3D Base Camp 2005. Read them at AECnews.com indexed in the Event Blogging category.

Google Earth + SketchUp = Cool!

Back in August after playing with Google Earth I wrote;

“BIM + Global Database + Bandwidth = The Future, Today. A BIM project that extended to a site, or maybe suburban layout, can now be placed in context. Anyone with a broadband net connection can have the world on their desktop today. Your project is part of that world.”

I recently found out that SketchUp made it happen producing a Google Earth Importer/Exporter that enables your SketchUp model to be placed on Google Earth. The screen-shot shows their sample model of Dulles International Airport in the Google Earth viewer (click for a larger view). The banner at their site shows an animated zoom from Google Earth Globe view to their HQ at street level.

What was an idea a few months ago, becomes an impressive reality. A cool 3d building modeller meets a cool 3d world.

SketchUp Google Earth - PRE-BETA

You already know the power and ease of use that SketchUp provides... now there's a new way to view it and share it with your friends, co-workers, clients and your favourite stranger!

Via Geocreek: Visual and Spatial Data

Approximately a Smoot

I was using Google Earth the other day and noticed in addition to the usual Kilometers, Miles, Feet there was the unit “Smoots”.

What is a Smoot?

According to Wikipedia the Smoot is a nonstandard unit of length created as part of an MIT fraternity prank. In 1958 Oliver R. Smoot was rolled head over heels by his fraternity brothers to measure the length of the Harvard Bridge. The smoot is equal to his height; five feet and seven inches or 1.70 m.

Oliver R. Smoot later became Chairman of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and President of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

It’s also about how tall I am and I can’t wait to use it on an official form…

BIM + Global Database + Bandwidth = The Future, Today

I’ve been playing with Google Earth and think it could revolutionise how companies with geographic resources, projects or assets, access their data.

In a recent article, on AECbytes, Tom Sweeney comments that the convergence of BIM data, global geo-referenced databases, instant search and high speed data links could revolutionise design and the design process.

A BIM project that extended to a site, or maybe suburban layout, can now be placed in context. Anyone with a broadband net connection can have the world on their desktop today. Your project is part of that world.

What impact will this have on how you do business?

I live in a Google World but I work in a Pre-Google One - AECbytes Viewpoint #16

Google Earth reveals Kiwi art

This story from the local paper reveals a new use for Google Earth. Dane Hawker decided to take a look at where he goes fishing and found a huge sculpture on nearby farmland.

Is there a catalogue of “Google Earth Art” in other locations?

Internet sleuths crack art puzzle - The New Zealand Herald

If you have Google Earth installed, download and double-click on the .kmz place-mark file below and it will fly you to the location. If not, you will need to install Google Earth at http://earth.google.com (Note: It requires a broadband Internet feed).

Download Google_Earth_Art-Snells_Beach_NZ.zip (0.6K)
The kmz is in a zip file as TypePad was changing the file extension on download.

High resolution images for New Zealand are limited and we don’t have the road maps  or search data seen in the US maps yet but this sort of application has a huge future.

About Google Earth: Google Earth streams the world over wired and wireless networks enabling users to virtually go anywhere on the planet and see places in photographic detail. This is a 3D model of the real world, based on real satellite images combined with maps, guides to restaurants, hotels, entertainment, businesses and more. You can zoom from space to street level instantly and then pan or jump from place to place, city to city, even country to country.