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 * Google GOO**

__**NOTE:**__ Google Earth Pro is now installed in MS221. However, due to Google's 'odd' way of licensing, to use GEpro use must right click on the icon and login locally using the username **google_pro** and the password **GIS4fun**. This will allow you to use the program. To access you netwrok drives you must map them. IF you do not know how to do this speak to myself or anyone in MS220. [pg]

All of us have seen what is possible with the latest ‘virtual worlds’ software. We have all at one time or another used these software tools to look up where we live, work, or participate in our favorite form of recreation. But these tools are not just for the voyeur in us all.

Google Maps, Google Earth, SketchUp, Picasa … these are the tools that will allow you to create some amazing photorealistic 3D models. We can use them to model our world, represent spatial data that otherwise would not be as easily understood, AND we can post our work to the web so that anyone can see it. You can create some pretty cool graphics to be sure. But better yet, you can use these tools to impress upon others that you are a cartographic genius! … and not just another map geek.

Below I have some links for you to examine. Make sure to post your thoughts or questions on the discussion board above, or on one of the “MY …” pages listed below. Your fellow map geek will be great sources of information, feedback, and advice.

__First, the software … these links will take to their product home pages:__

[|SketchUp] – the Google 3D model building software tool.

[|Google Earth] – there is a free download, but we will be using the Pro version.

[|Google Maps] – a free map and wayfinding web service.

[|Picasa] – free download.

[|Photoshop] – this will take you to the CS3 page (we are currently using CS1).

__Links to cool tools we will need to exploit … :__

[|The Google Earth Users Guide].


 * Modeling in Google Earth** – this **[[file:modelyourcampus.pdf]]** is a valuable resource. It outlines what steps are necessary to create those awe-inspiring Google Earth scenes we all admire. It comes from the Google Earth [|Build Your Campus in 3D] competition. If you are interested in working on something like this let me know. There a few folks on campus who are working on this project and your help would probably be welcomed.

[|Modeling Buildings for Google Earth] – this link will take you to a collection of videos which detail what steps are required to SketchUp to create photorealistic models for putting into Google Earth. Watch the videos and learn the ins and outs of this process.

Google’s [|3D Warehouse] – this will take you to the site where 3D buildings and other 3D content created with SketchUp gets uploaded. You can search and download content.

[|How to place a SketchUp model in Google Earth?]

[|How to share models via the 3D Warehouse?]

[|How to download models from the 3D Warehouse into SketchUp?]

The [|SketchUp Pro Forums] and the [|SketchUp Help] pages.

__Some Google specific blogs and reviews:__

[|The Google Earth Blog] … a tremendous source of information. Loads of content and discussion on all things Google Earth. It is worth look if your going to get into this stuff very deeply.

[|The Ogle Earth Blog] – just a useful a site as the unofficial google earth blog. Talks a little more about some of the other virtual worlds software products too.

[|The Google Earth Community] pages … lost? The Google Earth community is probably the single greatest resource for those new to this technology. Take a look at what they have to offer … news, discussion forums, advice, popular and cool posts and links.

A c|net review of Google Earth [|here].

A winplanet review [|here].

An AECbytes take on [|Placing a Google SketchUp Model in Google Earth].

A review by [|Laptop] magazine.

A Directions Magazine [|article] on Google Earth and SketchUp.

__The “My …” links:__

You can post your thoughts, work, questions, and comments on these pages. Don’t forget to check the discussion board above and on the following pages.

My Google Earth Project

My use of SketchUp

My work in Picasa and Photoshop

My Google Favorites