It may be necessary to stop using words like “neat” and “cool”; it’s possibly time to put on a tie. A new push involving Google Earth stresses all the practical (and somewhat implausible) reasons cities should create 3D models of themselves.
Google Cities 3D Page
On the Google LatLong Blog, Bruce Polderman announced the launch of the Google Cities in 3D Program. “Prior to today, local governments could publish 3D building models to Google Earth via the Google 3D Warehouse,” he noted. “This new program expands on that approach and provides a more direct and efficient means of publishing larger datasets to Google Earth.”
All right, then. On to why officials should spend time doing so. “A 3D model of a city is extremely useful to potential visitors, developers, investors, preservationists, property owners, businesses, public officials, and many other groups,” according to Polderman. “By establishing a 3D representation of a city on Google Earth, local governments can more effectively engage the public and boost tourism by enabling prospective visitors to plan their visit in advance.”
Or not. In regards to that last reason: if our history books (and family photo albums) are correct, people occasionally visited other places before Google Earth ever came into existence. And even in the modern world, lots of things get accomplished without it.
We’ll forgive Google this appeal to the ultra-practical, though. With any luck, the company’s goals will get accomplished, and we’ll gain realistic models of various cities.
