Freeloader Friday Download of the Week

Google Earth + Google SketchUp for OS X

Google Earth 4.0 (beta)

The world of Google Earth has grown quite a bit in the last year or so. The free application is much more than a satellite image browser. Overlays and network data feeds have turned the application into a 3D, tweak-able and live application.

Google Earth has always had cool fly-bys and aerial imagery. Now that imagery is much higher resolution. 3D additions like city-scapes and downloadable markers make things more interesting.

You can even track live flights, get real-time weather conditions and more. I think its safe to say Google Earth is the best way to waste away a Friday afternoon since the you got the internet at work.

Google SketchUp

The first stop in adding 3D to your Google Earth is to download the 3D Warehouse Network Link. Once loaded into Google Earth, this overlay will place markers across the globe linking to downloadable 3D imagery.

Where do these great image-covered polygons come from? And how do I get in on the fun? Since being acquired by Google, SketchUp - a 3D authoring application has become free.

If you are a 3D pro, it may not be what you are used to. And if you're not, the tools will require some patience - at first. SketchUp is a fast and relatively easy to learn 3D design tool. There's a generous load of free objects pre-made for you, and more on the web.

Not a huge surprise, but SketchUp makes it easy to add your model to the world - turning it into a 3D overlay placed on your spot right in SketchUp. Want to share your creation? Email the overlay file to friends. Want creepy strangers lurking outside your virtual house? Post it to Google's online 3D Warehouse.

Who needs Second Life when you can build your own stuff right here on Earth?

Brian

  


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