New Modeling Algorithms Bring More Detail to Google Earth's 3-D World

An anonymous reader writes "Google Earth has featured (some) textured 3D buildings and 3D terrain since 2006. New image-based modeling algorithms that process 45-degree Aerial Images automatically, however, will allow Google Earth to display entire 3D cities with fully texture-mapped, accurately modeled 3 dimensional buildings, roads, trees and landscaping/terrain. This YouTube video released by Google shows how effective the technique is at capturing urban areas in 3D. The resulting 3D cities look almost like a high-altitude view of a fully modeled 3D city in games like Grand Theft Auto."

Comments

Re:Integrate into a map?

[MojoRilla]

I think that's the plan. Google Maps now has a new mode called MapsGL which uses hardware accelerated 3d. Why add 3d to the browser if you didn't plan to use it.

Imagine what the military have!

[G3ckoG33k]

If this is the consumer grade version, imagine what the military have, and must have had for years.

This is impressive technology, even if it has been done before!