Sun shaded SketchUp Models in Google Earth
June 14th, 2007
Playing around some more with SketchUp shadows and shading in Google Earth.
In this example I took an overhead screenshot from SketchUp of a simple model of the Pyramids of Giza. Then mapped this image back onto the same model as a texture. This means that when the model was exported to Google Earth, render effects were included.
The Google Earth timeline uses a sequence of these models, with baked-in shading, to display a ’sundial animation’, covering an eight and a half hour period.
Pyramids of Giza
(1.7MB)
Viewing tips:
- Terrain and 3D Buildings, under Layers, should to be switched off.
- This is one of those Google Earth files where once opened it’s a good idea to maximize the width of the time slider to load in all the files.
- Then minimize this once the green load icons (under Places) have disappeared
- Click the play button to view the animation.
- Repeat mode and playback speed can be altered in the time control options dialog via the white clock button
Related:
- Animated London Eye with shadow
- Bouncing Google Earth
Related posts:
- Textured Globe Models in SketchUp
- SketchUp Models from Old Prints
- SketchUp Models from Old Prints, part 2
- Making Google Earth Models Glow
- SketchUp Skydome
My computer’s RAM usage jumped to about 1400 mb and I was almost forced to reboot it by pressing the button.
This may be cool, but dangerous.
This is cool, the thing I am looking for !
I am located in Switzerland and I am fascinated from flying through the Alps
To plan my walkings I’d like so simulate the sunshadow for the day based on the 3d terrain of GE… Any ideas?