A: All models published to the 3D Warehouse marked as “Google Earth Ready” go through a review process. The models are reviewed for accuracy of location, visual completeness, photo textures, polygon count and overall quality. Only models that exist in the real world are eligible. In other words, we won’t accept a model of a building that hasn’t been constructed yet. If your model is not accepted to the 3D buildings layer please review our acceptance criteria to learn how you can improve your model.
A: Models are reviewed on a daily basis. Accepted models are typically added to the 3D buildings layer at the end of each week. Occasionally we are not able to publish every week and when this happens it can take a bit longer for a model to appear in Google Earth.
A: The 3D Warehouse can email you status updates when your model is accepted. If your model is not accepted we will also email you and provide suggestions on how to improve your model. You can choose whether you want to receive automatic emails in your preferences. You can also check a model’s status at the bottom of the model’s detail page.
A: We prefer that building models correspond to a single address, if possible. However, we don't always have this information so we rely on your local expertise to split up connected buildings appropriately. A good rule of thumb for segmenting is to way to think about what should be clickable in Google Earth. For example, its more desirable to be able to click on individual buildings as opposed to a single model that represents a whole city block of connected buildings.
A: While very uncommon, models can become “lost” in the review process. The most common reason for this is that the model didn’t upload correctly to the 3D Warehouse. One method of determining if your model is “lost “ is to try downloading a KMZ file from the model’s detail page. If there isn’t a KMZ option available from the Download menu, then you should remove the model and re-upload it to the 3D Warehouse.
A: If a location where you would like to model isn't available in Building Maker, you can use SketchUp. SketchUp is easy-to-use, free and has lots of great geo-modeling tools to help you create realistic 3D models. To get started check out the Modeling with SketchUp page on the Your world in 3D site.
A: Use the "contact owner" link in the collection to which you would like your model added. This will send an email to the owner of the collection. Please include the link to the model in the 3D Warehouse in your email so they know which model to add. If the collection owner has opted out of receiving emails from other 3D Warehouse users, then you may be able to reach the owner in the 3D Warehouse discussion forum.
A: For your description Include specific information related to your model such as its original name, architect, manufacturer, location, type of object, etc. You can also include a model’s address if your model is geo-located. Tags are words that can help others find your models when searching. For example if your model is a chair you might add the tags “seating” and “furniture”.
A: If you would like to contribute a large volume of 3D data to Google, please visit the Cities in 3D web site for more information
A: Click here to locate modelers offering contract services. For a list of Google Qualified Developers, click here.
A: We accept submissions of new collections (named after the city) that contain at least twelve (12) models of real-world buildings that are accurately geo-located in Google Earth. Be sure to choose the best available models in the city. They can be created by multiple authors Learn more about creating photo-textured models.
A: Community organizers are frequently looking for volunteers to help them achieve their modeling goal. If you would like to locate a community modeling project, you may want to post a message on the 3D Warehouse discussion forum. If you are considering organizing a community modeling project, or would like to host a 3D modeling party, contact us using this form and we can help you get started.
A: To get started, create a new collection of models that each have correctly located Google Earth terrain, links to individual albums of imagery organized by building, and any other necessary information in the description. Then Click the “contact the owner” link in the Help Model a City collection to request that your city be added. By providing photos and locations in the 3D Warehouse you are giving the community of 3D modelers all they need to start modeling your city, good luck! Optional: Create a discussion group for your collection to help organize building efforts toward your city.
A: We add unique collections that are well maintained and contain many high quality models. If you would like to suggest a collection for review, please select “contact the owner” on the Featured Collections page.
A: To be considered a "Featured Modeler", you must consistently develop high-quality, photo-textured 3D models of real-world buildings that are accurately geo-located in Google Earth, developed with efficiency in mind (least amount of polygons possible), and result in beautiful 3D representations of the building. If you feel you meet this criteria create a collection of all your models and title it the same as your username. Then use this form to submit your collection for consideration.
A: We only accept real products uploaded by manufacturers and resellers for this collection.
A: Please use the "contact owner" link in the "Products” collection to let us know about your catalog. We will have someone contact you.
A: If you have specific questions about our products try posting your question in the appropriate help forum. If you have a more general question, try posting it on the 3D Warehouse user forum.