All models submitted for inclusion to Google Earth must adhere to a set of standards to ensure a high-quality experience for all users. The majority of the criteria ensure the Photorealistic 3D Buildings layer in Google Earth is accurate and represents the real world we live in. The remaining criteria ensure that 3D models do not hinder Google Earth’s performance. To be accepted to the Photorealistic 3D Buildings layer in Google Earth, models should:
- Represent real and permanent structures
- Be better than all other alternatives
- Be textured with photographs
- Be correctly aligned with the imagery in Google Earth
- Not include more than one discrete structure
- Not float above or be sunken under the ground
- Not include an excess of constructed terrain
- Not include bundled entourage
- Be the correct height and scale
- Not exhibit Z-fighting
- Not contain advertising or spam
- Be complete
- Not be too complex
Occasionally we will add new features and technology that will require us to update this acceptance criteria. Your currently accepted models will remain in Google Earth even if they don’t meet updates to our acceptance criteria. However, your model can be sent back for review and judged according to the updated acceptance criteria if one of the following occurs:
- Another user clicks the Report a problem link in the Google Earth pop up balloon for your model.
- Another model is submitted in the same location as your model.
- Terrain and imagery is updated in Google Earth.
- You make an edit to your model.