Q: What is the process to have my model included in the 3D Buildings layer on Google Earth?
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 of buildings that are currently built and are textured by real photographs are eligible. If your model is not accepted to the 3D buildings layer please review our acceptance criteria to learn how you can improve your model.
Q: When will I see my my model in the 3D Buildings layer?
A: Models are reviewed on a daily basis. Accepted models are typically added to the 3D buildings layer at the end of each week. On the occasion when we are unable to update the layer for the week, it can take a bit longer for a model to appear in Google Earth.
Q: How will I be notified when my model has been accepted?
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.
Q: What is the preferred way to segment building models for Google Earth?
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 think about what should be clickable in Google Earth. For example, it's 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.
Q: What should I do if my model appears "lost" or is stuck somewhere in the review process?
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.
Q: How can I create models if my location is not available in Building Maker?
A: If a location where you would like to model isn't available in Building Maker, you can use SketchUp instead. SketchUp is easy-to-use, free, and has lots of great geo-modeling tools to help you create realistic 3D models. See this Help Center article for information on how to get started geo-modeling.
Q: How can I add my models to another user's collection?
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.
Q: What should I include in the "description" and "tags" boxes when adding a new model to the 3D Warehouse?
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."
Q: Who do I contact about adding full city data to Google Earth?
A: If you would like to contribute a large volume of 3D data to Google, please visit the Cities in 3D website for more information.
Q: Where can I find 3D modeling service providers?
A: You can browse the collection of Google Qualified Developers. Clicking on the various sub-collections will tell you more information about each group and how to contact them for their services.
Q: What are the requirements to be considered for the "Cities in Development" collection?
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.
Q: How do I help model a city?
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 workshop, contact us using this form and we can help you get started.
Q: How do I add my city to the "Help Model a City" collection?
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. Optional: Create a discussion group for your collection to help organize building efforts toward your city.
Q: What are the requirements to be added to the "Featured Collections" collection?
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.
Q: What are the requirements to be considered a "Featured Modeler?"
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. If you feel you meet this criteria, create a collection of all your models and give it the same name as your username. Then use this form to submit your collection for consideration.
Q: What are the requirements for adding my products to the "Products" collection?
A: We only accept real products uploaded by manufacturers and resellers for this collection.
Q: Who do I contact about adding a full product catalog to the 3D Warehouse?
A: Please use the "contact owner" link in the "Products" collection to let us know about your catalog. We will have someone contact you.
Q: Where can I go if I still have questions?
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 Modeling for Earth and Maps Forum.