Sketchup Replaced by UAV ?
I encountered this info recently while chasing some links about use of Sketchup for scenery creation.
Google has sold Sketchup to Trimble, and Trimble has developed some amazing software and hardware tools to allow creation of ones own high-resolution GIS data for both aerial imagery and elevation via digitally-programmed low-altitude flight grids with very small radio-controlled aircraft.
"Google has recently announced a new technology that automates the process of creating 3D models in Google Earth.
Automated 3D Models with Stereo Photogrammetry
Stereo Photogrammetry at it’s core, is calculating the geometric properties of an object by comparing multiple photographs taken at different perspectives, and producing a 3D model of the object as a result. The technology is not new, although it has become more accurate over the years. Sketchup plugins such as PixDim and PhotoSketch use similar technology to create 3D models from images.
To create 3D models for Google Earth, an aircraft will take multiple parallel passes over an area and capture high resolution images of the same area from multiple perspectives.
Using that image data, a complete 3D model is created of the area. Not only are the buildings modeled, but all the trees and other smaller landmarks as well. The result is a realistic 3D model, complete with accurate photographic textures. The videos below show the stunning results of this technology."
http://www.mastersketchup.com/why-google-doesnt-need-sketchup-anymore/
<Yes... those are 3D trees seen in Google Earth at their actual locations in the scenery !
>
One might wonder if they are using the Gatewing UAV, owned by Trimble ?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unmanned_aerial_vehicle
http://www.gatewing.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxnWmc0ZTvA
Hopefully this may prove to be an affordable alternative to costly licensing for use of (all too often ...poor quality) aerial imagery and/or elevation data by allowing individuals and/or consortium groups to generate their own higher-quality GIS resources.
Perhaps this technology may also prove to be accessible to the FS development community !
PS: For this kind of aerial imagery and elevation data quality, I'd be willing to switch between my Saitek X52 H.O.T.A.S. controller for Flight Simulator, and a RC controller for a UAV.
Hmmm... on second thought, of course I'd have to try linking a live video feed back to the console and assume control of the UAV with my Flight Simulator Saitek X52 H.O.T.A.S. controller for a "free flight" !
GaryGB
I encountered this info recently while chasing some links about use of Sketchup for scenery creation.
Google has sold Sketchup to Trimble, and Trimble has developed some amazing software and hardware tools to allow creation of ones own high-resolution GIS data for both aerial imagery and elevation via digitally-programmed low-altitude flight grids with very small radio-controlled aircraft.
"Google has recently announced a new technology that automates the process of creating 3D models in Google Earth.
Automated 3D Models with Stereo Photogrammetry
Stereo Photogrammetry at it’s core, is calculating the geometric properties of an object by comparing multiple photographs taken at different perspectives, and producing a 3D model of the object as a result. The technology is not new, although it has become more accurate over the years. Sketchup plugins such as PixDim and PhotoSketch use similar technology to create 3D models from images.
To create 3D models for Google Earth, an aircraft will take multiple parallel passes over an area and capture high resolution images of the same area from multiple perspectives.
Using that image data, a complete 3D model is created of the area. Not only are the buildings modeled, but all the trees and other smaller landmarks as well. The result is a realistic 3D model, complete with accurate photographic textures. The videos below show the stunning results of this technology."
http://www.mastersketchup.com/why-google-doesnt-need-sketchup-anymore/
<Yes... those are 3D trees seen in Google Earth at their actual locations in the scenery !
>One might wonder if they are using the Gatewing UAV, owned by Trimble ?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unmanned_aerial_vehicle
http://www.gatewing.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxnWmc0ZTvA
Hopefully this may prove to be an affordable alternative to costly licensing for use of (all too often ...poor quality) aerial imagery and/or elevation data by allowing individuals and/or consortium groups to generate their own higher-quality GIS resources.
Perhaps this technology may also prove to be accessible to the FS development community !
PS: For this kind of aerial imagery and elevation data quality, I'd be willing to switch between my Saitek X52 H.O.T.A.S. controller for Flight Simulator, and a RC controller for a UAV.
Hmmm... on second thought, of course I'd have to try linking a live video feed back to the console and assume control of the UAV with my Flight Simulator Saitek X52 H.O.T.A.S. controller for a "free flight" !
GaryGB
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