Archicad15 and Google Earth terrain "AND" 3d bldg import?

[rob2218]

So...we have "site context" from google earth.
how can I import the surrounding site context AND the 3d building masses using the Google Earth Connections add-on in AC15?

Please advise.

[Anonymous]

First, you need a 32 bit version of Windows.
http://www.graphisoft.com/products/archicad/addons/google_earth/ge_earth_connections_workflow.html

Then you can follow the first video on the page.
http://www.graphisoft.com/products/archicad/addons/google_earth/

Not sure why the option is included in the Mac and 64 bit Windows add-on. It gets your hopes up

[Anonymous]

Also, you can't save the "gray buildings" from Google Earth at all. Google is licensing that content from other sources such as Sanborn and can't redistribute it.

[rob2218]

Can't save that info huh....well, we'll see bout that. I attended an EcoBuild today in D.C. at the convention center. I asked the same question.

Look folks....I don't care really if a 12 year old is inputting the "contextual buildings" on Google Earth's site...I just need it for context use.

I'm sure there EXISTS a software out there that can capture both terrain AND the 3D boxes (grey boxes) you see on google earth....there has to be one developed.

and if not, I'm sure there's a programmer out there that can in fact write code that could do that.

We often need "context buildings" for our Archicad models and well....it's right there...in Google Earth...ready for the picking.....so let's have it guys. I've put you AC guru's to the test.

[Djordje]

If on Windows 64 bit and using ArchiCAD 15 64bit:

- install ArchiCAD 14 32 bit
- install Google Earth Connections for it (there is no AddOn for the 64bit version)
- grab the terrain
- get the context buildings from Google Warehouse (that's where they are stored)
- while there, get all the other stuff you need from Google Warehouse 😉
- save the file
- merge into your ArchiCAD 15 file

and that's it.

The 64bit ArchiCAD 15 Google Earth AddOn only imports SketchUp models, saved as SKP to your local disk/network, and does not import the terrain mesh from SKP or KMZ, AFAIK. It however enables you to work with the data placed into an ArchiCAD file as described above, that is merged into your 15 file.

Attached is an example ... not too many context buildings were available for the site, but one was enough

[rob2218]

Hey Hey Djordje,.....hope all is well.
Still in Dubai I see? nice.

Yes, bout the "context buildings". Well, What I'm looking for is more of a "global grab" type operation. One that I can simply marquee an area on google earth, select terrain AND 3d buildings and import them into AC15.....but apparently, there's some sort of "copyright" or something on these darn grey buildings that are nothing more than boxes with a few fenestrations.....but still I don't want to have to redrawn them all if they are there.......on google earth...waiting to be picked.

Just "how's" the question is all.
Any programmers out there want to take up this challenge?

[Anonymous]

3Dvia has a program called screenprinter that supposedly can print a 3D model on your screnn to a 3d XML file. You can then use the online converter to convert to the collada file format use another converter to conver to 3ds and get it into ArchiCAD that way. However, It doesn't really work with google earth. At least not anymore. It looks like it worked at one time, there are videos of it working online, but with the latest version it isn't. And the older versions of google earth aren't displaying buildings anymore. probably to make sure the screen printing doesn't work anymore.

[rob2218]

thanks Michael. it does me no good though that I go hunting for a program that wont work.

I really don't understand what the big issue is for GE (GoogleEarth) to NOT allow users to capture their 3D buildings off of the Google Earth viewer...really.

I mean, this would allow architects and engineers to not only PROMOTE GE but to allow provide better feedback for possible and potential construction projects, current and FUTURE projects. I mean, come on GoogleEarth...don't you want to help in the betterment of the economy? Don't you want to jump start citizens and put folks back to work......geeez.

[Djordje]

Hi Rob,

Yep, still enjoying the sand and the sun and the sea ... not to mention the slump

GE collaboration is limited at best; open community on one hand (lots of free buildings and models) commercial issues that ambush you on another. I don't think that what you need is possible, although, it would be logical.

Having cleared some technical issues about GE Connections with GS recently, I dialled my expectations down.

[rob2218]

........"the slump"?
what do you mean?
Don't tell me the sheik of Doobie has halted construction over there mate?

I know that the middle-East F'd up our office in Dubai and Miami to the point that "I" got laid off and had to find work in another city for Pete's sake!

That being said...we'll see how the market establishes itself for the coming 2012!.....let's hope the financial crisis picks up sir.....