Google Does Manhattan
Just when I thought Google was getting out of the 3D business, they go and do this. They have basically digitized all of Manhattan for Google Earth.
Manhattan has been done before too in Microsoft Flight Simulator, or the opening sequence of You Got Mail, and Times Square has shown up a few times. But, this has got to be the largest and most ambitious one done to date, and could possibly set the standard for building the entire Earth this way. Take it from me, I know my “mirror worlds”.
That being said, I have seen better: Geosim Philly is far more detailed. Ditto Twinity’s Berlin build. Also there is a fabulous Forbidden City. These three even exceed some of the best mirror worlds in Second Life. It is the sheer size and near completeness of Google’s lower Manhattan that makes it impressive. (Despite the press releases, the buildings seem to end at Central Park)
If you want to see it yourself, open Google Earth, go to Manhattan, make sure 3D Buildings layer is checked, and tilt down the view so you are not overhead. Most every building is represented, though the majority still do not have textures yet.
Who knows what they will do next. Streaming live cameras? Detailed interiors? Animated Billboards? How much is advertising space in Google Earth anyways?
Maybe I shouldn’t be giving them ideas.
