This Google Earth extension has been around and been very popular for several years but was just updated for the current release of AutoCAD 2012. Now it covers AutoCAD 2007 to AutoCAD 2012. With this extension you can import Google Earth images into AutoCAD or even a mesh of an area with the image draped over it into your AutoCAD session. You can also export your 3D models to Google Earth in the KML format complete with location data so it appears in Google Earth in the right location.
Why: Using the simple wizard-driven interface, you can publish your 3D models from AutoCAD or AutoCAD-based products directly into Google Earth. Perhaps you want to create a proposal and show a building or structure in it’s intended location for your client or planning board. You could also use the Google Earth information as a base for your concept design and spatially how it fits in an area or reference some existing structures.
What you need:
- Google Earth (free) http://earth.google.com/
- The Google Earth Extension from Autodesk Labs (free) http://bit.ly/mMVG8d
- AutoCAD version 2007 to 2012 (not free) www.autodesk.com/autocad
The last time I showed a version of this extension (http://bit.ly/kIXuws ), I modeled the Autodesk Civic Center Offices in San Rafael California. This time I want to have a little more fun.
View in Google EarthMy new fun example of using the Google Extension:
So I open Google Earth to a location I want to capture into AutoCAD. In this case I want to capture Justin Herman Plaza within view of the Autodesk One Market offices in San Francisco. I thought about what could I place there that would be fun and very visible in Google Earth as a KML object, I thought immediately of Autodesk’s fun little green friend Andy the Android who is still loving on AutoCAD WS being released on the Android devices for free and it being in the top apps of the Android Marketplace.
So I launch Google Earth and navigate to the view of the Justin Herman Plaza. http://goo.gl/maps/FMNj
I use the new command added by the extension for the image or the mesh import into AutoCAD from Google Earth.
IMPORTGEIMAGE
Brings current Google Earth view into AutoCAD as raster image. Use this command to georeference your DWG model data to correct position on earth’s surface.
IMPORTGEMESH
Brings elevation data in current Google Earth view into AutoCAD as a mesh.
In the case of Justin Herman Plaza in downtown San Francisco, there is not much elevation variation to warrant using the mesh surface, but if your subject area was located on a hill this mesh would be very import to use to locate your conceptual design and consider the elevation contour changes..
Here is an example of the Image, and on the right the Mesh with the draped image. Note the image is in black and white as that is a limitation of the Google API.
I placed my Andy the Android 3D model I created onto the location of the imported Google Earth image. The view selected would be perfect for viewing out the windows of the Autodesk Design Gallery.
When I want to export my model out to Google Earth, I simply use the PUBLISHKML command and following the series of dialog of options such as text, link and location I can then view my 3D model of Andy in Google Earth shown in the plaza outside Autodesk’s office in San Francisco. I could also send the KML to a friend or coworker so they could view the model in Google Earth or I could even submit it to the Google Warehouse of models for other to view and use.
More information
Getting Started: http://bit.ly/lf1Vdw
Supported Apps like AutoCAD Architecture and Civil 3D: http://bit.ly/jr83AZ
Go ahead give it a try and you will see why this has been the top extension in all of Autodesk Labs history.
Cheers,
Shaan
Does this work only in America?
I’ve tried this in Acad 2009, 11 & 12 and have had no joy what so ever.
I’m in the United Kingdom
Nathan,
It works globally. Could you be more specific on the issue you are having such as what type of object as it must be 3D and you must also have Google Earth installed.
Regards,
Shaan
would be awesome if they had the same concept for Revit
Justin,
Imaginit used to have one, I think they may have rolled it into their Revit Utilities product. http://imaginit.com
Could you be more specific after PUBLISHKML. I use “get imformation from image” and everything is automatically set and then I publish the kmz and open it with Google earth,nothing happens but the earth surface gone blurred.
Does it work with AutoCAD floor maps? This is an effort to build a navigation tool for indoors.
I would like to know if floor maps done in AutoCAD will be convertible to google KML format so it can be viewed on google maps/earth?
I’m trying to see if its possible to convert AutoCAD floor maps into KML format for indoor navigation purpose. Is this possible? If so, could you please point me in the right direction?
Link to the Google Earth Extension seems to be brocken or they remove it:
“404 – File or directory not found.
The resource you are looking for might have been removed, had its name changed, or is temporarily unavailable.”
In the same time i found http://labs.blogs.com/its_alive_in_the_lab/2012/03/google-earth-extension-for-autocad-retires-from-autodesk-labs.html
where in the comments – “Scott Sheppard said in reply to Todi …
We no longer have an agreement with Google to distribute the free technology preview.”
This technology preview no longer exists and has been retired.
Regards
Shaan