Post by Steve on Oct 26, 2010 12:27:55 GMT -5
Regular visitors to LLF will know that I'm a big fan of Google Earth, the global mapping software by Google that allows users to navigate to any spot on earth and view aerial imagery, map overlays, 3D models and a host of other content. I've used Google Earth (GE) extensively to overlay historic maps over the modern terrain, in order to make comparisons and determine the locations of historic structures, roads and other features.
Now, in conjuction with Google SketchUp, Google's 3D modeling software, I've also started building and placing historic Lambton structures into GE. Eventually, the goal will be to recreate historic Lambton County in 3D, available for anyone to visit and explore.
However, I realize not everyone is as big a computer geek as I am. Some don't have the time, or inclination to install and learn how to use fairly complex new programs. Also, I really wanted to be able to share navigable maps and 3D models right on LLF, without people having to open external programs, or download separate files.
Well, Google to the rescue again! They've now created the Google Earth Plugin, that allows anyone to view GE hosted content right in their web browser! You may have already encountered the plugin in web pages, or on the Earth tab in Google Maps.
The only problem was that the ProBoards format that this forum is built with, had no provision for embedding the plugin in the forum threads. This time it was the ProBoards Support community who came to the rescue. A coder named Eton Bones answered my request for the necessary coding, that was way beyond my ability to create.
The result is a working solution that now allows LLF to host the power of Google Earth right in any forum post!
Below, you'll find an example 3D model in an embedded plugin window. You may be asked to install the plugin, if you haven't already done so. It only takes a few seconds and then the plugin will load automatically from then on.
Click inside the plugin window and try moving around using your mouse, or use the navigation controls in the upper right side of the window. If you need more instructions, just click the "How to use the Google Earth Plugin" link.
[ge_api_e1cd9bbdab7460ded04b07c8c78ea54e_01]
Now that you know how to use the plugin, visit the LLF3D thread where I'll be posting all my 3D models of historic Lambton structures.
P.S. If you have Google Earth content that you'd like to share on LLF using the plugin, just message me and I'll help you get it posted.
P.P.S. For those geeks who would like to see the process that led to the creation of the code for embedding the GE plugin in ProBoards forums, check out the thread on the ProBoards coding request board here. Special thanks go out to Eton Bones for all his help!
Now, in conjuction with Google SketchUp, Google's 3D modeling software, I've also started building and placing historic Lambton structures into GE. Eventually, the goal will be to recreate historic Lambton County in 3D, available for anyone to visit and explore.
However, I realize not everyone is as big a computer geek as I am. Some don't have the time, or inclination to install and learn how to use fairly complex new programs. Also, I really wanted to be able to share navigable maps and 3D models right on LLF, without people having to open external programs, or download separate files.
Well, Google to the rescue again! They've now created the Google Earth Plugin, that allows anyone to view GE hosted content right in their web browser! You may have already encountered the plugin in web pages, or on the Earth tab in Google Maps.
The only problem was that the ProBoards format that this forum is built with, had no provision for embedding the plugin in the forum threads. This time it was the ProBoards Support community who came to the rescue. A coder named Eton Bones answered my request for the necessary coding, that was way beyond my ability to create.
The result is a working solution that now allows LLF to host the power of Google Earth right in any forum post!
Below, you'll find an example 3D model in an embedded plugin window. You may be asked to install the plugin, if you haven't already done so. It only takes a few seconds and then the plugin will load automatically from then on.
Click inside the plugin window and try moving around using your mouse, or use the navigation controls in the upper right side of the window. If you need more instructions, just click the "How to use the Google Earth Plugin" link.
[ge_api_e1cd9bbdab7460ded04b07c8c78ea54e_01]
Now that you know how to use the plugin, visit the LLF3D thread where I'll be posting all my 3D models of historic Lambton structures.
P.S. If you have Google Earth content that you'd like to share on LLF using the plugin, just message me and I'll help you get it posted.
P.P.S. For those geeks who would like to see the process that led to the creation of the code for embedding the GE plugin in ProBoards forums, check out the thread on the ProBoards coding request board here. Special thanks go out to Eton Bones for all his help!