Importing Google Earth Topography to AutoCAD and then to Revit

Step by step on how to turn a Google Earth terrain into Revit Topography.
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Was recently trying to import a Google Earth Terrain into a Revit Project to show an overall view of it. Since I did the research on how to do it, I will share it here.

I will basically list the 20 steps (15 for AutoCAD users) with a brief explanation if necessary, I think that's enough to follow the precess. You might not need to do some of the first steps, but the guide is intended for everyone who doesn't even know about Autodesk Labs. So here it comes:

1. Be sure you have A compatible version of AutoCAD (2007 or newer in 32bit 2011 or 2012 in 64bit). Be sure you have A compatible version of Google Earth (5.x or 6.x) if you don't download it here
2. Register on Autodesk Labs
3. Sign In to your Account at Autodesk Labs
4. Download the Google Earth Extension for AutoCAD based Products here
5. Save PublishDWGtoGE.zip to your computer.
6. Unzip the PublishDWGtoGE.zip file.
7. Browse the PublishDWGtoGE folder that comes from the .ZIP file and find your AutoCAD version installer (first the year and then the 32 or 64 bit option)
8. Run the installer (extension .msi)
9. Open AutoCAD and Google Earth and check that in AutoCAD any of this commands works:IMPORTGEIMAGE, IMPORTGEMESH, GETIME, PUBLISHKML
10. If they work, follow to step 15, if they don't do the follwoing steps
11. Check the AutoCAD folder to see if the file named AeccDWGToGE.arx is there (it should), if it doesn't repeat the installation in case something went wrong, otherwise keep reading
12. Run the ARX command in AutoCAD and enter L for Load when it prompts for an option in the command line bar.
13. Browse to your AutoCAD folder and load the AeccDWGToGE.arx file
14. Center your Google Earth view to the terrain portion you want to import
15. Now run IMPORTGEMESH in AutoCAD (you must have Google Earth running)and the terrain will be imported to AutoCAD from Google Earth. If you are an AutoCAD user you are done, if Revit user keep reading
16. Save the AutoCAD file (you can close Google Earth and AutoCAD after this)
17. Open Revit
18. Go to Insert Tab on the Ribbon and select Link CAD (or Ipmort CAD doesn't seem to matter here) and browse to find the Topography file you saved from AutoCAD.
19. Now and finally go to Massing and Site Tab on the Ribbon and select Topo Surface
20. Click on "Create from Import" and click on the imported topography from AutoCAD

Might seem complicated but it is actually not.



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New Google Earth 6

New GEarth 6 with new features is out for download
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The Official Google Blog has recently announced the launching of the new version of google earth. 3D trees and integration with Google street view are some of the main added features. See the intro below.



You can download the new version here.

via Oriol Llevat.

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Google Acquires Quicksee

Soon Streetview could include walkthroughs inside buildings thanks to this new Acquisition by Google.
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Quicksee has been acquired by Google as it can be seen on their website (Click on image).


This might mean that soon we will find "street view" features reaching the inside of the buildings and not just the streets. You can see a sample of the Quicksee idea on their website.

via Techcrunch.


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Stuttgart and Berlin in 3D

Stuttgart and Berlin have been added to the collection of 3D cities in Google earth
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Some months ago I posted about my hometown Barcelona being included in the list of 3D cities in Google Earth. Since I've been living in Stuttgart for the past 9 months, I though I'd just mention about this too.

Stuttgart (and Berlin) is now available in 3D in Google Earth. See the video below to get a glimpse of these two cities.



So for those who are curious about discovering new places, here you have a breif overview.

via Official Google SketchUp Blog.


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Barcelona in 3D on Google Earth

My hometown is oficially launched in 3D in Google Earth. Go visit it.
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I normally don't repost this things, but being my hometown I couldn't skip it. Barcelona is officially launched as a 3D city in Google Earth. Go see it. It's worth it. Here a brief video. Unfortunately we've been stereotyped again with some "flamenco-like" spanish guitar song. What can i say, this is not us, but in any case, and as we say in Catalan: Benvinguts a Barcelona!! (Welcome to Barcelona).



via Official Sketchup Blog.

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Google Building Maker: Model for Google Earth without SketchUp

Model Buildings for google earth using your web browser.
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Google has a new tool to crowdsource the 3D modelling of the earth. It is called Google building Maker, and it allows users to model Buildings from pictures that Google itself provides. See this video to understand the process.


It seems a pretty brilliant idea on the path of making the modeling of buildings available to everyone. Of course Google will get cash out of your free labour, but still, it is worth a try just for fun. Try Building Maker Here.


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