Google has released a new version of the Google 3DWarehouse. The design and layout borrows a lot of features from Google Video. It has “Popular”, “Recent”, “Google Picks” on the main page. The new features when you select a model are particularly interesting. When you load a model, which has been placed with Google Earth, you get a Google Maps showing the location of the model. Smart! Another new feature: at the bottom you get an indicator showing model complexity (based on polygon counts).
The 3DWarehouse Network Link 
has some improvements as well. It allows you to browse Google Earth and find models placed all over the planet (see Google’s explanation). When you find a placemark at a location of interest and select it, you get a placemark description which describes the model similar to the interface at the 3DWarehouse. It even includes the model complexity indicator. Also, it appears the network link knows what version of GE you are using and will not show you a model in GE 3 if it only works in GE 4.
This update to the 3DWarehouse has some nice features making it even easier to find models in the 3DWarehouse. Hopefully, this will inspire more people to start sharing their models. Check out the 3DWarehouse now.
About Frank Taylor
Frank Taylor started the Google Earth Blog in July, 2005 shortly after Google Earth was first released. He has worked with 3D computer graphics and VR for many years and was very impressed with this exciting product. Frank completed a 5.5 year circumnavigation of the earth by sailboat in June 2015 which you can read about at Tahina Expedition, and is a licensed pilot, backpacker, diver, and photographer.
I miss being able to sort by popularity. I love the google picks though :). mainly because I’m on the front page!! 😀
I sent them this suggestion, adding Google Maps to their interface, the very day the Warehouse opened, back in April. I posted that in their forum (also opened that day), but my post has disappeared… hummm 🙁 … However, I did post about that in my blog and uploaded the interface suggestion to Amy Flickr account.