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Maintaining our map of 3D areas

Yesterday we had a look at the progress made by Google in releasing 3D imagery for Google Earth. For this we used this KML map that we maintain that shows the areas covered by 3D imagery. This has been made possible with the assistance of a number of dedicated GEB readers who have contributed to our map. Until recently the outlines were being drawn by GEB reader Anton Rudolfsson, who also came up with the idea of the timeline section. He has had to stop drawing outlines due to other commitments. A big thank you to him for his contributions.

Since then a number of other readers have been sending in KML outlines which we incorporate into the master KML file. A big thank you to all these contributors. Also a big thank you to all the 3D hunters who find new 3D areas and let us know about them. Until now, they have been using the comments in this post to report the locations of new finds. However, there are now so many comments that it is becoming difficult to scroll to the end, so we would like to ask all contributors to start using the comments in this post from today onwards. In addition, please try and keep comments to a minimum just noting new areas covered with 3D or for messages to fellow 3D hunters. If you have any questions for us or notes about errors in the KML, please email us directly if possible, using either the Contact us page or my email address: timothy at gearthblog.com.

If you wish to submit outlines please first read through the instructions found here.

Combining the outlines we receive into the master KML file is largely a manual process. We have created scripts, such as this one, to make it easier to do this, but it is still laborious. However, given the positive feedback from GEB readers we believe it is worth the effort.


As various 3D areas are expanded and merged, getting the outlines correct can be quite complicated.

About Timothy Whitehead

Timothy has been using Google Earth since 2004 when it was still called Keyhole before it was renamed Google Earth in 2005 and has been a huge fan ever since. He is a programmer working for Red Wing Aerobatx and lives in Cape Town, South Africa.

Reader Interactions






PLEASE NOTE: Google Earth Blog is no longer writing regular posts. As a result, we are not accepting new comments or questions about Google Earth. If you have a question, use the official Google Earth and Maps Forums or the Google Earth Community Forums.

Comments

  1. Ryan K says

    Maybe it would just be better to report new findings on latest post? A month or two from now, how am I supposed to conveniently find this particular post to make a report?

  2. Iron Fist says

    I agree.

    For the sake of posterity, I think we should continue updating the original thread of comments. Getting to the most recent comment is easy enough, just tap the ‘End’ key on your keyboard and you’re taken right to the bottom of the page.

  3. ChrisAjayi says

    First Update on this page!

    Kitchener/Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
    North Miami Beach, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, FL
    West of Chicago, IL

  4. ChrisAjayi says

    Expansion to Minneapolis, MN imagery
    Blue Springs, MO/Expansion south of Olathe,KS
    Expansion North of Des Moines, IA

  18. ChrisAjayi says

    Peterborough, Ontario Update
    Guelph, Ontario
    Ann Arbor, MI
    Bristol, CT
    Asheville, NC
    Greenville, NC
    Belvidere, IL
    Plymouth, MN
    Coon Rapids, MN

  29. Iron Fist says

    Norwich, United Kingdom — Updated & extended area.

    Note the fantastic improvement in 3D image quality, especially around Norwich Airport. The RAF military aircraft in the Norwich Airport Museum at the northern part of the airport are just stunning! You can easily see the RAF roundels and read the ‘USAF’ lettering. I am thoroughly impressed with the improvement!

    Looks like Google is upping the competition with Apple Maps & Windows Maps.

  33. Manolache Alexandru says

    Aubry, Kansas
    Stilwell, Kansas
    Belton, Missouri
    Raymore, Misouri
    Loch Lloyd, Missouri
    Lake Winnebago, Missouri
    Blue Springs, Missouri
    Lake Tapawingo, Missouri
    Indepedence, Missouri

  35. Manolache Alexandru says

    Napa, California updated and extended area.
    Cuttings Wharf, California
    Buchili,California
    Merazo, California
    Middleton, California
    Thompson, California
    Rocktram, California
    Imola, California
    Vichy Springs, California
    Atlas, California
    Yountville, California

    • Iron Fist says

      Great news! They’ve FINALLY added 3D imagery for the huge patch in the middle of downtown Barcelona. Now the city is complete and looks gorgeous!

    • Jonathan Rosas says

      When i go to to Istambul, Turkey, is not 3D the city, Turkey does not have 3D cities yet.
      Turkey is not a new country.
      Maybe Istambul will became a new 3D city in 2016. Please be patient, Makam Masasi Takimlari!

  159. Jonathan Rosas says

    New Findings in 2016
    Rancho Cucamonga, California updated and extended area.
    Yucaipa, California updated and extended area.

  161. Jonathan Rosas says

    Santa Cruz, California updated and extended area.
    Augusta, Georgia updated and extended area.
    Sayama, Japan
    Hirato, Japan updated and extended area.
    Arezzo, Italy updated and extended area.

  162. Jonathan Rosas says

    Jaen, Spain modified area (Including Torre del Campo).
    Nantes, France extended area (zone of Carquefou).

  163. Álvaro says

    Granada (Spain), updated and extended area.
    Albacete (Spain), extended area is not completed.

  164. ChrisAjayi says

    Brockton/Scituate, MA
    Trenton, NJ
    Elizabeth. NJ Expansion and Update
    Wylie, TX
    Woodbury, MN

  199. Andrew says

    Some of the very northern tip of the ‘removed’ section near Millbrae & SFO in San Francisco is back.

  200. Manolache Alexandru says

    Seneca, South Caroluna updated and extended area.
    Clemson, South Carolina updated and extended area.

  202. Manolache Alexandru says

    Tyrone, Georgia updated and extended area.
    Peachtree City, Georgia updated and extended area.

  203. Manolache Alexandru says

    Valdosta, Georgia updated and extended area.
    Troupville, Georgia updated and extended area.
    Remerton, Georgia updated and extended area.

  204. Manolache Alexandru says

    Town ‘N’ County, Florida updated and extended area.
    Westchase, Florida updated and extended area.
    Oldsmar, Florida updated and extended area.
    Tampa, Florida updated and extended area.

  207. Manolache Alexandru says

    Jacksonville, Florida updated and extended area.
    Lakeside, Florida updated and extended area.
    Middleburg, Florida
    Asbury Lake, Florida

  212. Manolache Alexandru says

    Lakeview, Texas updated and extended area.
    Pleasure Island, Texas updated and extended area.

        • Iron Fist says

          Ah, I see it now. The search box was taking me to Geldern-Kapellen instead of Kapellen.

          That 3D imagery you found must have been added in the past couple of days. I was just looking at that area earlier this week and it was still 2D imagery.

          Hopefully it means that Düsseldorf, Duisburg, and Essen will finally get 3D imagery soon. 🙂

          • Johann says

            Yeah, I tried it and saw that it takes you somewhere completely different. 😀 Looks like they’re adding the Ruhr area in small pieces since it’s so dense.
            On the top of my wish list is Frankfurt though. And of course my home near Dresden, Germany. The 3d coverage ends 1 km before my house.

  219. Manolache Alexandru says

    Gainesville, Florida updated and extended area.
    Tioga, Florida
    Jonesville, Florida
    Alachua, Florida

  220. Manolache Alexandru says

    Charleston, South Carolina updated and extended area.
    Johns Island, South Carolina
    Folly Beach, South Carolina
    Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina

  221. Johann says

    Since everybody is confused about the 3D area I mentioned as “Kapellen, Germany”. In the area is a town included named Kapellen, however, if you put it in the search bar it takes you to another place in Germany called Kapellan which I was unaware of. I’m drawing the outlines right now and I’ve posted the coordinates somewhere in the comments above.

    Also, the area is NOT part of the city Neuss, just for the record.

  223. Manolache Alexandru says

    Poznan, Poland updated and extended area.
    Wilda, Poland updated and extended area.

  227. Manolache Alexandru says

    Foley, Alabama updated and extended area.
    Magnolia Springs, Alabama updated and extended area.

  229. Álvaro says

    Roquetas del Mar, (Spain) updated and extended area.
    Albacete, (Spain) updated and extended area is not completed.
    Torrevieja, (Spain) updated and extended area.

  231. Manolache Alexandru says

    Salt Lake City, Utah updated and extended area.
    Bountiful, Utah updated and extended area.
    Ogden, Utah updated and extended area.

  234. Manolache Alexandru says

    Hi, Timothy in outlines sorted by country San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Spain is gone.

  235. Manolache Alexandru says

    Floris, Virginia updated and extended area.
    Chantilly Heights, Virginia updated and extended area.
    Hattontown, Virginia updated and extended area.
    Herndon, Virginia updated and extended area.

  237. Manolache Alexandru says

    Small expansion in Huachipato, Chile.
    Small expansion in El Rosal, Chile.
    Small expansion in Andalien, Chile.

    • Nathan says

      That’s “Binghamton” (no P). Just remember, it’s Bingham-ton, as in a town named for Mr. Bingham, not Bing-hampton, like Southampton or East Hampton.

  249. Manolache Alexandru says

    Lakewood, Washington updated and extended area.
    University Place, Washington updated and extended area.
    Fircrest, Washington updated and extended area.
    Steilacoom, Washington updated and extended area.
    Tacoma, Washington updated and extended area.
    Midland, Washington updated and extended area.
    Parkland, Washington updated and extended area.
    Spanaway, Washington updated and extended area.
    Enchanted Island, Washington

  250. Manolache Alexandru says

    Concord, North Carolina updated and extended area.
    Harrisburg, North Carolina updated and extended area.
    Rocky River, North Carolina updated and extended area.
    Newell, North Carolina updated and extended area.
    Charlotte, North Carolina updated and extended area.
    Keasler Lake, North Carolina

  253. Manolache Alexandru says

    Liverpool, England updated and extended area.
    Hoylake, England
    West Kirby, England
    Thurstaston, England
    Meols, England
    Frankby, England
    Caldy, England

  257. Manolache Alexandru says

    Victorville, California updated and extended area.
    Hesperia, California updated and extended area.
    Apple Valley, California updated and extended area.

  258. Manolache Alexandru says

    Saviano, Italy updated and extended area.
    Nola, Italy updated and extended area.
    Palma Campania, Italy updated and extended area.
    Marigliano, Italy updated and extended area.
    Naples, Italy updated and extended area.

  265. Manolache Alexandru says

    Killeen, Texas updated and extended area.
    Temple, Texas updated and extended area.
    Pendleton, Texas
    Troy, Texas

  267. Manolache Alexandru says

    Odessa, Florida updated and extended area.
    Trinity, Florida updated and extended area.
    Keystone, Florida

  276. Jackson says

    Has anybody else noticed that in Lexington, Kentucky the new 3D imagery takes away the Lexington Financial Tower? It makes me fairly mad too because it seems as if Google does not have the time to critique something on that grand of scale.

  293. Johan Karlsson says

    Sapulpa and Sand Springs, just west of Tulsa, OK, are in 3D. As is Aurora, IL. Party time! Excellent!

    • Ryan K says

      About time! They had every single city in the country besides Brussels and even updated them!

  308. Iron Fist says

    BERLIN, GERMANY — Entire region updated, minor extension at southeast corner and northwest corner, plus extension at POTSDAM.

    Bloody great day for updates!

  348. Iron Fist says

    Bucharest, Romania — Updated (no extension)

    Some of the outskirts have been reduced in various places. It looks like Google reprocessed the imagery for this area in the same way they did with Berlin a couple weeks ago, so now Bucharest looks cleaner and more detailed.

      • Iron Fist says

        Can you please cite your source for that information?
        The spreadsheet on Google Docs has been updated and altered multiple times with “upcoming” locations and specific dates, but none of the locations you have listed have been added or updated yet.

  379. Álvaro says

    Madrid, (Spain) central area updated.
    Castellón de la Plana, (Spain) The previous area in 3D now goes back again.

  380. Iron Fist says

    Entire Walt Disney World site at Orlando, FL removed!
    That specific area was just updated a few weeks ago with some of the best 3D imagery that Google has added, but for some reason all that brand new imagery was removed. I wonder why.

  382. Jackson says

    Denver, Colorado reverted back to its old 3D imagery, I’ve never seen that happen befor. Why is it doing this!?

      • Ryan K says

        No it is still old. The imagery before it reverted was from 2015. Currently it is showing 2013. Here is what the removed 2015 imagery looked like from the west of Union Station. Notice the missing buildings in the current imagery. http://imgur.com/4FROgK7

  387. Jonathan Rosas says

    In Lyon, France there is a easter egg: In Stade des Lumieres and his surroundings, after a period of time, disappears some textures in 3D imagery.

  404. Jacob says

    Update and slightly reduced area Florianópolis, Brazil
    Update and slightly extended area Santos, Brazil
    Slightly reduced area Salvador, Brazil
    Reduced area Recife, Brazil

  408. Mihaela Gabriela says

    Hi, Timothy please add these updates and Escatawpa, Mississippi to the “3DMeshLocationsNetworkLink”

  424. Miłosz says

    Looks like they deleted all the 3d imagery on the Mediterranean coast including Barcelona, Nice, Marseille, Toulouse, Valletta, Rome, Genova, Napoli and many others.

    • Miłosz says

      Nevermind, everything works fine now. It must have been some bug; sorry for spamming 🙁

  485. Connor says

    St. Augustine, FL
    The area around Pittsburgh International Airport
    Bensalem, PA connecting Philadelphia with Trenton, NJ
    The area around Huntsville, AL International Airport

  500. Connor says

    St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada
    Saginaw, MI Update and expansion
    Utica/Troy, MI
    Monroe, LA update and expansion
    DeLand, FL
    Wilson, NC

  505. Connor says

    Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
    Mentor/Painesville, OH
    New Kensington/Leechburg, PA
    Laurel/ Bowie, MD

  519. Connor says

    Stow/Kent, OH
    Expansion East of New Haven, CT
    Coopersburg, PA
    Lockport, NY Update and Expansion
    Small Strip just to the West of Wake Forest, NC

  569. Connor says

    Still Looking but here’s what I could find for Canada and the United States:
    Sarnia, ON
    Amherstburg, ON
    Burlington, ON
    Gatineau, QC Extension
    Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, QC/Delson, QC
    South Bend, IN/Niles, MI
    Livonia, MI
    Paterson, NJ
    Rockaway, NJ
    Holyoke, MA
    Bloomfield/South Windsor, CT
    Hyannis, MA Update and Expansion
    Altoona, PA
    Toms River/Brick/Long Branch, NJ
    Fairfax/West Springfield, VA
    Mooresville, NC
    Flagler Beach,FL expansion south
    Cocoa Beach, FL Expansion South
    Elyria/Lorain, OH
    North Chicago, IL
    Expansion West of Des Moines, IA
    Expansion South of Blue Springs, MO

  572. Frank says

    Palermo, Italy, reappeared and extended area
    Sheffield, UK, update and extension
    Leeds, UK, update and extension

  594. Connor says

    Mississauga/Oakville/Milton, Ontario
    Aurora/Newmarket, Ontario
    Kingston, Ontario Imagery Extension
    Expansion east of Ottawa, Ontario
    Sudbury, Ontario Update and Expansion
    Nanaimo, British Columbia
    Utica, NY update and expansion
    Springfield, MA
    Amherst Center, MA
    Gaithersburg, MD
    Westfield, IN

  627. Connor says

    Here are all the ones I’ve noticed:
    North of Kingston, ON
    Kanata/Nepean, ON
    Quispamsis, NB
    Newburgh, NY
    White Plains, NY
    Princeton, NJ
    Lakehurst, NJ
    Freehold, NJ
    Glassboro, nj
    King of Prussia/West Chester, PA
    Hackettstown, NJ
    Columbia, MD
    Gettysburg, PA
    Warren, OH
    Steubenville/Toronto, OH
    Port St. Lucie/Stuart, FL
    Vernon Hills, IL
    Pontiac, MI
    Springfield, OH
    Santa Clarita, CA

    Southampton, England
    Coatbridge, Scotland
    Groningen, Netherlands
    Eindhoven, Netherlands

    • Paul says

      someone had his House censored in the middle of the extended 3D area at 36°17’16.57″N 28° 9’55.06″E of course it is visible in the historical imagery.

      • Spucky123r says

        wow, I’ve never seen a house censored in 2D. Maybe a military base or so but a private house?!

  667. Spucky123r says

    i suggest you start to add updated areas within old areas as well, so you can see when they have been added. That would be very cool! (I just wanted to know about the new data that is completely within the old area in Würzburg, Germany)

    • Joshua says

      Also, a strip of canyon off to the east of the Needles district of Canyonlands National Park, Utah

  675. Frank says

    Manila, Philippines
    Iloilo, Philippines
    Bacolod, Philippines
    Cagayan de Oro, Philippines
    Baguio City, Philippines
    Zamboanga, Philippines
    Mabalacat, Philippines
    soon on June 12th
    Independence Day Google Earth 3D Areas

  676. Álvaro says

    Reprocessed and little extended 3D imagery of O Salnés and Barbanza, (Spain),

    • Spucky123r says

      All the cities you’ve mentioned have been added a long time ago or aren’t even in 3D…

      • Jacob says

        I think Álvaro means Sant Carles de Peralta (actually in 3D) rather than Sant Carles de la Ràpita (the default search option for Sant Carles, Spain).

    • Jacob says

      To prevent such confusion in the future, I suggest that the name of the administrative division also go into these entries.

  689. Álvaro says

    Castellón de la Plana, reprocessed 3D imagery (Spain).
    Torrevieja, reprocessed 3D imagery (Spain).

  695. anonymous says

    London, England: minor extensions around Elm Park and Romford and a large chunk spanning from South Hackney to Tottenham Hale has been removed

    • Frank Taylor says

      Google is still continuing to add 3D imagery as shown on the map. It is color coded according to year.

    • Jacob says

      A more complete list of updates can be found on this spreadsheet:
      docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15AcvWuZC6qxNxOMLhWJMYuadAlHo4hLTlECAhrqs5Sw/

      I have been checking the Balkans almost every day for the past two months with recent updates being for Craiova, Romania and Sofia, Bulgaria which were updated last Friday (July 23rd).

      • Chris Taylor says

        Hey, just letting you know that the link was cut off a bit by this website so I had to go into the html to get it. Thanks very much by the way

    • Jacob says

      How do you know this? If it is because of the new aerial imagery then Gütersloh, Germany is another likely future addition.

        • Jacob says

          Besides Gütersloh, I noticed a few days ago that Montevideo, Uruguay has high resolution aerial imagery from 2015.



PLEASE NOTE: Google Earth Blog is no longer writing regular posts. As a result, we are not accepting new comments or questions about Google Earth. If you have a question, use the official Google Earth and Maps Forums or the Google Earth Community Forums.