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Google Earth VR

vr.google.com

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Re: Google Earth VR

#11

Post by bd »

billconan wrote: post #10

Is this based on 3D model or just 360 photo? I looked at the online demo, it doesn't appear to be 3D model. But if it is based on 360 photos, how does it perform the transition between different viewing locations? Streetmap, for example, can't do very smooth transition.

Online demo is just 360 photos but real VR application seems to be fully 3D (from the videos).

This would make sense as it's based on Google Earth which is 3D.

Even WebGL web version of Google Maps is already 3D since some time ago. See e.g. Colosseum here:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Colosseum/@41.8950247,12.4...

Re: Google Earth VR

#12

Post by mysterydip »

strictnein wrote: post #7

Now just make it so you can destroy the buildings as you walk around and you have VR Rampage. I'm honestly surprised no one has made a VR Rampage for the Vive. I tried to play around with the idea a little bit, but game development is just something I don't have any time for.

I had the same thought. VR is the perfect place for such a thing. With the monster scale, the whole city can fit within the confines of a typical VR setup, and you get to destroy things without consequence. I want to take a stab at it, if and when I get the hardware necessary.

Re: Google Earth VR

#14

Post by VikingCoder »

billconan wrote: post #10

Is this based on 3D model or just 360 photo? I looked at the online demo, it doesn't appear to be 3D model. But if it is based on 360 photos, how does it perform the transition between different viewing locations? Streetmap, for example, can't do very smooth transition.

It's 3D model, streaming download as you move around.

Re: Google Earth VR

#15

Post by VikingCoder »

Was playing with it - it's great. I was flying around the towns I know, but I'm reminded of the places that I need to go when I get a chance:

Golden Gate Bridge

The Washington Monument

Disney World

Yosemite

Beijing

The Grand Canyon

Re: Google Earth VR

#16

Post by BatFastard »

bd wrote: post #11
billconan wrote: post #10

Is this based on 3D model or just 360 photo? I looked at the online demo, it doesn't appear to be 3D model. But if it is based on 360 photos, how does it perform the transition between different viewing locations? Streetmap, for example, can't do very smooth transition.

Online demo is just 360 photos but real VR application seems to be fully 3D (from the videos). This would make sense as it's based on Google Earth which is 3D. Even WebGL web version of Google Maps is already 3D since some time ago. See e.g. Colosseum here: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Colosseum/@41.8950247,12.4...

Saying something is 3D is meaningless. 3D video is one thing, 3D models are totally different.

From what I saw in demo, it looks like they are generating simple 3D models from the photos. Which is pretty damn cool!

Re: Google Earth VR

#17

Post by strictnein »

strictnein wrote: post #3

Honestly, I'm visiting Mecca tonight. And then Tehran. And then North Korea.

Why the downvote? How visiting forbidden places isn't on the top of mind for people using this is beyond me.

Area 51, White House grounds, Russian military bases, Syria. I know the experience will vary, but think big.

Re: Google Earth VR

#19

Post by RileyJames »

strictnein wrote: post #17
strictnein wrote: post #3

Honestly, I'm visiting Mecca tonight. And then Tehran. And then North Korea.

Why the downvote? How visiting forbidden places isn't on the top of mind for people using this is beyond me. Area 51, White House grounds, Russian military bases, Syria. I know the experience will vary, but think big.

You can go to Tehran & North Korea, just need to apply for a visa.
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