Forums >> Workflow & Implementation >> API & Third Party Apps >> Revit To Google Earth- Success

codycsnell

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Joined: Mon, Apr 20, 2015
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Okay, so this is something that I've been trying to do forever, and finally managed to pull off, and I think some other folks may be interested in the workflow. Basically this is the deal: Using a revit model to generate a .dae filetype (collada), then importing that into google earth as a model. Side notes to make this work/work better on each piece of software's end:

REVIT:- There are a couple plugin's that will allow you to export your revit file as a .dae, I used this one: https://lumion3d.com/revit-exporters.html -I would imagine there are other that will also work well (maybe better, this one has limitations that I go into detail with on my con's list below). -There is also the possibility to export from Revit, import to sketchup, then import to GE, but I've never had luck with that workflow. Too much incompatibility.

GOOGLE EARTH -Google Earth PRO is free now, take the time to download it in order to access this feature. You may be able to do this using the general free version, but I'm not sure. The pro version has some other perks, and better graphics imo. -Once you've imported the file as a .dae, you can group it into a sub folder that you create in your "places" tab on google earth. other things that can go in the folder with it can be an outline of the site boundary, an image mapped onto the ground surface, etc. When you've gotten a sufficient amount of info into the folder, you can "save as" the whole folder as a .kmz and send it to someone else- and they can view your model and annotations!  That's the process in a nutshell. I'd pull any topo from your model before you send it to GE, just parking lot/slab as far as ground plane stuff. You can use cad to earth or the backwards flow from GE>Sketchup>Revit to get an accurate topo to be sure your parking lots and slab will work with the unedited surface in GE. 

CONS TO THIS PROCESS: -I can't seem to make Edge lines or surface model lines/ patterns show up for the imported models. By default it shows rendered materials. Not a HUGE deal, but I'd like my buildings to pop more in the full model. If anyone has any suggestions on this, I'd be really stoked about it. -3D Buildings layer: the whole point of doing this is kinda to get an idea of adjacencies, and if you leave the 3d buildings layer on in GE, trees and existing models in generated by GE will poke through your model. The only thing I've found for this is to get everything positioned with 3D buildings off, then Save As a few hi-res images of your GE window with the 3D buildings on, and your model off, then Save as with your model on and no 3d buildings. And then composite the two in PS. very annoying and basically defeats the purpose of the exercise, since you cant use it to interactively fly around the site, set up flyby camera "tours", etc. So if anyone has any idea of a way to turn off a selected area of the 3D building layer without disabling all of it, please contribute!

I've attached a few example images.

Attached Images

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WWHub

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Joined: Tue, May 16, 2006
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Is anyone concerned about the legal ramifications of using google earth images in a project?   At this time, we won't do it.

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codycsnell

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WW-  thats a super valid point, that I haven't really considered the full implications of. I'd imagine that since GE is providing the Pro version for free, and allowing the import of models that it'd be okay for minor commercial use? Technically the Pro version is listed as being for "professional/commercial" use. After all, you're only using their program as context for your own individually developed project. PS. Am I dumb? I can't get line breaks to work in the post format, or find an edit post button.... 

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WWHub

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For paragraphs, I use a double return.

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johnasb1129

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Right Click on Model in Places and select Properties to Modify Position

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jcowley

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i can only see my windows, no other features.. walls, roof, doors... all missing how can i make these visible?

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codycsnell

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"i can only see my windows, no other features.. walls, roof, doors... all missing how can i make these visible?"

Good question! I'm not sure as I don't think I ever experienced this specific issue (and its been a while since I played with this particular workflow) but it may help to reduce your file down, strip out interior detail, etc. The more I played with this workflow the more issues I came across. I never could get a consistent delivery from it. If the files were too large, it would think and think without ever loading in and running successfully. Its definitely not an optimized process. 

That said, a GREAT tool for visualizing the massing of a project in context. I haven't found any other software that can do what this process 'kinda' does.  

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