Author(s):
Christopher J. Sutton* - Western Illinois University
Abstract:
The use of Google SketchUp with traditional GIS software, e.g., ArcGIS, has enabled cartographers to easily create very dramatic 3D representations - particularly for facilities mapping for cities and institutions. In 2006 and 2007, the author led two projects for 3D mapping in Macomb, Illinois. First was a campus map for Western Illinois University and the second was a reconstruction of the local Courthouse Square shopping district. Each project employed a three-stage implementation model. The first phase involved photo reconnaissance, digitizing building footprints using ArcGIS, and exporting the geo-referenced footprints to Google SketchUp. In the second phase, the three-dimensional buildings were drawn to scale using Google SketchUp. Finally phase of the project, architectural details were added to individual buildings using Google SketchUp and the blocks were reassembled into the larger map.
