Lots of new 3D: Machu Picchu, Luna Park ferris wheel, and various cities
by Google Earth Blog on Apr.12, 2010, under 3D Models, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, California, Denmark, England, Germany, Google Earth News, Google Earth Tips, Google Sky, Google maps, Hawaii, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Natural Landmarks, Netherlands, Sightseeing, Street Views, USA
SketchUp user 'pmolsen' has just made me aware of a new addition to the 3D warehouse that he constructed -- an exact 3D replica of Machu Picchu in Peru. Using data from a laser scan of the site, and putting in around 1,200 hours of work, the result is quite amazing.
Below is a video of the model, you can check it out in the 3D warehouse, or you can use this KML file
to fly there yourself (make sure that you have the "3D Buildings" layer turned on):
He also built a ferris wheel animation at Luna Park in Sydney, similar to the London Eye animation we showed you a few years ago. You can download the animated file from the 3D Warehouse, or watch this video below:
Lastly, Google has added three more 3D cities to Google Earth, all in South Africa: Nelspruit (KML), Polokwane (KML) and Phokeng (KML). The coverage areas aren't especially large, but the quality of the buildings is solid.