Visualization with Google Earth and gaming engine

Abstract

Two methods, Google Earth and gaming engine “Unity” were used for landscape visualization. By using both Google Earth and Unity, walk-through simulation is made possible and utilization of both methods is a powerful tool for public understanding and for selection of alternative planning scenarios. The visualization systems with both methods are developed. Sketch Up was used to create objects including building and roads. Plants are shown with billboard method or a simple 3D object. This result can be shown on the web. With the case study, the feasibility of both methods was proven. Especially, Unity has shown better performance for the real-time landscape rendering or walk-through simulation. In the case of Unity, quite clear images on the ground and near sight were obtained. With the availability of 3D simulation on the Internet in both methods, we can intuitively realize the landscape.