barnabu
Tourist
Reged: 05/11/06
Posts: 85
Loc: Nottingham, UK
|
|
Global cloud layer - for Google Earth v4beta . 900KB + 2MB NL'ed texture.
This is a textured model that displays clouds above the Google Earth globe.
Edit (2006-08-10): On opening, the model loads in this near live cloud overlay by ChrisMDP. It updates every three hours.
Edit (2006-08-14): Option added to view cloud layer at a range of altitudes. from ~4kM upwards. Default 100kM.
Edit (2006-09-04): Included an option to display cloud shadows - Thanks to Canaro for this great idea.
A few problems with the model:
The geometry of the collada model doesn't exactly match that of the GE Globe. This means the distance between the surface and cloud layer varies slightly around the GE globe.
Texture darkening towards the poles, (Fixed - 2006-08-30)
Below the cloud layer, looking up, things are a little stormy  . (Fixed - 2006-08-30)
--------------------
www.barnabu.co.uk
List of my Google Earth models, animations etc.
|
Frank4
Master Blogger
Reged: 07/10/05
Posts: 1028
Loc: Cary, North Carolina, USA
|
|
This is a cool idea. Now, if only you could dynamically create the model based on the updated cloud image and have a network link update when the model updates...
It would be nice to show the clouds from beneath. And, the lighting problem at the poles is a bit annoying, but not a big deal. The clouds are too high of an altitude - is this because of the geometry mis-match you were mentioning? I notice that the model blocks part of the atmosphere rendering when viewing the globe (this would be reduced if you could make the cloud model fit lower (say only a few miles instead of 140+ miles above the surface).
I like the fact you can use this global cloud model and still look at the satellite/aerial photos without interference. And, it looks way cool as you zoom in and tilt the view.
--------------------
Frank Taylor - Author of Google Earth Blog (also available in Spanish)
All about Google Earth news, features, tips, technologies, and applications.
(If you have story ideas, please send me a private message.)
|
barnabu
Tourist
Reged: 05/11/06
Posts: 85
Loc: Nottingham, UK
|
|
Thanks for your comments Frank.
I've now linked the model directly to ChrisMDP's live cloud texture (hosted on this website). The model pulls in the most up to date cloud image on loading...
Actually, the main reason I exaggerated the altitude was because I thought it looked a little too much like a normal overlay otherwise. That cool parallax motion almost disappears when the clouds are at lower heights.
The individual pixels in the cloud texture effectively cover hundreds of square miles of the GE globe. So at more realistic altutudes there isn't really enough contrast with the terrain beneath for it to look like anything other than an overlay until you pop through to the other side.
But, having said that, I've tweaked the mesh a little more, and I've got it so it scales down fairly well to around a mile or two above sea kevel. Albeit, with some mountains poking through
I'll see if I can put an option in the original placemark to view it at a range of heights - including, as you suggest, at a few miles. I think it should be possible to this by using a range of kml placemarks with different scaling factors linked to my original Collada model. I'll give it a whirl...
James
Edited by barnabu (08/10/06 10:08 AM)
|
barnabu
Tourist
Reged: 05/11/06
Posts: 85
Loc: Nottingham, UK
|
|
I've fixed most of the original issues with this model overlay, and replaced the placemark with this , 800kB smaller version...
Changes:
I sorted out the texture darkening problem by removing all references to 'Normals' in the Collada (.dae) file. Worth trying if you don't want GE4 to shade/darken your SketchUp models. 
Also, removed the reverse-side colour from the spherical model mesh. This caused flickering and yet more darkening when the clouds were viewed from beneath.
and added a range of options to view the layer at different altitudes. From 4km up to an ultra-unrealistic, but kind of cool looking, IMO, 6350km ....
James.
|
syzygy
Master Cartographer
Reged: 10/06/05
Posts: 1530
Loc: Hungary
|
|
fascinating! -5*s from me-
welcome to the community!
beautiful GE views!
thank you!
keep marching on!
g
--------------------
        
Frequently Asked Questions have already been Answered
Image hosting: ImageShack and photobucket
avatar legend
Edited by syzygy426 (08/31/06 05:16 PM)
|
Frank4
Master Blogger
Reged: 07/10/05
Posts: 1028
Loc: Cary, North Carolina, USA
|
|
Excellent work barnabu! 5 globes!
--------------------
Frank Taylor - Author of Google Earth Blog (also available in Spanish)
All about Google Earth news, features, tips, technologies, and applications.
(If you have story ideas, please send me a private message.)
|
barnabu
Tourist
Reged: 05/11/06
Posts: 85
Loc: Nottingham, UK
|
|
Thanks Syzygy and Frank!
Syzygy - Great idea to take a snapshot view from below
I've borrowed this idea and added a similar picture to my original post. The other pic didn't really show what the model was about.
James
|
syzygy
Master Cartographer
Reged: 10/06/05
Posts: 1530
Loc: Hungary
|
|
your very welcome barnabu!
Quote:
I've borrowed this idea and added a similar picture to my original post.
similar??? my one is much better!  you can see even the stars!
(take it easy! i am just a stupid boy and just could not resist...!  )
regards,
g
--------------------
Frequently Asked Questions have already been Answered
Image hosting: ImageShack and photobucket
avatar legend
Edited by syzygy426 (08/31/06 05:27 PM)
|
barnabu
Tourist
Reged: 05/11/06
Posts: 85
Loc: Nottingham, UK
|
|
Yes, I had difficulty finding a good spot to take the photo. I think the weather changed.
The weather forecast looks good for this week. Hopefully I'll be able to take a better one soon
J
|
syzygy
Master Cartographer
Reged: 10/06/05
Posts: 1530
Loc: Hungary
|
|
Quote:
I had difficulty finding a good spot
nevermind! not your fault.
it is always cloudy in your country, in the Misty Albion...
g
--------------------
Frequently Asked Questions have already been Answered
Image hosting: ImageShack and photobucket
avatar legend
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
View in Google Earth
View in Google Maps
Edit
Reply
Quote
