Using Google Earth and Sketchup To Visualize Development Proposals

Using the two free tools offered by the Palo Alto-based Google, Townsend constructed a virtual model to see if a controversial new building in his neighborhood would block the view from his apartment. In a matter of 15 mintues, he designed a rough model that illustrated the proposed building's impacts.

"This could change the rules of urban planning forever, as people can instantly build models and visualize the impact of proposed development - something that used to take artists or expensive CAD systems," says Townsend. "Bye bye experts, the power is now in the people's hands."

Thanks to Anthony Townsend