disappearing models .....

OK, I understand that Google Earth has thrown all the google warehouse modelling stuff overboard and has started generating 3D cities with satellite imagery. But my city - Paramaribo - is small and probably GE won't be working on it for 50 years to come. So the old man-made models are still doing good there. I had some 12 models there, but lately I noticed most have vanished. Only 3 remain. Anybody has any idea why ? There doesn't seem to be much logic in it.

Hi and welcome.
User models were abandoned a while back now, we have no idea why Google started to remove existing ones, they never say. But you can still share them here, and if you want to share with friends or publish the links, you are very welcome to. Just post in Earth Browsing forum then you have the option to link to Google+ or Facebook, or share the link.

Best we can offer at this time.

Hi Phillip,


(Just to amplify what TL said, with a reply that I was writing when he posted:)


It saddens me whenever content that people have worked hard to create is withdrawn. Anyone who has ever tied to make a model knows how much work is required. Happily, in most cases, the handmade models can still be viewed in cities where they have been replaced by the newer computer generated modeling. (I'm a fan of architecture, and a well-made model can enrich my perspective in ways that machine made models, street view, and even being there myself cannot, so I sometime go back and look at the human modeled view.) The screen shot I have attached is of Tenryuji temple in Kyoto, the work of a modeler well known and loved my many members of this forum. Notice, to view, I ticked off Use 3D Imagery (disable to use legacy 3D buildings) < 3D Tools < Options < Tools, but left Photorealistic ticked on in Layers.



As to why some of your models have disappeared and not others, I wouldn't be optimistic that you will ever get an answer. My impression is that Google often is reluctant to explain its actions. Still, some members here may be in a position to answer, and you might have better luck over at the Google Earth Help Forum (link at upper right of this page).



My guess is that your estimate of when Paramaribo will get the new 3D imagery is rather off the mark. Just think of the state of world mapping in 1966. Think of the evolution of the Google Earth program in less than on quarter of 50 years. Your city may well be one of the last to enjoy the new imagery, but my guess that it will be done in much closer to 5 than 50 years.