April 27, 2007—The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has launched two new AIA layers in Google Earth:
Marking AIA’s 150th anniversary, the AIA and Google Earth partnership demonstrates architecture’s impact on the world to more than 200 Google Earth users, says AIA.
America’s Favorite Architecture layer features the American public’s favorite structures, as selected by a Harris Interactive poll announced earlier this year. Google Earth users can now see many newly created 3-D models of the ballparks, bridges, buildings and memorials that characterize architecture for Americans and comment on the poll results.
By clicking on the America’s Favorite Architecture layer, users can view texturized 3-D images of the nation’s most popular landmarks created with Google SketchUp, right down to the trees lining the sidewalks and flags flanking the entrances.
The Blueprint for America layer documents community service efforts funded by the AIA, in which AIA members donated their time and expertise to collaborate with community leaders and local citizens to address issues such as homelessness, sustainable communities, and downtown revitalization.
Clicking on the Blueprint for America layer enables users to explore how AIA members and local citizens are working together to resolve real issues in their communities.
For more information on AIA and Google Earth, visit www.AIA150.org. Users can watch the AIA/Google Earth YouTube video available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpNaMbMr1CM.
