Virtual Neighborhoods - 3D Models Integrated into Google Earth

3Dwalkthroughs.com recently came across a new product, Virtual Neighborhoods, developed by Europe based Earthware. Virtual Neighborhoods allows potential buyers to interact with a property and its surroundings by viewing 3D models integrated into Google Earth.

Earthware product is interesting because in addition to viewing a 3D model of a property integrated into Google Earth, it gives potential customers access to “off plan” information including virtual tours, property details, floor plans, images, price and availability. Virtual Neighborhoods also allows customers to get a thorough understanding of the surrounding environment including school info, health facilities, tranportation as well as many other local areas of interest.

We are excited to see many new applications are being launched that integrate 3D Models, 3D Walkthroughs and 3D Floor Plans into Google Earth and Virtual Earth. As the user base of Google Earth and Virtual Earth continue to increase, real estate agents and property marketers will need to incorporate these technologies into their marketing strategies to stay competitive.

While I do not believe less realistic 3D models will ever replace the emotional attachment that can be created from a photo-realistic custom 3D Walkthrough, I do believe they are getting much better in quality, and are an effective way of getting a good sense of a properties relative location.