Share your data

Adding your 3D data to Google Earth is easy and free.

Google offers two options for sharing your data:

  1. If you have textured 3D models in Google SketchUp (skp) or Google Earth (kmz) format, you can upload them through the Google 3D Warehouse. If you have 3D data in other formats, you can provide it to us directly.

    The advantage to uploading data through the 3D Warehouse is that it enables a collaborative approach to building a 3D representation of your city on Google Earth. You can publish your textured 3D models enabling anyone with 3D modeling experience, and an interest in creating an accurate representation of your city, to help you develop and maintain a current, 3D representation of your city or locality.

    All models published to the 3D Warehouse are checked for quality by the Google team and the very best are included on Google Earth. Take a look, your city may already be a "City in Development" in the 3D Warehouse.

  2. If you would like to share your 3D data with the public but limit its access to "view only," you can provide it to us directly. Following a review, we will incorporate it on Google Earth such that users can view the 3D models, but don't have the option to download and enhance them.

    If you are unsure which option is right for you, simply tell us about your data and we'll contact you to explain your options further.

The steps to sharing your data:

  1. If your data is not in Google SketchUp (skp) or Google Earth (kmz) format, or you prefer the data to be "view only" on Google Earth, then tell us about your data.
  2. The Google team will review the information you provide and contact you.
  3. You will be asked to agree to terms of service.
  4. Submit your data to Google via FTP or other secure delivery option.
  5. Provide new and updated data as it becomes available.

We welcome 3D data in a variety of types and formats:

  • Textured 3D building models in any of the following file formats:
    • .shp, .kmz, .skp, .dae, .3ds, .max
  • Non-textured 3D building models in any of the following file formats:
    • .shp, .kmz, .skp, .dae, .3ds, .max
  • Building footprints with heights (extruded or with Z-value)
  • High-quality bare earth raster-based terrain and elevation data
Textured 3D models
Extruded building footprints