Google 2009 Student Bridge Modeling Competition
Help model the world.
New! The 2009 winners have been announced! See our winners page for details and see the incredible models produced by students all over the world.
Are you in awe of the engineering that goes into designing a bridge? Do you have a favorite local, famous, or historical bridge you'd like to see in Google Earth? Now you have a chance to show off your modeling skills and make that dream a reality by entering the Google SketchUp International 2009 Student Bridge Modeling Competition. Simply model the bridges of your choice in Google SketchUp, geo-reference them in Google Earth and submit them by uploading to the Google 3D Warehouse to earn lasting online glory and, for the winners, a handsome prize.
You may enter this competition if you are a student at a higher education institution almost anywhere in the world. Please read the official rules before registering.
See current examples of geo-located bridges in the Google 3D Warehouse, or take a tour in Google Earth.
1. Start Creating
Choose to model any number of bridges, located anywhere in the world. Only bridges that have not yet been modeled in 3D for Google Earth will be eligible. The list of excluded bridge models can be found here. All types of bridges are important, no matter how rural or obscure. Bridges should be modeled in SketchUp using photo-texturing and should have a low polygon count. To find out how to model this way, start by viewing our Getting Started page, our Best Practices Modeling Guide, Tips for modeling page, and some stellar bridge examples. You can also join our Google Competition Group to discuss issues, ideas, and solutions for modeling.
2. Submit your models by June 15, 2009
Be sure to register and submit your bridge models using the links below. All entries will become public domain on the 3D Warehouse and will possibly be included in the 3D Buildings layer in Google Earth.
Register your team any time between March 16 - June 15, 2009.
All individuals must be registered through this website, create a collection in the 3D Warehouse where you will upload your models, and request your collection be added to the competition collection.
Submit your completed models by noon PST, June 15, 2009.
Models must be uploaded to your collection through the 3D Warehouse. The exact steps on this process can be found on our Guidelines page. Google retains the right to use all models in any form desired after they have been submitted.
3. Check out the submissions and winners
Entries can be viewed as they are being uploaded to the 3D Warehouse Bridge Competition Collection. The winning entries will be chosen and announced on this site by July 15, 2009.
4. Awards
The top 3 modelers will win a cash prize consisting of $5,000 for 1st place, $2,500 for 2nd place, and $1,000 for 3rd place. In addition, winners will be featured on the Official Google SketchUp Blog, and enjoy lasting online glory.
5. Judging
Models will be judged in accordance with the Best Practices Document guidelines and on their overall performance in Google Earth. All models must be constructed using SketchUp.
Specifically, your models should:
- maintain accuracy of scale and location
- focus on the important and identifying details
- show small, intricate details through photo textures
- possess a low polygon count
- contain beautifully-made textures devoid of visual noise (cars, trees, people, etc)
- include accuracy of the bridge placement in Google Earth terrain
- detail of meta-data about models
Finalists will be picked by an internal team of SketchUp experts. Winners will be chosen by a panel of 3D luminaries.
