> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://btehkmu.gitbook.io/btehkmu-zhi-nan-guide-book/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://btehkmu.gitbook.io/btehkmu-zhi-nan-guide-book/guide-book-en/getting-started/building-basics/3d-modeling.md).

# 3D Modeling

In the Build The Earth (BTE) project, outline modeling is the second step in recreating buildings. We use Google Earth Pro to measure building heights and extrude the drawn building footprints into three dimensions. With these basic data, players can gradually build the building's outer frame, providing a solid foundation for subsequent detailed construction.

The following will show Google Earth Pro information and settings, and the measurement and modeling of building outlines.

<details>

<summary>Method for observing buildings (please open and take a look)</summary>

The following tools can help you:

<table><thead><tr><th width="195">Tools</th><th width="175">Street View</th><th>2D Map</th><th>3D Map</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Google Maps</td><td><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="2705">✅</span> (updated annually)</td><td><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="2705">✅</span>(inaccurate)</td><td><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="2705">✅</span>(not updated frequently)</td></tr><tr><td>Google Earth Pro</td><td><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="2705">✅</span> (updated annually)</td><td><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="274c">❌</span></td><td><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="2705">✅</span>(not updated frequently)</td></tr><tr><td>GeoInfo Map</td><td><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="274c">❌</span></td><td><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="2705">✅</span></td><td><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="274c">❌</span></td></tr><tr><td>Open3Dhk</td><td><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="2705">✅</span>(photographed only in 2023)</td><td><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="274c">❌</span></td><td><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="2705">✅</span>(more detailed models)</td></tr><tr><td>BTEHKMU 3D Explorer</td><td><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="274c">❌</span></td><td><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="2705">✅</span>(GeoInfo map)</td><td><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="2705">✅</span>(textureless models)</td></tr></tbody></table>

I recommend using Google Earth Pro to observe the overall appearance of buildings (if Google Earth Pro's 3D model is too blurry, you can compare it with Open3Dhk).

</details>

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If you encounter any questions while building, please feel free on Discord [🚧｜building-discussion](https://discord.com/channels/692753403742388285/698479091111952456) to consult any team member or staff in the discussion channel — we're happy to assist you! You can also send images there to show!