Google opens up and lets anyone use its 3D tiles via API.

[Colonel X 1,430]

https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/tile/3d-tiles

I think it is a matter of weeks until we see API level integration of Google's 3D cities and worldwide ortho to X-Plane.

Good news!

[jcomm 5,919]

This is PROMISING !!!

[Sethos 4,333]

Very interesting. What I wouldn't give to have quality streamed worldwide ortho (from a fast server) in X-Plane. The 3D city / photogrammetry isn't that high on the wish list but I still wouldn't mind seeing it.

[hs118 707]

ICYMI: "Note: Your use of Photorealistic 3D Tiles in the Experimental stage will: (i) be free of charge, and (ii) require you to enable billing on each of your projects using Photorealistic 3D Tiles. We have no obligation to notify you when your free trial ends, and we reserve the right to modify or terminate the free trial at any time, without notice and in our sole discretion."

[Sethos 4,333]

9 minutes ago, hs118 said:

ICYMI: "Note: Your use of Photorealistic 3D Tiles in the Experimental stage will: (i) be free of charge, and (ii) require you to enable billing on each of your projects using Photorealistic 3D Tiles. We have no obligation to notify you when your free trial ends, and we reserve the right to modify or terminate the free trial at any time, without notice and in our sole discretion."

Dang, that's a sleazy approach.

[hs118 707]

2 minutes ago, Sethos said:

Dang, that's a sleazy approach.

LOL, "Do no evil"

[The_Flying_Potato 25]

44 minutes ago, Sethos said:

Dang, that's a sleazy approach.

Boo!

[Bob Scott 7,720]

4 hours ago, hs118 said:

ICYMI: "Note: Your use of Photorealistic 3D Tiles in the Experimental stage will: (i) be free of charge, and (ii) require you to enable billing on each of your projects using Photorealistic 3D Tiles. We have no obligation to notify you when your free trial ends, and we reserve the right to modify or terminate the free trial at any time, without notice and in our sole discretion."

The corner dealer is offering free heroin in a limited time offer.  After that...you're hooked and it ain't free no mo'

[Sims Smith 302]

5 hours ago, hs118 said:

ICYMI: "Note: Your use of Photorealistic 3D Tiles in the Experimental stage will: (i) be free of charge, and (ii) require you to enable billing on each of your projects using Photorealistic 3D Tiles. We have no obligation to notify you when your free trial ends, and we reserve the right to modify or terminate the free trial at any time, without notice and in our sole discretion."

That is normal for everything Google offers for 'free'. If their incomes drops or usage becomes more expensive than anticipated, they can turn it off the well without legal liability.  

[turnandbank 243]

If it is anything like some of their other API's, it will suddenly become VERY expensive. The Google Maps and places API provides $200 per month of free data, but once you go over the limit -- watch out!

[brinx 276]

Just now, turnandbank said:

If it is anything like some of their other API's, it will suddenly become VERY expensive. The Google Maps and places API provides $200 per month of free data, but once you go over the limit -- watch out!

There is always a catch with google. Licensing map data from google has always been more expensive than the competition. They were very quick to block my IP when I downloaded too much orthos from them. I wonder how many people, if any would be willing to pay $10-20/month to stream ortho and 3D assets from google into xplane if allowed.

On the flip side you can appreciate what a bargain Microsoft is offering with unlimited streaming after a one-time purchase of the sim.

[Sims Smith 302]

Same with AWS, after you finish up free tier price sky rocket...down to every byte that goes or comes out of VPC

[Franz007 482]

3 hours ago, brinx said:

There is always a catch with google. Licensing map data from google has always been more expensive than the competition. They were very quick to block my IP when I downloaded too much orthos from them. I wonder how many people, if any would be willing to pay $10-20/month to stream ortho and 3D assets from google into xplane if allowed.

On the flip side you can appreciate what a bargain Microsoft is offering with unlimited streaming after a one-time purchase of the sim.

I think that for most of us who can buy a PC for over 3000$ every 5 years, this won't be a problem at all. I am already paying more for a Youtube subscription. MSFS has the datas but the sim is still not really an option because of its limitations and downsides.

Edited May 22, 2023 by Franz007

[GoranM 3,764]

4 hours ago, Franz007 said:

I think that for most of us who can buy a PC for over 3000$ every 5 years, this won't be a problem at all. I am already paying more for a Youtube subscription. MSFS has the datas but the sim is still not really an option because of its limitations and downsides.

I deal with certain individuals who feel it's their right to obtain software without paying for it.  Comments like "I'm not paying $50 for something when I can get it for free."

Our DRM is pretty good with catching that kind of thing.  These are the same people who brag in certain forums that they just spent $6000 on a fully spruced up PC.  Priorities, Franz.  A 4 figure PC is far more important than software that costs less $100 to some people.  

😛

[Mike44 22]

8 hours ago, Franz007 said:

 I am already paying more for a Youtube subscription.

Huuh?