Google hails Gloucestershire architect

A Gloucestershire architect has been recognised by internet giant Google for his pioneering three-dimensional models of Dursley.

John Wilkes's innovative use of the firm's design software has won him an invitation to speak at a Google conference in Colorado.

Dursley born and bred Mr Wilkes, who has worked as an architect around the world, has run a website dedicated to his home town for a number of years.

An upgrade to his computer and broadband package allowed him to use Google's SketchUp software to build scores of online models of Dursley buildings.

Now the American internet search engine business has accepted them as part of its worldwide mapping service Google Earth.

The 62-year-old said: "I knew they had models for San Francisco. I thought why not do it for Dursley? Then Google wrote to me and said they were interested in those who had got involved in prolific modelling. They wanted to know what my motivations are and they called me a pioneer."

Mr Wilkes, who is one of a handful of modellers invited to address the conference in August, added: "I've now made 150 models, 142 of which have been accepted. Dursley is now pretty comprehensively covered."

An email from James Therrien, at Google's Boulder office, said: "First, we'd like to thank you for the fantastic 3D modelling you've done for Google Earth. You're a pioneer!

"This summer we're bringing together a group of 'super modellers' like yourself. We'll be talking about some of our new technologies related to Google Earth modelling, and we'd also like to speak with you about your experiences using Google SketchUp and Google Earth."

Those whose computers have the capabilities can call up the 3D models at www.awdt59.dsl.pipex.com/dursley.htm#preface and read the detailed historical and architectural information attached.

Google is fascinated by the depth to which Mr Wilkes has used the system to make it a practical tool for architects and for development and planning work.

Mr Wilkes said: "When I was first at university I had to build models – literally. It was very fiddly. On SketchUp this takes about six hours a building."

Models are built using photos – Mr Wilkes also happens to be a keen photographer – to create scale drawings which claim to be accurate within millimetres.

Mr Wilkes added: "Traditionally architects create various two-dimensional views of buildings and when they come to site they don't always fit together – that's when you have to pay the builders more money. This system allows you to sort out any problems beforehand."

Mr Wilkes also sees potential for the modelling to help settle planning disputes and has written to Sainsbury's about its planning development for Dursley.

Source