Is there a way to export a format that can be converted into a .dae/collada file that Google Earth can display?

PIX4Dmapper PIX4Dmapper Feature Request
1

Because there is no way to directly export one’s textured model into Google Earth, is there any other program that can act as a middleman between taking pix4d’s 3D textured file formats (.fbx, .ply, .obj, .kml) and converting them into the appropriate .dae/collada file? This article touches on what I’m hoping can be accomplished using kml/kmz: https://developers.google.com/kml/documentation/models

 

2

Hi Adam,

 

We have never tested this from our side nor we are familiar with software that could do this. However, after googling converter obj to  . dae/Collada, I can see a lot of tools, but I would not recommend uploading the mesh to an unknown source.  

Cheers,

Ina

 

3

Hey Adam,

I have encountered a similar situation in the past, and using Blender does the job. It supports .fbx and .obj import as well as collada (.dae) import/export since version 2.79 (see https://wiki.blender.org/index.php?title=Doc:2.6/Manual/Data_System/Files/Import/COLLADA).

I hope this helps,
Best

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Thanks for that! Though, Sarah, have you tried exporting the model to view in Google Earth. I’ve tried using blender but the .dae file I created was too large for GE. Any tips?

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I’ve never tried to export the mesh to Google Earth. However since your mesh is too large, I suggest to simplify it by reducing the number of vertices/faces in Blender. You can use the “Decimate” modifier in “Object modifiers” when editing the properties of the mesh. You get to select a ratio from 1 to 0 which reduces the size of the mesh quasi linearly.

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