Ever wonder how designers make models in 3D? Check out this free program from Google that lets you create, view and edit 3D plans quickly and easily.

Along with 3D models, G Element also works to help make GIS layers available in Google Earth for layman users who may not be familiar with ArcGIS. (via the G Element Blog) ...

Some photoshop work is needed to add some realistic clouds and fix some stitching artifcats due to anomalies created due to this being a 3D model (not the real Earth).

A new 3D model of Earth's layers could help better pinpoint where earthquakes and nuclear explosions originate.

The algorithm combines multiple images, sometimes in the hundreds, to create a 3D model which, once mapped, can be updated with new satellite imagery as it is collected by DigitalGlobe’s cluster ...