THE IMPACT OF GOOGLE’S APIS ON LANDSCAPE VIRTUAL REPRESENTATION

Abstract. The field of territorial representation has undergone significant transformations in response to the proliferation of the internet, leading to the emergence of platforms dedicated to global exploration. Notably, Google Earth has assumed a pivotal role and stands as one of the most widely utilized tools for making territorial information universally accessible. Google recently introduced direct access to photorealistic 3DTiles via dedicated APIs, ushering in a new era of possibilities. This integration forms a robust foundation for crafting customized applications and interactive experiences within a geospatial three-dimensional environment. The primary objective of this research is the assessment of the accuracy and potential of the resources provided by Google within a workflow focused on digital twin processing and geospatial data visualization. To achieve this goal, a comparative analysis of distinct models was conducted, with each model representing a unique approach to three-dimensional reconstruction. The research introduces a methodology designed for easy replication in other case studies, demonstrating intrinsic scalability suitable for more complex or diverse scenarios. Furthermore, the study offers a comprehensive assessment of the differences and characteristics of the three methods analyzed, providing insights into their potential and limitations.