Getting That Aerial Shot When You Can’t Go Outside

If you haven’t heard about it already, Google Earth Studio is an amazing tool for filmmakers and photographers. With thousands of locations mapped in incredible 3D detail, accurate sun positioning for any given day of the year, as well as the ability to export 3D camera metadata - the possibilities are endless. With most of us staying indoors for the next while, now is a great time to give it a try and see if it can help you with your next project.

Basics

If you’ve used any keyframe base programs like After Effects before, then you’ll feel right at home using Google Earth Studio. Starting is simple - you can select a blank project or start with a few preset animations like rotation, spiral, zoom. Animations can be keyframed, and you can even edit the curves to ease the the speed of the animation as it takes off, or comes to an end. Clips are exported as jpeg images, and can be imported as image sequences into your editor of choice.

Storyboarding

With very fine controls position, rotation, field of view, time and time of day, it’s very easy to get the shot exactly how you want it, before your shoot. You can also export your clips and try them out in your edit to get the timing exactly right before you step out your door.

Location Scouting

Scouting out a location before the shoot can become very expensive very quickly. Especially during the global lockdown, planning and travelling to shoot locations is almost impossible. One of the most powerful features of Google Earth Studio is changing the time and date anywhere in the world and getting the correct sun position, as well as lighting and shadow positions anywhere where 3D data is available. 

Motion Graphics and Animation

When exporting your clips, there is an option to export the 3D camera data which can be used in After Effects. This allows you to comp in your graphics and have them track accurately with the animation. 

Pro Tip

One of the biggest limitations of Google Earth Studio is the lack of ability to add motion blur to your animations. You can use Adobe After Effects, or any other visual effects software to add motion blur and color control to your renders. Adobe’s Pixel Motion blur is a quick and easy way to add motion blur - just beware the extra render time required.

The Future

While Google Earth Studio remains the undisputed champion in using 3D mapping for filmmaking, another tool is on the horizon. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, which is slated for release later this year, promises higher resolution and detail, accurate weather, plus many more features. Have a look:

These are just a few ways filmmakers and photographers can utilise 3D imagery and tools in their work. Have you used Google Earth to help with any of your projects? Let us know in the comments.