The previous edition (2nd) of the 3D Atlas of Ann Arbor offered detailed listings of plates of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and only listed buildings of The University of Michigan as a context within which to view various blocks of the DDA.  In this edition, we reverse that strategy and offer a detailed set of plates showing university buildings.  They are presented within the broader context of the textured and non-textured DDA as well as the 24,000+ buildings outside the DDA and UM.    Thus, the entire city comes alive as a 3D model. 

Another important feature of this 3rd edition of the 3D Atlas of Ann Arbor is that all models are georeferenced.  Earlier models show detail with fidelity equivalent to that shown here, but most of them are not properly georeferenced with respect to latitude and longitude on the surface of the earth-sphere.  Models that are not so referenced may have interesting applications of various sorts.  When evaluation of models comes into play, however, as it does in most municipal applications, then it is necessary to have some absolute standard against which to test model location.  Current 3d modeling software is so easy to use that anyone with a spare hour or two can use free software to build a realistic-looking city model that runs in real-time.  Thus, for example, a planning commissioner using a 3d model to consider a proposed project must know where that project lies in relation to the streets and to other buildings.  Streets created as part of the modeling process itself are insufficient for use as such a standard.  It is far too easy for an unscrupulous petitioner to manipulate boundaries to suit his or her own project needs.  Aerials compiled by government agencies offer an independent and absolute referencing system and when these aerials are cast as 3d models themselves, then they can be used in conjunction with 3d models placed upon them, to show a complete, verifiable, and replicable picture.  This crucial capability is the capability employed throughout this atlas for models of buildings, landscapes, and other objects in the city of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The layout of the information below is influenced by the submission form for the Campus Competition conducted by the Google 3D Warehouse.  A team of students participated in that competition; participation was led by Arlinghaus as Faculty Advisor with support from Lars Schumann in the 3D Laboratory of the Duderstadt Center of The University of Michigan.  The participating "department" of the university was the School of Natural Resources and Environment.  The heart of that entry and of this Atlas is the set of individual building files for the campus of The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor that work, together with existing context files, to create a virtual Ann Arbor. A number of files are heavily textured. We have chosen to group textured files so they are evident, and also, to select buildings and groups of buildings that are relatively well-known. Thus, we include the buildings of the "Diag," the central campus quadrangle, adjacent well-known buildings and blocks, as well as buildings on the south campus such as the Crisler Arena (basketball stadium), Yost Ice Arena (ice hockey stadium), and Michigan Stadium (football stadium, also known as "The Big House"). Some of the files have more than buildings. Thus, the file for the Diag contains vegetation in relation to the aerial -- the trees on the Diag serve to define that space almost as much as do the buildings on its perimeter. Lauren Leigh Hoffman is a Master's of Landscape Architecture student in the School of Natural Resources and Envrironment (SNRE) with special interest in trees. She created the Dana Building (home of SNRE) and Diag files and shares her expertise on trees with all of us. Farther south, the file for the clubhouse of The University of Michigan golf course contains not only the clubhouse but also flagsticks modeled in SketchUp for each of the 18 holes. Andrew Walton created these files and took charge of pin placements for this event. He also shares his thorough knowledge of this course in his hole-by-hole commentary and tour. Currently, Walton is a Master's of Urban Planning student, but as an undergraduate was a star of The University of Michigan golf team and also winner of the citywide City of Ann Arbor Men's Golf Championship. Hoffman aided with her insight on golf course vegetation and was in charge of tree placements on the course. Juan Sergio Ponce de Leon is a student in the Program in the Environment in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.  He combines his interest in the natural and built environments with his long-time family interest in linking environmental concern to real-estate development as he/they continue to explore new frontiers. Generally, students were encouraged to incorporate the new software experience into the realms of academic endeavor they already knew: to make a win-win situation in mastery of software, comfort-level in dealing with new software, and sharing their own expertise with others. The interactive linkage between Google SketchUp^® and Google Earth^® mirrored this interdisciplinary context.

Indeed, the collaboration of Walton and Hoffman, in creating the actual, virtual University of Michigan golf course, suggests possible future directions for municipalities not only to preserve golf courses as fine sports venues but also as environmental laboratories for best practices in managing various features in the local urban or rural landscape.  Thus, a water hazard on the course, might double as a model for retention or detention pond management for a local planning department: from the mowing of grasses at varying lengths around the pond to manage rate of sheet flow runoff, to the use of aeration equipment in the pond, to the  management of invasive pond plants, and so forth.  The "rough" areas of the course might serve as a laboratory for planners to study different styles of grasses that do well locally and to see how they actually look when planted and maintained professionally.  The fairways and greens could offer a chance to study the variety of indigenous grasses available that can offer residents a "cut" look to their front lawns when well-cared for in a sensitive manner.  The steep slopes of the course might offer local officials a chance to study erosion control over time.  And, of course, the wooded areas, when planted with a mixture of trees, could serve as a model for woodland preservation independent of local disease prevalence.  Interesting environmental management ideas, such as rainwater gardens, might create new golfing hazards.  Even a low, flat clubhouse might have a roof suited to a "green" planting strategy.  Virtual remodeling of an existing course could offer a municipality an opportunity to visualize how small changes in tree selection, water hazard management, and so forth, carried out over time, could reap large rewards for the entire community--for the sports community as well as for the broader planning and environmental communities.  Municipal authorities might study such change over time as they reflect on local ordinance changes.   These are all exciting directions that the virtual world can offer for envisioning a better tomorrow:  golf courses are large tracts of landscaped area that can serve not only as recreational opportunity for local citizens but also as an outdoor laboratory for them to study as they manage their own property and for municipal authorities and policy makers to study as they reflect on environmental management strategy and its implementation at the local level.

The models are grouped, for ease in reference, by category.  Click on a building name or suitable link in the left-hand column to see a static image of the model, shown alone and only in the flat context of an aerial.  Click on the .kmz file on the right to launch that model in Google Earth^® (the .skp files open in Google SketchUp^®).  Load multiple kmz files to build the campus yourself!

Building Information	Google SketchUp® file	Google Earth® file
CENTRAL CAMPUS, THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
Angell Hall.  Angell Hall dominates the view of the central campus from State Street. The stately columns often serve as a landmark to characterize the university;  435 S.State St Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1003.	skp	kmz
Mason Hall.  This building is part of the Angell Hall Complex and is best when viewed with the files for Angell Hall, Tisch Hall, and Haven Hall. 432 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-1329	skp	kmz
Tisch Hall.  Building in the Angell Hall Complex that fills in between older buildings. This file is best viewed in conjunction with the files for Angell Hall, Mason Hall, and Haven Hall. 435 S. State St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1003	skp	kmz
Haven Hall.  This building is part of the Angell Hall Complex and is best when viewed in conjunction with files for Angell Hall, Mason Hall, and Tisch Hall. 505 South State Street Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1045	skp	kmz
Hatcher Library, North.  The Hatcher Library is often called simply the "Graduate Library." It is composed of two connected parts: the north part is substantially older than the south part. 920 North University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1205	skp	kmz
Hatcher Library, South.  The Hatcher Library is often called simply the "Graduate Library." It is composed of two connected parts: the north part is substantially older than the south part. 920 North University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1205	skp	kmz
Shapiro Library.  The Shapiro Undergraduate Library is often called the "UGLI"--not for its appearance (nor as a description of desire to study) but simply as an acronym for "UnderGraduate LIbrary." 919 South University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1185	skp	kmz
Museum of Art.  Changing exhibits have delighted and educated generations of Michigan students and their families as well as the larger Ann Arbor and midwestern community, and beyond. 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109	skp	kmz
Tappan Hall.  This building at the south edge of the "Diag" is named for the first president of the university.	skp	kmz
President's House.  This campus home for the sitting President of The University of Michigan, currently Mary Sue Coleman, sits at the southern edge of the "Diag" on South University. The northern edge of the "Diag" lies on North University and the eastern edge lies along bot President's House, South University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109	skp	kmz
Clements Library.  Located on the South edge of the Diag, this building houses a wide variety of rare and unusual book collections. 909 S. University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109	skp	kmz
West Hall.  This building at the southeast corner of the "Diag" serves as a portal (through its arched passageway) to the commercial strip along South University Avenue just to the east. 1085 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1107	skp	kmz
Randall Laboratory.  Located on the east side of the "Diag." 450 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1040	skp	kmz
Dana Building.  Model by Lauren Leigh Hoffman. This building houses the School of Natural Resources and Environment. It is located near the northeast corner of the Diag. 440 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1041	skp	kmz
Diag Trees.  Model by Lauren Leigh Hoffman. The trees in the interior of the Diag work together with the buildings to define this space.	skp	kmz
Chemistry Building. Large single building near the northeast corner of the Diag. It has had substantial additions tacked on over the years. 930 N. University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1055.  Photo textures by Andrew Walton.	skp	kmz
Kraus Natural Science Building.  Generations of botany students fondly recall classes in the greenhouse perched on the northern edge of the "Diag" that is attached to the "Nat. Sci." building. 830 North University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109	skp	kmz
C. C. Little Building.  Classroom, office, and laboratory building at the northeast edge of the Diag. 1100 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1005	skp	kmz
Dennison Building.  The connected high rise and low rise components form this building, often referred to as the Physics and Astronomy building. 500 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1042	skp	kmz
Pharmacy College.  This building is best when viewed in conjunction with the file for the Dennison Building, to which it is attached. 428 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1065	skp	kmz
East Hall.  Formerly known as East Engineering, a modernized version now houses a variety of departments. 530 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1043	skp	kmz
Michigan League.  Conference center just to the north of the Diag. Often it is called "The League." 911 N. University Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1265	skp	kmz
Hill Auditorium. This centrally-located auditorium is located just to the north of the Diag. It serves not only as the principal theater for the university but also as a venue for special university events such as graduation ceremonies. 825 N.University. Ann Arbor,MI 48109	skp	kmz
Burton Memorial Tower.  Carillon tower with clock is a highly visible landmark on central campus and also for the entire city of Ann Arbor. 881 North University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1270	skp	kmz
Modern Language Building.  As its name suggests, this building serves as home to several departments concerned with modern languages. Often, however, it is referred to as MLB. Burton Tower sits between this building and Hill Auditorium. 812 East Washington, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1275	skp	kmz
Alumni Center. This building is the heart of the Alumni Association of The University of Michigan. This Association is the largest such in the world. 200 Fletcher Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109	skp	kmz
Horace H. Rackham Building.  Rackham is the School of Graduate Studies whose adminstrative hurdles many have successfully cleared. The building also serves the entire community with its amphitheater and auditorium. 915 E. Washington Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1070	skp	kmz
Biomedical Science Research Building.  This building on Central Campus is modeled and textured. It serves as the anchor building for the broader region of nearby buildings also found in this file. 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200	skp	kmz
Frieze Building. This former Central Campus building is modeled and textured (2007 has seen its destruction--the photo textures indicate the beginnings of such). It serves as the anchor building (as a memorial to its grandeur) for the broader region of nearby buildings. 105 S. State St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1285	skp	kmz
Literature, Science, and the Arts Building.  This salmon-colored post World War II brick building has served as the seat of the university's liberal arts college. Often, it is simply referred to as "LS&A." It is an anchor. 500 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109	skp	kmz
South Quad.  Model by Juan Sergio Ponce de Leon.  This single building serves as a complement to the larger file above.  South Quad is a residence hall near the Michigan Union.  Many freshmen have lived there, including Mr. Ponce de Leon when he was a freshman.	skp	kmz
University Hospitals.  This Central Campus hospital building is modeled and textured. It serves as the anchor building for the broader region of nearby buildings also found in this file. 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0199	skp	kmz
Power Center for the Performing Arts.  This Central Campus glass-fronted building is modeled and textured. It serves as the anchor building for the broader region of nearby buildings also found in this file. 121 Fletcher, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2017	skp	kmz
School of Social Work.  This Central Campus building combines new sleek lines with the claasic brick of nearby older buildings. It serves as the anchor building for the broader region of nearby buildings also found in this file. 1080 South University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106	skp	kmz
NORTH CAMPUS, THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
Francois-Xavier Bagnoud Building.  This building in the space research part of North Campus is modeled and textured. It serves as the anchor building for the broader region of nearby buildings also found in this file. 1320 Beal, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2140	skp	kmz
Bursley Residential Hall.  This residence hall on the steep part of North Campus is modeled and textured. It serves as the anchor building for the broader region of nearby buildings also found in this file. 1931 Duffield, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2080	skp	kmz
Duderstadt Center.  This building on North Campus, home to the 3D Laboratory, is modeled and textured. It serves as the anchor building for the broader region of nearby buildings also found in this file. 2281 Bonisteel, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2094	skp	kmz
Northwood IV apartments.  These rustic North Campus apartments fit nicely into the surrounding wooded areas. They serve as the anchor buildings for the broader region of nearby buildings also found in this file. 2364 Bishop, Ann Arbor, MI 48109	skp	kmz
SOUTH CAMPUS, THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
Crisler Arena.  Stadium that is home to the Michigan (Basketball) Wolverines. This large arena also serves as host to other events that require such an indoor space. 333 E. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-4423	skp	kmz
Michigan Stadium; "The Big House."  Michigan Stadium (Memorial Stadium) is the home of the Michigan (Football) Wolverines. On occasion, it is also used as a venue for outdoor events. Often, graduation ceremonies are held here. This past November, it was used to hold a memorial service to 1201 S. Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109	skp	kmz
Yost Ice Arena.  Model by Juan Sergio Ponce de Leon. The Yost Ice Arena is home to the University of Michigan Hockey Team. 1000 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109	skp	kmz
University of Michigan Golf Course and Clubhouse.  Model by Andrew Walton.  Open the .kmz file in Google Earth and get tips from a champion on how to play the course!	skp	kmz
University of Michigan Golf Course, vegetation.  Model by Lauren Leigh Hoffman.	skp	kmz
Schembechler Hall.  This colorful (UM colors are "Maize and Blue") South Campus building is named for the late Bo Schembechler. It serves as the anchor building for the broader region of nearby buildings also found in this file. 1200 South State, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2203	skp	kmz
CAMPUS TOURS
Campus Tours.  Use placemarks to get a view of what is available in this set. Then, use the placemarks, in conjunction with the geo-referenced 3D buildings as an aid in knowing building names.		kmz
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (DDA)
Context: Main and Huron Streets, NE.  County Building	skp	kmz
Context: Main and Huron Streets, NW.  Mixed residential and office use. Northwest corner of Main and Huron Streets. 101 North Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104	skp	kmz
Context: Huron and Fourth Streets, NE.  Hands-On Museum Block	skp	kmz
Context: Huron and Fifth Streets, NE.  City Hall block 100 N. Fifth Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48107	skp	kmz
Context: Main and Huron Streets, SE.  Block to the south and east of the intersection of Main and Huron Streets.	skp	kmz
Context: Main and Huron Streets, SW.  Key Bank Building	skp	kmz
Context: Huron and Fourth, SE.   City Center Building block	skp	kmz
Context: Huron and Fifth Streets, SE.  Ann Arbor News (partial)	skp	kmz
Context: Main and Liberty Streets, NE.  Textured buildings located on a block 2 blocks south of the intersection of Main and Huron Streets, and one block to the east of that intersection.	skp	kmz
Context: Main and LIberty Streets, NW. Textured buildings located on a block 2 blocks south of the intersection of Main and Huron Streets, and one block to the west of that intersection.	skp	kmz
Context: Main and Liberty Streets, SE. Textured buildings located on a block 3 blocks south of the intersection of Main and Huron Streets, and one block to the east of that intersection. Mulch in planter is photo of actual mulch from one of the planters. Trees are maintained by the Dean Fund.	skp	kmz
Context: Main and Liberty Streets, SW.  Textured buildings located on a block 3 blocks south of the intersection of Main and Huron Streets, and one block to the west of that intersection. Mulch in planter is photo of actual mulch from one of the planters. Trees are maintained by the Dean Fund.	skp	kmz
Context: DDA Minus Textured Blocks.  Simple extruded footprints with correct heights (from City of Ann Arbor Planning Department) for the remainder of buildings in the DDA.  Heights supplied by the Planning Department.		kmz
ANN ARBOR, OUTSIDE THE DDA AND THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
Context: General Ann Arbor 3d-scape.  Most Ann Arbor buildings outside the DDA and UM. File exported to .kmz from ArcMap. Lines up with terrain in Google Earth. Building height set arbitrarily to 2 stories for all buildings. 2D building footprints made by Environmental Coordination Services		kmz

From the Google 3D Warehouse:  Google Picks--"Cities in Development"; "Help Model A City"; "Featured Modelers" (the collections of "Archimedes").

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