Digitally Mapping America’s Main Streets, With a Little Help From Google
By National Trust for Historic Preservation on October 15th, 2010Written by Andrea L. Dono
Downtown South Orlando gets trained in digital mapmaking.
In July, the National Trust Main Street Center was thrilled to announce that we selected five communities to participate in Main Streets in 3D– an exciting joint project with Igloo Studios and Google. Together, we are bringing free on-site and online training to volunteer-led revitalization programs in Milford, Del.; Jefferson, Ga.; Oregon City, Ore.; Downtown South, Orlando, Fla.; and Fairmont, W. Va. Soon, these communities will become technology role models for preservation groups everywhere, demonstrating how Google SketchUp™ (the newest version was released last month – just in time for our trainings!) and Google Earth™ can revolutionize how we approach preservation.
Once virtual 3D models of the historic commercial districts are created, each community has something unique to reveal. Fairmont will model the interior of two long-vacant historic buildings to attract the attention of potential developers. Milford will use the tool to inform decisions on pending “streetscape” improvements (upgrades to sidewalks, the street, and other public areas). Jefferson is looking at creating a 3D urban forestry plan. Downtown South is focusing on making the community more walkable. Finally, Oregon City will turn its flat, paper-only downtown master plan into a more user-friendly, interactive 3D tool. And, every neighborhood is planning to use their Main Streets in 3D projects to attract entrepreneurs, jobs, investors, and visitors to their towns.
In two words: Very cool. And, the possibilities are endless.
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