Utilizing Google Earth and Google Sketchup to visualize wind farms

The focus of this proposed research involves the utilization of computer-generated visualizations of proposed wind farms in an effort to provide reliable information to citizens most affected by their presence. Employing the capabilities of Google Earth and Google Sketchup, project planners and developers may offer a resource that individual citizens can manipulate from their own prospective and point of view to determine the scope and effect of projects from where they live, work, and play. Citizen participation in the planning process becomes enhanced through the deployment of computer technology made available on the Internet. Although wind farms remain the primary focus of this paper, the technology may be used in all planning processes where citizen support is required and potential opposition is mitigated by providing accurate and reliable information.