Every tool has a purpose in mind and the new ones noted at the end of this podcast for authoring "3-D location knowledgeable models" are good upgrades to already solid software, however I am not sure they are the tipping point worthy of saying that "until now" it was out of reach. True many are saying, "we want to be able to visualize our city." You still get what you pay for. Using "minimally trained" labor such as "high school students" to build anything beyond sketches has its risks and costs. Both of the products mentioned are professional tools, and organizations wanting to produce 3-D models from them should also invest in the trained labor it takes to use them for professional activities.

Today, most 3-D urban model use cases for governments or private firms center around visuals and analyses to support urban design or emergency preparedness. Would we feel confident giving maps to the planning commission or firefighters that had been drafted by "minimally trained" people? These 3-D urban models are for just as serious a purpose and needing just as serious quality management (metadata, accuracy standards, maintenance, etc). It's a big gap in this practice area - ASPRS, FGDC?

That said, the accessibility and usability of tools like Google SketchUp will hopefully inspire and enable a whole new generation to be naturals in the emerging 3-D world.

Keep up the great podcasts!