I was just working on my current RPG in which I am running in original setting. A bit part of my prep work for the game has been mapping out the world and deciding who lives where and what the surrounding topography.

While looking at some real world skyscrapers for inspiration for a Orthanc-like tower, I was looking at the 3d buildings in Google Earth (newest version 5 I think). Has anyone tried taking a world map and gloming into the Google Earth software? That would be sweet, but I wouldn't have the first clue how to even start. I found Google Sketchup which, apparently, is Google's free 3d modeler which you can use to make stuff for Google Earth.

I'm just kind of thinking outloud.

Thoughts?