Fotuntately, the map still hasn't been updated to show the PILOT truck stop:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Carol+Stream,+IL/@41.9049051,-88.1238139,198a,20y,150.56h,53.67t/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fab3c98e013fd:0x79a000a44e180585!8m2!3d41.9125286!4d-88.1347927
So I'm going to be capturing as many views as I can 360 around before it's gone. I then have 2 options:
1. Use photogrammetry to auto create the 3d geometry shell. Looks like agisoft is free trial, and a lot of 3d printer users have noted this is a good program if you're willing to let your CPU chunk for a day or two.
2. I can still trace the top view, extrude, and modify geometry along the way. I'm also going to use the reference photos I've been given by Mike before the building got torn down for fine detail and texturing.
Ideally, I'd also like to capture some of the surroundings (at the very least, the white castle and the hotel next door). Stay tuned for 3d renderings from solidworks.
On a sidenote, yesterday I looked into 3d engines. Unreal 4 engine still looks to be the best option, and I also found a program that can convert solidworks directly to fbx files that the unreal engine can import. Looks like it's free for 30 days, or $150 if I want to buy it. If I can get a good shell of the building, I can slowly start piecing it together. Also since it's a free engine, anyone can download the map and walk around. I hadn't considered this engine a year ago because my PC was lacking. I'm now on an i5 2.7ghz with a GT 730 video card. Not top of the line by any means, but certainly meets the minimum requirements of the engine.
