Microsoft
Microsoft will allow users to upload 3D models to Virtual Earth

Microsoft adds 3D modeller to Virtual Earth

Partnership with Dassault Systemes to integrate 3DVIA technology

Ian Williams

Microsoft has teamed up with Dassault Systemes to launch a 3D modelling application for its Virtual Earth mapping platform.

Virtual Earth 3DVIA has been released as a technology preview to allow community feedback before the next release of the product.

Advertisement

The free download allows users to create realistic 3D models of buildings and other structures, and share them through Virtual Earth and online communities.

"Virtual Earth 3DVIA users will be able to build a world that mixes their future projects and ideas with real-life places, buildings and structures," said Lynne Wilson, senior vice president and general manager of 3DVIA at Dassault Systemes.

"We have created a new level of realism within Virtual Earth that provides an unrestricted freedom for creativity and innovation."

Wilson explained that a user could design a 3D model of their house, favourite building or any structure, then select from different visualisation options, textures and colours to give the model a style of its own.

Users can upload the 3D models to Virtual Earth, specifying an address or neighbourhood in which the model will be displayed.

Designers can also add their models to collections, and share them with friends and colleagues through various web communities.

"Our alliance with Dassault Systemes, which has 26 years of experience in 3D modelling, will bring a new level of realism to Virtual Earth," said Stephen Lawler, general manager of Virtual Earth at Microsoft.

Microsoft hopes that 3DVIA will help Virtual Earth better compete with rival Google Earth, which has a similar system called Google SketchUp.

  • Have your say
  • Send to a friend
  • Print
  • Digg
  • Reddit
  • Share

Tags:

Do you agree?

Further reading

YouTube

YouTube adds Google Earth geo-tagging

Dogs falling off skateboards can now be viewed on a map

Second Life

IBM and Second Life to build 3D internet

Firms to create interopability and security standards

Google Earth joins hunt for Fossett

Up-to-date maps of Nevada put online to help find missing aviator

Microsoft reveals US Navy secrets

Image of submarine prop leaves defence secrets up for grabs

Related whitepapers

Related jobs

Most watched

Xperia X1

Video Review: Sony Ericsson Xperia X1

First Looks Editor Ian Williams gets hands on with the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1

HTC Hero

Video: HTC Hero launch

Handset maker unveils its latest Android-based smartphone

IT white papers

Search white papers

Top categories

Poll

Poll: Summer smartphones

Poll: Summer smartphones

Which smartphone will you be taking to the beach this summer?

View poll results

Advertisement

Advertisement

Newsletter signup

Sign up for our range of FREE newsletters:

Existing User

Newsletter user login:

Enter email address to edit your newsletter preferences

Job of the week

Search thousands of IT jobs :

Search thousands of IT jobs:

Advanced search

Hiring now on ComputingCareers:

Related IT jobs

Search thousands of IT jobs :

Search thousands of IT jobs:

Advanced search

Spotlight

firefox logo

In Pictures: Firefox 3.5

Screenshots from Mozilla's latest Firefox web browser

BT

BT scraps Phorm rollout

Telco claims to be too tight on resources to support...

Nokia

Nokia denies Android smartphone rumours

Mobile phone giant insists it will stick with Symbian

Second Life

Second Life seeks to mix the real and virtual worlds

Linden Lab unveils plans to integrate with social networks and...

Primary Navigation