An updated version of Virtual Earth 3D is available for download as of September 24, 2008. Virtual Earth 3D is a component of Microsoft's online mapping, location and search platform, designed to allow the building of three-dimensional environments on top of Live Search Maps. Simultaneously with the release of the updated Virtual Earth 3D, Dassault Systèmes is delivering a refreshed version of the 3DVia, a tool set up to create 3D models, and then integrate them into Virtual Earth.

“We've released a new version of Virtual Earth 3D today. When you get to Live Search Maps and click 3D you'll be prompted to update your 3D control,” said Virtual Earth Tech Evangelist Microsoft Live Search, Chris Pendleton. “We have models in nearly 300 cities around the world - most of them in V1. Our V2 models are only in 6 cities - Dallas, Denver, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Miami, and Tampa. Vienna and Seattle, while amazing, were processed using V1 software.”

In addition to the evolution of Virtual Earth 3D, Dassault Systèmes' refreshed 3DVia tool makes it much easier for end users to put together three-dimensional models and then transition them to Virtual Earth. 3DVia starts at the surface with a streamlined graphical user interface, and goes far into the hosted 3D model inventory. In this regard, Dassault Systèmes is offering a 3D mashup creator tailored to Virtual Earth.

“Through our continued collaboration with Dassault Systèmes, we are now able to offer an even easier way for every Virtual Earth user to easily and intuitively create a realistic 3D version of their home, office or neighborhood. We’re pleased with the number of installs and engagement with the current version to date, and we expect that this new version will draw in even more enthusiastic users looking to bring their ideas to life in 3D,” stated Microsoft Virtual Earth General Manager, Stephen Lawler.

Virtual Earth 3D is available for download here.