14 DAY TRIAL // Let the 3D modeling start! Microsoft is now enabling users of its Virtual Earth platform to build and integrate three dimensional architectures on top of the service. The 3DVIA technology was born through a partnership between the Redmond company and Dassault Syst?mes, and is designed to enable the creation of 3D buildings, objects and models in Virtual Earth. A preview of 3DVIA has been already made available for download. The tool is offered for free, and will permit the creation of textured 3D models which can subsequently be saved into map Collections.
"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 Syst?mes. "Through Microsoft's online geographic location mapping technology and our 3-D modeling and realistic visualization know-how, we have created a new level of realism within Virtual Earth that provides an unrestricted freedom for creativity and innovation."
"Our alliance with Dassault Syst?mes, a company that has 26 years of technology experience in 3-D modeling, will help us bring a new level of realism to Virtual Earth," said Stephen Lawler, general manager of Virtual Earth at Microsoft. "Microsoft is committed to delivering the highest-quality product for our Virtual Earth customers, and this enhancement is another step toward fulfilling that commitment."
Microsoft has hinted that 3DVIA is but the first example of 3D modeling offerings as a direct result of the collaboration with Dassault. Of course, as 3DVIA is yet in the phase of a technology preview, user feedback can actively impact the development process and help shape the tool. At this point in time, the Redmond company has failed to reveal a timetable when the final release of the product will be made available.