Dassault Systemes (DS) (France) and Microsoft Corp. (WA, USA) have launched Microsoft Virtual Earth -3DVIA (Technology Preview). This free online application, developed by Dassault Systemes, allows consumers to imagine and create realistic 3-D models – such as of buildings and structures – then share them through Microsoft 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. "Through Microsoft’s online geographic location mapping technology and our 3-D modeling and realistic visualisation know-how, we have created a new level of realism within Virtual Earth."
Users can download Virtual Earth -3DVIA for free and immediately begin using the fun, easy-to-use and intuitive application. Virtual Earth -3DVIA allows anyone to do the following with their ideas:
– Create. With just a few clicks, users can easily design a 3-D model of their house, favourite building or any structure, then select from different visualidation options, textures and colours to give their 3-D model a style of its own.
– Publish. Users can upload their 3-D models to Virtual Earth, specifying an address or neighbourhood so they can experience the model within a real-life context.
– Share. Users can add their 3-D model to collections, and share it with friends and colleagues through Web communities.
Virtual Earth -3DVIA is being released as a technology preview to allow community feedback before the next release of the product. More information about Virtual Earth -3DVIA is available online at http://maps.live.com/Help/en-us/VE3DVIADownload.htm.