Microsoft Virtual Earth mapping and satellite imagery service to go three dimensional

Microsoft Virtual Earth mapping and satellite imagery service to go three dimensional

Software giant Microsoft has said that they are going to work with 3D design and visualization software developer Dassault Systhmes SA to improve their Virtual Earth application.

This mapping application would get a three dimensional outlook and it would make it a much complete product to take on the Google Earth product.

Microsoft added that through this partnership with Dassault Systhmes, they would be able to invite users of Virtual Earth to contribute their own 3D models of buildings featured on the maps.

Incidentally, this feature is already available on the Google Earth application through the free modeling tool Google SketchUp.

Dassault Systhmes has now launched an online community, 3dvia.com as they are now inviting the developers to submit their models for inclusion in Virtual Earth.

Dassault Systhmes has announced that they are also planning on a business side to the 3dvia community, called SupplierSource. This would enable the developers to find manufacturers for their products.

Checkout: 3DVIA