3DVIA®

With last week’s release of 3DVIA Shape version 2.0, we provided a free, online 3D modeling application with powerful tools and almost no learning curve. This week you’ll find this familiar tool in the next version of Microsoft Virtual Earth.  Among its many new improvements is the fantastic ability to import models directly from the expansive 3DVIA.com content library. Now you can take advantage of 3D models on 3DVIA to populate your urban or business development projects, or your own neihborhood!Microsoft Virtual Earth is the 3D mapping application used by millions of consumers to view, find, edit and create 3D destinations for personal, domestic, international or buisiness projects. Virtual Earth-3DVIA is a unique, free modeling tool for beginners and profesionals with almost no learning curve.

How to Get Started!

-Log onto Microsoft Virtual Earth: You can use Microsoft Virtual Earth without logging in, but if you want to save your model collection or use some of the great free features of Microsoft Virtual Earth, you will have to use your MSN or Live account, or create a new account.

-Find Your Location: At the top of the page you can type in your destination. Press enter or click on the search icon and Microsoft Virtual Earth will immediatly locate and zoom into the exact location you choose!

-Right Click to Add a 3D Model:  Right click any part of the map to open the context menu. Select “Add a 3D Model”. This will launch Virtual Earth-3DVIA or start the installation process. After a quick download you will be ready to create and publish immediatly to your Microsoft Virtual Earth collection!

-Import Models from the 3DVIA.com Library: Find models by entering a word in the bottom, left search window of Virtual Earth-3DVIA.  You’ll get an instant inventory of items to choose, select the model you want and click on “insert” to add to your composition.In minutes you can easily create and arrange full scenes of 3D models at the exact geographic location you choose! Visit these pages for more information:

Introducing Shape Version 2.0
Can your model be used in Virtual Earth-3DVIA?