"Through our continued collaboration with Dassault Systemes, 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," explained Stephen Lawler, general manager of Virtual Earth at Microsoft. Significantly improved user interface and navigation. Interactive tutorials with videos to help users build a house in five minutes or less and In addition to the 3D remix functionality, a number of additional features were added based on extensive usability testing. "By making it easier than ever for any consumer to remix and mashup models, we're bringing 3D to everyone interested in embracing its power." "For anyone interested in a fun way to create and expand their own geographical areas on Microsoft's online Virtual Earth offering, we now have a simple tool with virtually no learning curve," said Lynne Wilson, senior vice president and general manager, 3DVIA, Dassault Systemes. Instead, users can quickly and easily search the library and import quality 3D models directly into their Virtual Earth projects. With the addition of the new 3D remix functionality (Editors: please see 3DVIA Shape 2.0 release issued over BusinessWire on September 15, 2008), users do not have to be experienced 3D modelers in order to build their own homes or towns on Microsoft's online geographic location mapping technology.
Virtual Earth-3DVIA is designed for both professionals and consumers to create realistic 3D scenes, such as houses, buildings or even city locations, and then share them online through Microsoft Virtual Earth.