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3DVia and Virtual Earth Join Hands

Published
by
Josh
on October 20, 2007
in Business
.

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images_ve3dvia_logo.jpgMicrosoft and Dassault Systemes announced Tuesday and Thursday that you can make 3D models inside Microsoft’s Virtual Earth with the 3DVia technology.

“This free online application, developed by Dassault Systèmes, 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.”

Dominating the Market?
This, of course, continues Dessault’s efforts to dominate the CAD market. Aligning with Microsoft, as they have done in the past, is not a bad way of going about it either. This is obviously a move to compete against Google’s SketchUp and 3D warehouse, but who do you think would win?

Sharing strength
Is sharing market strength a problem or solution? I see this as something that could hold back develop and affect the Microsoft/Dessault relationship negatively. Two entities, Microsoft and Dessault, following up on technology where one entity, Google, has been driving. Additionally SketchUp has become a household name online that has reached designers with its simple approach to constructing models and has interested hobbyist types with its novelty. 3DVia is a recognized name in the CAD industry, but hasn’t had the exposure that SketchUp has. Google Maps works better across browsers and their API seems to be more popular.

Virtual Earth isn’t so bad though. It was the Webware 100 winner this summer and the map actually looks cleaner than Google Maps. There’s plenty of web apps using it as well and the Version 6 API has added lots more features.

They both require downloads and a little getting used to, but with easy interface and an established and loyal user base SketchUp remains the attractive options to me. What do you think?

3dvia_thumb.png

Source: Cnet, Liveside, VE Blog

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Viewing 4 Comments

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    Hi Josh-

    Thanks for the link.

    I'm having a problem. I can bring up the image of my house, but when I go to add a 3D model and the Dassault 3D Via application is invoked, the 3D Via image shown is 200-300 yards away from the image in the Microsoft application. No matter how many times I try to get the 3D Via image to match the Microsoft image, it won't.

    Devon
    • ^
    • v
    Hey Devon, no problem. The map on mine looks about the same i think, it's skewed and gives a bird's eye view. The 3DVia app get really bogged down when I try to Zoom in or after I create some geometry. SketchUp and Google Earth is a lot easier to get going in. I think the disconnect of, what I think, are two divergent technologies/business models, one being Microsoft Virtual Earth and the other being 3DVia, is going to hurt the usability. Just trying it made me frustrated.

    I think it would be better if Dessault licensed the technology and allowed Microsoft VE to develop part of it for use within VE or vice versa. Right now it just doesn't feel like they fit each other.
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    • v
    Hi Josh-

    Rotating the 3D Via view to align with the grid is clunky, but doable. Again, the 2 images are always different. First I get the image of my house, then when the 3D Via image opens, it is 200-300 yards south(for example). So, I adjust my house image about 200-300 north and open the 3D Via image. Now, it is 200-300 WEST(for example). I give up after 4 or 5 tries. Both applications start to Hang, anyway.

    Another half-baked beta application, IMHO.

    Devon
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    • v
    This is a tough one. I'm already used to using Google maps and Google earth. I did use SketchUp once but gave up after a few hours of use.

    I have heard of Virtual Earth, I actually started using it when it first came out some years ago, (it being mainly just satellite imagery back then). But I think Google has much more of a presence now, and have entrenched themselves a bit better in the marketplace. Who knows.

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