ArcView Users Can Do 3D.

Multigen-Paradigm has shipped its SiteBuilder 3D software tool, a plug-in extension to ESRI's famous ArcView GIS desktop mapping program. SiteBuilder 3D provides Arcview users with a quick and easy solution to visualise the normally two-dimensional GIS data in a three-dimensional environment. SiteBuilder 3D gives ArcView users the ability to seamlessly transform their 2D map data into realistic, fully interactive 3D scenes. Creating 3D terrain models directly from common elevation data sources, including digital elevation models and contour maps, SiteBuilder allows terrain skins to be draped with either an active map or high-resolution aerial or satellite imagery. The new plug-in utilises a library of photo-realistic 3D models and textures to transform 2D map symbols into 3D features -- and no advanced 3D modelling or rendering experience is required. Users can then fly, walk and drive through their 3D scene with the computer mouse as a pointing tool and view multiple focal points from any angle or perspective. Optional features, such as clouds, fog and time of day, can be added to enhance the reality of the environment.