TerrainView-Globe

Infobox Software
name = TerrainView-Globe



caption =
developer = ViewTec Inc, USA
released = August 2008
latest_release_version = 4.0.0.2
programming language = C++
size = 21MB
operating system = Windows XP & Vista
language = English
genre = Virtual Globe
license = Proprietary
website = http://www.viewtec.net/index.php?page=terrainview-globe

TerrainView-Globe is an interactive Virtual Globe software with GIS features similar to Google Earth and Nasa WorldWind. [cite web |url=http://www.viewtec.net/uploads/docs/TerrainViewGlobe_E_2008.pdf |title=TerrainView-Globe |author=Beck Michael |accessdate=2008-10-07|format=PDF] It was created by ViewTec AG of Switzerland between 1998 and 2007. In 2007 ViewTec AG ceased trading, but in 2008 ViewTec Inc. in Los Angeles acquired the product and restarted development. There is a restricted freeware version of the software, "TerrainView-Lite". The software is OpenGL-based.

TerrainView supports the most common 3D formats and projection systems. It provides various modes of navigation such as view mode, flight mode, low level flight (ground following) and explore view. Paths can be assigned to 3D models such as airplanes, copters and ground vehicles to demonstrate real-time movement, whilst 3D objects such as buildings can be faded in and out during an animation. The software supports lighting and weather conditions. For globe rendering, multiple globes can be coincident, concentric or separated to provide various effects such as translucent overlays (used with clouds above the Earth), fades between datasets, geologic features and planets.

Extensions

"TerrainView-Remote Control" is the core technology for observation, reconnaissance and surveillance on the basis of virtually modelled 3D terrains and landscapes in natural and urban environments. The application is suited for 3D terrain monitoring and the tracking of dynamic features on the ground, in the air and on the sea.

"TerrainView-CMAX" consists in a high-end system for seamless multi-channel, multi-projections and visualizations on multiple screens and walls, including CAVE environments (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment) for real-time application, simulation and training.

"TerrainView-Video" produces high resolution videos bigger than 640x480 pixels. Videos are generated at specific frame rates using different video codecs. Dynamic imagery can be recorded and exported to an AVI movie.

Web service

Users can access datasets with hosted on ViewTec's or customers' geodata-servers. These 3D geodatabases can be delivered at different spatial coverage and resolution and can be represented simultaneously through a layered, spherically-rendered architecture.

References

External links

* [http://www.viewtec.net/index.php?page=terrainview-globe TerrainView-Globe website]