Several days ago “Microsoft” corporation and two Russian companies held a meeting, where current state of “Virtual Earth” project has been discussed.
      
      Within the “Virtual Earth” project geographers plan to use brand new technologies for 3D modeling of Russia’s large cities. “Virtual Earth”, challenging “Google Earth” in its goals, is expected to provide most detailed and actual geospatial content quite soon. The whole project will provide full 3D models of territories, where 80% of Earth’s population live.
      
      Technical basis for the project is high-performance hardware for digital air survey, as well as proven technology for automatic generation of textured 2.5D models of buildings and other structures. Automation of this process allows fast creating of Earth’s 3D model and keeping it updated regularly, which is impossible for traditional geography.
      
      Data for modeling – high resolution digital space and air images – will arrive from remote sensing and automatic platforms. Air survey will be performed by large-size hardware of UltraCAM series.
      
      Source: CNews.ru