SimuTerra

Real-Time Terrain Modeling

(Wondering about the SimuTerra plugin for SketchUp? If you haven't already done so in the past, make sure you're on our mailing list, by clicking on "Download Installer" or "Join mailing list" on the left, and submitting the form. An alpha version might be posted here by early November.)

QUOTE: "Without your tool, this task would have been nearly impossible and I would have spent countless hours trying to do it in SketchUp."

QUOTE: "Well worth the cost of the software compared to the time I saved on this model alone."

QUOTE: "I can really see this saving me DAYS off my models. I'm sold after just a few minutes!"

QUOTE: "The price vs. performance is incredible."

QUOTE: "I had used the [free CASF] topo Ruby [script] and it took overnight to generate a model that was way too big and I could not drape a map over it. I downloaded the trial version of SimuTerra and was able to generate a topo model in seconds and the file was much smaller too."

Get the picture? You can view some movies, review the features, etc. by clicking on the links to the left. You can read more of what some users are saying about it. And you can download a free limited trial. SimuTerra runs on both Macintosh and Windows, and costs US$100 or US$200.

"Just tried out SimuTerra and found it to be very fast and VERY accurate. It seems like it is well worth the low price."

Whether you just want to convert raw data into a surface, or design a totally new terrain, SimuTerra could be the tool for you. Compatible with 3D modeling and CAD programs, SimuTerra can import data, create a terrain model, and export the final surface in a total of three steps.

SimuTerra is now available for both Macintosh and Windows. The current shipping version is 1.1.20 (May 17, 2005).

You can read what some users are saying about it by clicking on Testimonials to the left.

SimuTerra can also be a boon to designers. Take existing data, or create your own, then manipulate the data and view in real time how the changes affect the model.

(SimuTerra and SketchUp, done by Daniel Tal, Landscape Architect, studioINSITE, LLC.)

Free download, trial

You can download the installer by clicking on the Download link to the left. Upon installation, it is set to run at the limited trial level (no save; holes; etc.). You can request a free pair of keys which will unlock the program so that you can work in the full-featured Pro level for 30 days. (See SimuTerra Keys for details.)

Support

There are various forms of support: built-in help (which is also available on this web site), tutorials, videos, an FAQ, a How-To section, a Troubleshooting page, free email support for one year, free phone support for one month, and a planned user forum on this site as well in the near future.

Bezier curves used in SketchUp to create terrain and a road. Exported to SimuTerra, which created the DTM. Exported back to SketchUp for final processing. Courtesy of David Rich.

Foam core model and two curves exported from SketchUp. SimuTerra created the DTM, including the roads, and animated the cars. Courtesy of Joerg Koch.