The text of this book has largely avoided reference to specific computer software, except by way of identification of the technology used to create images. Both research and commercial software evolves too fast to make any reliable reference in print to specific software's existence, capabilities, or limitations. Insights from the fields of computer science and computer graphics, allied disciplines such as civil engineering and illustration, and developments in computer hardware and storage all contribute to the constant evolution of new and valuable software capabilities.

Nonetheless, at the time of this writing (summer 2000) some of the available software resources can be catalogued. The following list is surely not exhaustive, but represents the best knowledge of the authors at the time of writing.

The commercial programs listed below in alphabetic order are selected from a large body of software for 2D and 3D modeling, rendering, animation, GIS analysis, and image processing. Presence on this list constitutes no special endorsement, these are just the software known to the authors to be available and useful; similarly, omission from this list is no pejorative judgment. There are also numerous research-only and "share-ware" programs which are valuable and contain many of the functions of the software below, but are not listed here. (In parentheses is noted the software compatibility with four major operating systems, Windows, Macintosh, UNIX, and IRIX; these notes too may be out-of-date, so be sure to check the manufacturer's Web site for accurate information!)

Landscape Modeling Software

3DStudioMax by Autodesk (www.autodesk.com) 3D modeling, rendering, and animation with robust functions; with scripting language and numerous add-ons, some landscape-specific. (Windows)

3DStudioMax Plug-Ins by Digimation ( www.digimation.com ) adds various procedural effects including particle systems and others, for many natural phenomena such as water, smoke, fire, etc., to 3DStudiomax. (Windows)

AMAP by JMGGraphics ( (www.jmg-graphics.com ) creates 3D trees and other plants from parametric variation; includes terrain and other site-related tools. (Windows)

ArcInfo by ESRI ( www.esri.com ) robust GIS functions, raster and vector-based, includes more functions and Internet server connectivity than related ArcView. (Windows, UNIX)

ArcView by ESRI ( www.esri.com ) desktop GIS functions, raster and vector-based, includes scripting language and many add-ons for topographic and hydrologic analysis. (Windows, UNIX)

AutoCAD by Autodesk ( www.autodesk.com ) 2D and 3D modeling and rendering; with add-on modules such as "Land Development Desktop" includes landscape-specific functions. (Windows)

Bryce3D by Corel ( www.corel.com ) combines fractal terrain, procedural textures, lighting, and atmospheric effects for creating fantastic landscape models and renderings. (Macintosh, Windows)

DigArts by GardenHose ( www.gardenhose.com ) foliage and tree visualization software for 2D and 3D modeling and rendering. (Macintosh, Windows)

ElectricImage by ElectricImage ( www.electricimage.com ) 3D modeling and rendering. (Macintosh)

FormZ by Auto-des-sys ( www.autodessys.com ) 2D and 3D modeling and rendering. (Windows and Macintosh)

Maya by Alias ( www.aliaswavefront.com ) advanced 3D modeling and rendering; particular strength for procedural modeling. (SGI/Irix and Windows; slated for MacOSX in 2001)

MFWorks by ThinkSpace ( www.thinkspace.com ) desktop GIS functions, raster and vector-based. (Windows and Macintosh)

Natural Scene Designer by Natural Graphics ( www.naturalgfx.com ) combines GIS data and image processing functions to create realistic 3D visualizations. (Windows, Macintosh)

Panorama Tools by Helmut Dersch ( www.fh-furtwangen.de/~dersch ) combines individual photographs into 360° panoramas for visualization.

Photoshop by Adobe Systems ( www.adobe.com ) image processing with multiple features and add-ons. (Windows, Macintosh)

Premiere by Adobe Systems ( www.adobe.com ) multimedia and video editing with multiple features and add-ons. (Windows, Macintosh)

RapidSite by Evans & Sutherland ( www.es.com ) combines GIS data, 3D modeling and image processing functions to create realistic 3D visualizations. (Windows)

RenderMan by Pixar ( www.pixar.com ) high performance rendering with many procedural controls. (Windows, UNIX, IRIX)

Rhino3D by Robert MacNeel Associates ( www.rhino3d.com ) NURBS-based 3D modeling and rendering. (Windows)

SoftImage by SoftImage ( www.softimage.com ) 3D modeling and rendering. (SGI/IRIX and Windows)

TerraVista by Terrain Experts, Inc. ( www.terrex.com ) terrain generation and scene visualization. (Windows)

Tree Pro by Onyx Computing ( www.onyxtree.com ) creates 2D and 3D trees from parametric variation, also tree animations with 'Tree Storm'. (Windows, Macintosh)

VectorWorks by Nemetschek ( www.nemetschek.com ) 2D and 3D modeling and rendering. (Windows and Macintosh)

VistaPro by Andromeda Software ( www.andromedasoftware.com ) combines GIS data and image processing functions to create realistic 3D visualizations. (Windows and Macintosh)

World Builder by Animatek ( www.digi-element.com ) combines GIS data and image processing functions to create realistic 3D visualizations. (Windows, Macintosh)

World Construction Set by 3DNature ( www.3dnature.com ) combines GIS data and image processing functions to create realistic 3D visualizations. (Windows, Macintosh)