Anthony Frausto-Robledo, EIC (info@architosh.com)

24 Aug 2004

AFR. Microspot has just released a new modeling application, what do you call it?

RC. The product is called Microspot Modeler.

AFR. Does this product have any relation to the 3D World application Microspot had years ago?

RC. Yes. We have carbonized the application and about one third of the plug-ins. We are using the Quesa open source library instead of QuickDraw 3D. The interactive renderer uses open GL and therefore benefits from Open GL acceleration. We have also made some improvements.

AFR. What is the focus of this product? What industries is it for and who do you imagine will be using it?

RC. This will be the first product and it is a basic modeler. It is easy to use like 3D World and we are expecting a variety of users from education through architects, interior designers and product designers.

AFR. Microspot is clearly expanding its product portfolio with its new Interiors and its venerable MacDraft and PCDraft product lines. How does Modeler fit into this strategy....where does it fit?

RC. Firstly, Microspot Modeler gives Interiors users a way to create their own furniture items and accessories to use in Interiors. Interiors is a product that individuals or companies with very little experience of 3D can use to visualize realistic interior scenes because they can draw rooms, position the windows and doors, and drag in the furniture. Modeler is for those who want to have their own furniture and accessories available to Interiors users. This could be for example office furniture manufacturers who want salespeople to show customers possible layouts during the sales process.

Second it is an easy to use Modeler and can stand on it's own. We will be adding Animation Tools and Advanced Modeling Tools as add on packs later this year.

AFR. Does Modeler work in tandem with other Microspot products like Interiors or just that product at the moment?

RC. Modeler does not work directly with MacDraft but rather we expect users who have created 2D plans to want to separately model sections of the building in 3D. They may do this with Interiors and Modeler. As I mentioned above when Modeler is released we will go on to produce animation tools for use with both Interiors and Modeler and then advanced modeling tools for more complex modeling jobs.

AFR. How is Modeler constructed developmentally. Is it a native Mac OS X application and is it developed using Cocoa?

RC. I think I already covered this. However, the other thing of note is that the product comprises a small application and many plugins so it can be customized for different applications and we can also add new features by adding a plug-in and we do not need to add it into the main product code.

AFR. Can you speak about its features and strengths? What will modeler do differently than its competition? Why would I use it over a different application?

RC. We see the strengths of Modeler being in its ease of use and low cost. We think it is a different approach to 3D that will also appeal to non technical users. It is designed for modeling real world items to size. Because you are working with rendered objects and simple tools you can be very productive. It gives you interactive ways to work with color and textures in your designs. It does not allow the program to get in the way of your creativity.

AFR. It sounds like a wonderful entry into the modeling market and we look forward to learning and seeing more over time. Thanks for talking to Architosh.

RC. You are welcome.

To learn more about Microspot's new Modeler application read our full news report on its release which includes a screenshot of the interface and other notes. ---- ANTHONY FRAUSTO-ROBLEDO, Editor-in-Chief

Related Feature Interviews

Architosh Feature Interview: Robert Coulling Talks About MacDraft 5

Architosh Marketplace

MacroEnter. is a CAD/AEC/Design, networking and large format printing solutions integrator, serving business, government and education customers. Reseller of VectorWorks, Microspot, HP and Encad product lines.

CAD Garage. is an online store dedicated to Architects, Engineers, Builders, Designers and Mac enthusiasts featuring ArchiCAD, formZ, Piranesi, Cinema 4D, HP and more product lines.

Lim Consultants, Inc. provides creative architects with practical solutions while incorporating cutting edge technology, pushing the art of structural engineering to new levels of excellence.

Place your text ad here and reach thousands of professionals each month for very affordable prices. (contact: karen@architosh.com)