TerraExplorer logo

TerraExplorer

by Skyline Software Systems · Since 1997
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Active1+ countriesCloud
Quick facts
VendorSkyline Software Systems
Year launched1997
StatusActive
Location13873 Park Center Road, Suite 201, Herndon, VA 20171, US
Countries served1+
Languages39
Integrations
Free tier
Free trialYES
Contact sales

About TerraExplorer

TerraExplorer is a 3D visualization software from Skyline Software Systems that provides advanced terrain analysis and modeling. It combines 3D visualization, real-time data integration, and extensive geographic data analysis tools so users can effectively visualize and analyze geographic information. TerraExplorer allows for the import of various data formats, supports collaboration through shared projects, and provides tools for creating detailed simulations. Users can interactively explore 3D environments and create detailed maps and presentations. Key capabilities: 3D visualization Real-time data integration Geographic data analysis Collaboration tools Import diverse data formats Best for: GIS professionals and developers that need to analyze and visualize complex geographical data.

TerraExplorer by Skyline Software Systems is an advanced GIS software solution designed primarily for 3D visualization, analysis, and dissemination of geospatial data. It enables organizations to transform complex spatial datasets into detailed, interactive 3D environments. Its core purpose is to support decision-making in fields such as urban planning, infrastructure development, defense, environmental monitoring, and disaster management. Key features include high-resolution terrain rendering, 3D modeling, spatial analysis tools, and seamless streaming of geospatial layers. The user interface in TerraExplorer is streamlined and intuitive, offering a professional layout that balances functionality with ease of navigation. Its ribbon-style menu and clearly organized toolsets make it accessible even to moderately experienced GIS users. The interface supports smooth manipulation of 3D scenes, drag-and-drop layer management, and responsive scene controls that help users explore vast terrains efficiently. Although feature-rich, the software minimizes clutter, allowing users to focus on data visualization and analysis without being overwhelmed. TerraExplorer’s functionality is extensive, combining robust 3D visualization with spatial analysis, terrain editing, measurement tools, and real-time data streaming.

Pros & Cons

What users like
  • +The vast array of built-in analysis tools, including Threat Dome, provides high-level intelligence for crucial projects.
  • +Full support for modern BIM, CAD, and Lidar data means it integrates seamlessly with architecture and surveying workflows.
  • +Developers get powerful, low-level control to build custom 3D web and mobile applications extending the core platform.
  • +The ability to inspect 3D models against original source photos ensures quality control and accuracy for drone mapping projects.
  • +Performance is maintained through proprietary data optimization, a key advantage when handling massive urban datasets.
What users flag
  • The most useful publishing and optimization features are restricted to the costly TerraExplorer Pro version.
  • The fundamental API relies on the older COM protocol, which could make integration challenging for contemporary developers.
  • Converting models to a proprietary Skyline format for optimization could lock users into a single software ecosystem.
  • A software with this many robust features will likely require significant training time to master fully.
  • Smaller firms might struggle to justify the expense when essential editing and publishing functions are tied to higher tiers.

Features

Key features

Digital Twin Creation
The platform seamlessly fuses terrain, 3D models, point clouds, and other data to generate a highly realistic, high-resolution 3D digital twin of the real world.
Robust Geospatial Analysis Suite
Provides a complete set of powerful tools, including line of sight, viewshed, and threat dome, for extracting vital intelligence to drive smarter decision-making.
Advanced Model Inspection
Allows users to view 3D models together with their source photos, enabling direct inspection and marking of mesh imperfections for quality control.
Exceptional Data Interoperability
Designed for flexibility, it supports a wide range of industry-standard read and write formats for easy integration with existing technology.
Performance-Optimized Engine
Utilizes conversion tools to optimize model files into a stream-optimized Skyline-proprietary format, ensuring high display performance even in model-rich projects.
Extensible Developer API
Offers a rich Application Programming Interface (API) for developers to easily create customized 3D desktop, web, and mobile applications or integrate core capabilities into OEM products.

Additional features

Change Detection Analysis
Provides tools for Mesh Comparison and Image Comparison.
Hydrological and Light Analysis
Includes functions for Flood and Shadow Queries.
Data Fusion Capabilities
Seamlessly fuses terrain, feature layers, raster layers, 3D urban models, and point cloud models into a 3D world environment.
Performance Mechanisms
Employs various mechanisms to ensure high performance in model-rich projects.
Model File Conversion (Pro)
Allows conversion of 2D and 3D model files to a stream-optimized proprietary format for display and download rate improvement.
Existing Technology Compatibility
Supports a wide range of read and write formats for interoperability with current workflows.
Source Photo Inspection
Allows viewing and inspection of PhotoMesh 3D models together with the source photos used to produce them.
Inspection Feature Layers
Users can create layers to mark and measure areas that require retouching in the 3D model or on photos.
Presentation Creation
Easily creates 3D visualizations by defining presentations with customized flight routes.
Video Export
Allows exporting created presentations to standard video files.
Remote Collaboration
Includes a Collaboration tool for conducting remotely guided tours.
Advanced Viewing
Supports viewing complex 3D content using stereo monitors or VR devices.
Project Publishing (Pro)
Enables publishing and extracting projects to web, desktop, and mobile devices.
Smart City Integration
Integrates massive amounts of digital data to optimize design, planning, and ongoing operation of assets in smart cities.

Pricing

Free trial
Free version
Request a quote
Promo Offer

Countries & Languages

1
Countries served
39
Interface languages
9
Billing currencies

Available in

All Countries.

Interface languages

EnglishChinese (Simplified)Chinese (Traditional)JapaneseKoreanFrenchGermanSpanishPortuguese (Brazil)RussianItalianDutchSwedishDanishNorwegianFinnishPolishCzechHungarianTurkishHebrewArabicThaiGreekKoreanSerbianCroatianBulgarianRomanianSlovakSlovenianLithuanianLatvianEstonianUkrainianMalayVietnameseIndonesianFilipino

Billing currencies

🇺🇸USD🇪🇺EUR🇬🇧GBP🇯🇵JPY🇦🇺AUD🇨🇦CAD🇨🇭CHF🇨🇳CNY🇸🇪SEK

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