sketchup

This software is AMASING for bulding levels and architecture! Check this video out:

http://www.sketchup.com/video_qt.php?file=http://downloads.sketchup.com/Tutorials30/z4-features-overview-PC.mov

Maybe Mark or Halo could use some of modeling concepts illustrated for their respective applications ;)

then check this:
http://www.sketchup.com/

A very inovative approach to modeling

This program has been mentioned numerous times.
It is good.

For me, it's out of my price range.
(It won't be after I win this Friday's lottery, ;) )

It's very nice, its very pricey, if they did a "lite" version that just export to 3DS it would be perfect.

Darkheart

I wonder how hard such a program would be to write in Blitz. Probably very hard.

Mind you they have a patent on the whole method of modelling so I'm not sure you could get away with doing something similar anyway.

o_O Is it possible to patent a "method of modelling"?

According to this it is:

http://www.sketchup.com/press_release.php?recordid=23

"Modeling: An environment, which allows the user to draw the outlines, or perimeters of objects in a two-dimensional manner, similar to pencil and paper. The two-dimensional, planar faces created by a user can then be pushed and pulled by editing tools within the environment to easily and intuitively model three-dimensional volumes and geometries. The patent was originally filed on November 22, 2000."

Sounds a hell of a lot like extruding to me which has been in every 3D package for ages. Discreet beat them to it by about 6 years or however long its been.

Darkheart

I'd agree with Darkheart. Sketchup is based around extruding but it's done in a clever way, which is much easier to grasp by the inexperienced users. There's nothing in Sketchup that I could not do with 3D Studio Max. I must admit, though, Sketcup is darned easy to use...

Barney

a friend of mine have it.
i tested it... well
a real great tool! i love it... .
really cool!