When Google is going places can Microsoft be left behind? Microsoft has comes up with a software that will generate 3D models from a collection of disparate photographs.

The Photosynth system is supposed to work with any collection of photographs, not just ones that have been accurately measured and shot. The software analyses each photograph, looking for similarities, and then works out the position of the camera in relation to the subject (a building, for example). From this, it can build up a 3D model of the object.

The app will likely be web-based, and available later this year. Now, over to Google…