After debuting to rave reviews on the Macintosh platform last year, Creative Wonders' (formerly ABC/EA Home Software's) 3D Atlas has finally made the journey over to Windows PCs. The software offers the first computerized atlas that emphasizes the visual aspects of the globe, and it does so to excellent effect.

The program offers three main global perspectives. The Environmental Globe, which is the opening view, offers thousands of cloud-free Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) satellite photographs to show the Earth as it appears from space. The Physical Globe displays the Earth's topographical features, while the Political Globe examines international boundaries.

In addition, 3D Atlas offers global views that examine the Earth's crust, atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, tectonic plates, and continental drift, as well as a world clock and a look at the Earth at night. All the globes can be rotated by moving the pointer to the edge of the window and clicking. Moreover, each view provides options for displaying geographical features such as continents, major cities, mountains, volcanoes, and waterways.

The program also contains some outstanding video presentations and animations covering a wealth of global issues, including nuclear power, habitat loss, ozone depletion, and population growth. Of particular educational value are the seven Timelapse studies, which examine the environmental impact of such phenomena as plankton blooms and acid rain over extended periods of time, and the nine Biome sections that explore the Earth's ecological regions--rainforest, tundra, desert, etc.

Unlike book atlases and wall maps, 3D Atlas spins right into your imagination. And, while it's not the kind of reference tool you'd want for research purposes, it is definitely a solid buy for the younger members of your home.