Attached Link: http://www.esri.com/software/arcexplorer/

But even more useful- if VUE could read ESRI SHP files, a really huge potential exists for the nearly-AUTOMATIC creation of Eco-System terrains with roads, houses, rivers, forests, etc. This is because this is what SHP files are used for as representations of data. And best of all- a very large amount of this data is available for FREE on many websites- especially true in the US.

Shape files are a simple format for creating and
storing geometric location and attribute information
on Geo-Referenced terrains. They can be just lines or
specifically shaped filled in blocks of color which
represent data features. Basically they are SMART
color vector overlays that KNOW where they are supposed
to go because they are Geo-Referenced...

The "AutoDesk 3D StudioMAX" of GIS is a company called ESRI
(Environmental Systems Research Institute) and they offer ArcExplorer
-a FREE GIS data viewer. This free software NEVER expires and offers an easy way to perform a variety of basic GIS functions, including display, query, and retrieval of free GIS data. Most importantly, it serves as a "browser" for all the free GIS data thats available on the internet. You can use ArcExplorer either on-line- or as an off-line GIS viewer. ---SEE the link above to get it...