Why does Geosoft recommend a 3D video card?

Question:

In Geosoft's system requirements it is stated: "Nvidia Professional 256MB 3D (OpenGL 2.0 and DirectX) Graphics Card recommended"

What is a 3D video card and how does it differ from other video cards?

Environment:

Oasis montaj, Target, Oasis montaj Viewer, and Target for ArcGIS

Answer:

When we say 3D card we're referring to video cards that have hardware acceleration for 3D operations. Most of our code uses the OpenGL programming interface and the math involved in 3D rendering cannot be done by the main CPU. High performance video cards contain special hardware to do the 3D math very quickly. Most new video cards contain 3D hardware acceleration. Some cards however, have better hardware than others. Most cards targeted to video gamers will usually handle 3D graphics with ease. High end video cards targeted toward workstations can also handle graphics very well. Lower end video cards that come with some computers are less equipped to handle good 3D graphics.