Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) buys…this time a smaller deal. It has bought Caligari, a developer of 3D modeling software, with an eye to use its technology for its Virtual Earth mapping system. No financial details were released. In December, Microsoft bought UK-based Multimap for a reported $50 million.

Calgari, founded in 1986 and based in Mountain View, CA, started by making 3D software for the Amiga. More on this on Virtual Earth blog here.