Abstract: A system and method for automatically creating a three-dimensional (3D) model for use in a design application, such as a transportation planning and design application that supports roadway, bridge or drainage design. A user at a client computer selects an area of interest (AOI) on a two-dimensional (2D) map, as well as one or more data sets to be used, and then submits a model creation request to a server computer. The server computer automatically aggregates one or more data sources to generate a 3D model of the area of interest. At least one of the data sources comprises a curated database. The server computer publishes or stores the 3D model into a database, for subsequent downloading to the client computer. The 3D model is a proprietary model owned by the user, and is fully editable by the user.