I have this error when importing my building data (shapefile, with height information) into the skyhelios.
I also performed hardware compatibility test, and I got this result:
6/6/2017 10:48:35 AM: Loading Canyon-20.obs 6/6/2017 10:48:35 AM: Initializing 2D and 3D models 6/6/2017 10:50:24 AM: An Error occured on step 1: 3D models not initialized. 6/6/2017 10:50:24 AM: 3D models not initialized. Did you install the latest Microsoft DirectX runtime? This error might also be due to a missing installation of vcredist_vs8sp1.exe. Incompatible 3D-Hardware leads to this error as well.
My PC is running Windows 10 64 Bit, and I have the latest windows update as well.
from the screenshot you uploaded I can tell that the initialization of the graphics scene failed. Unfortunately, there is a lot of possible causes for this.
First thing to do is to make sure, you have the latest version available. Where did you get your copy of SkyHelios? And what is the "last modified" date of your ClimateSkyModel.exe?
If the Version is older than 2017 ask Prof. Matzarakis for a most recent copy, that is compatible with Windows 8.1 and newer.