  The 3-dimensional (3-D) calculation of the atmospheric neutrino flux by means
of the FLUKA Monte Carlo model is here described in all details, starting from
the latest data on primary cosmic ray spectra. The importance of a 3-D
calculation and of its consequences have been already debated in a previous
paper. Here instead the focus is on the absolute flux. We stress the relevant
aspects of the hadronic interaction model of FLUKA in the atmospheric neutrino
flux calculation. This model is constructed and maintained so to provide a high
degree of accuracy in the description of particle production. The accuracy
achieved in the comparison with data from accelerators and cross checked with
data on particle production in atmosphere certifies the reliability of shower
calculation in atmosphere. The results presented here can be already used for
analysis by current experiments on atmospheric neutrinos. However they
represent an intermediate step towards a final release, since this calculation
does not yet include the bending of charged particles in atmosphere. On the
other hand this last aspect, while requiring a considerable effort in a fully
3-D description of the Earth, if a high level of accuracy has to be maintained,
does not affect in a significant way the analysis of atmospheric neutrino
events.
