The use of 3D maps is a fundamental step in the progression of the traditional map. With the use of 3D world maps, one can view roads, buildings, landmarks, and terrain in 3D composition from a computer screen.

Web mapping services, such as Google Maps and Bing Maps, have gone to great lengths to create software that uses 3D features to view maps in a more interactive way than is possible with a common street map.

Three-dimensional mapping allows users to view structures and terrain while rotating, panning, and zooming in order to obtain a realistic view in a 3D frame . Currently, NEXTMap has worldwide terrain data available in 3D for the United States and Western Europe. Additional regional datasets include Indonesia, Jamaica, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. These countries and regions include most of the world’s major cities.

The use of 3D maps is still a relatively new concept, but imagery is being updated monthly and software continues to be improved.

3D mapping is a huge step toward a complete interactive mapping experience. With this achievement, it won’t be long until we are using 3D maps in all of our GPS systems and car navigators to interact in the real world with real-life mapping tools. At this point, we can already travel the world without leaving the comforts of our home. 3D world maps are just the next step in the advancement of modern mapping software.

Tags: 3d mapping, 3D Maps

This entry was posted on Saturday, February 7th, 2009 at 4:07 pm and is filed under 3D Maps. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.