You’ll see some of the best 3D maps in action today.
These aren’t your typical satellite maps from the top down.
Instead, you can fly around in three dimensions, interactively, around buildings and landscapes.
Let’s get started investigating.
1. Google Earth
Google Earth has 20+ zoom levels, with Landsat being the most basic. When you zoom into urban areas, you’ll see a mixture of realistic 3D textured buildings, bridges, and even rollercoasters.
Google Earth’s 3D maps are almost in a league of their own, with incredible detail. Bridges, skyscrapers, monuments, and even rollercoasters can be seen in cityscapes.
The level of detail that a photogrammetric mesh can capture is demonstrated by Yosemite. It has the towering granite monoliths, deep valleys, and ancient big sequoias that you’d anticipate from a trip there.
But how are Google Earth’s 3D buildings and landscapes created? It’s a hybrid of two different sorts of 3D features:
- SKETCHUP 3D MODELS: In the past, SketchUp was used to produce the majority of Google Earth’s 3D models. The company was purchased by Google some time ago. They began handing away the software for free. However, users can no longer submit their 3D models to Google Earth. The most significant disadvantage was that SketchUp was a laborious process. Consider the time and work required to construct millions of high-rise structures all across the planet. This is where automated stereophotogrammetry comes in.
- AUTOMATED PHOTOGRAMMETRY: The only solution for Google Earth was to use stereophotogrammetry to produce automated 3D models. For this technique, Google Earth does not use satellite photos. Instead, planes that zigzag back and forth are used. When there is overlap, photogrammetry combines all of the pictures into a textured 3D mesh. The texture on the slopes of mountains and building walls is created via side-angle cameras.
2. OpenStreetMap (OSM-3D)
OpenStreetMap is a collection of individual achievements aimed at a shared goal: a free, constantly updated map for the public to construct and explore.
“Marathon” is well-known in the OSM community. Mappers from all around the world assemble at these public events to trace areas in various locations. This explains why certain locations have big pockets.
It’s a little smaller for OpenStreetMap (OSM) 3D maps. The OpenStreetMap community is extremely active. It possesses a large heart. However, it lacks the financial resources to undertake significant photogrammetry projects. OSMBuildings has some samples of its 3D maps.
OSM BUILDINGS: OSM data is used in a wide range of web applications. OSMBuildings, on the other hand, is one of the greatest for 3D exploration. This is how 3D appears in Manhattan, New York, for example. In some cities, though, you may just find the basic minimum.
3. ArcGIS Earth
ArcGIS Earth from Esri is a unique type of 3D map. You install it as an app on your computer or phone. The terrain is totally 3D as you tilt your view.
However, if you’re seeking structures, you won’t find them in the start-up. You’ll have to check ArcGIS Online to discover what’s accessible. 3D data can be found in a variety of places.
The Golden Gate Bridge, for example, is breathtaking. However, in some circumstances, such as the City of Berlin, buildings are unrealistic. It’s a reasonable substitute. Just keep in mind that it’s currently under construction.
4. Apple Maps
In comparison to the other 3D maps, Apple Maps does not feel as open. It’s because you won’t be able to find any of its 3D maps on any website. This is the only way to see it if you have iOS friends.
You can witness an improving platform after connecting to Apple Maps in iOS. Apple’s investment of time, money, and effort in its mapping interface is beginning to bear fruit.
Apple Maps’ flyover mode is one of its coolest features. A flyover is a means to take a virtual tour of a city or location from the air. Flyover modes provide an immersive experience similar to taking a virtual tour.
5. NASA World Wind
The NASA World Wind 3D map is distinct from the others on this list. It’s a software development kit (SDK) that includes all of the tools you’ll need to create and build your own bespoke mapping apps.
It’s fully free, open-source, and platform-independent. The 3D virtual globe included a significant amount of pictures and landscapes. It works well with:
- 3D models from COLLADA
- A markup language for keyholes (KML)
- Services for web mapping (WMS)
And, as recently revealed, the development would be supported for the next few years.
Summary: 3D Maps
3D data is becoming increasingly popular. Not only are 3D mapping systems becoming more popular, but the 3D analysis is as well.
These were the best 3D maps that we considered to be exceptional.
To summarise, if you wish to view existing 3D views, you should select:
- Google Maps
- Maps by Apple
- OpenStreetMap (OSM) (OSM)
If you wish to make your own 3D maps, go here:
- Earth ArcGIS
- NASA Wind Map