The increasing importance of 3D mapping

Apple, the technology monster, has recently bought C3 technologies. As usually, this means Apple would 'reinvent' mapping development in a near future. But what is likely to be renewed with C3 Technologies?

C3 Technologies are well known for their Rapid 3D Mapping. SAAB made an explanatory video showing how their techonology works:

What really makes this system different is the short time needed to scan a terrain, process data and build a map. This company has managed to take advantage of the speed of a plane's flight making a capturing system that allows a map to be fully created in a short period of time. Although easiness is highly important, precision and realism are what users consume. We assume this is why Apple has made their decision to acquire C3 Technologies.



Google Maps also added some weeks ago a new view to their door-to-door navigation previews, called 'the helicopter view'. It shows a programmed route as if you were in a helicopter. However, the definition of the view bears out the possibility that Google did not take the definitive step on this view.

The fact that two Internet giants are taking into account 3D mapping suggest a new battlefield between leading technology companies.


Via Google Maps Official blog
Via 9 to 5 Mac