Definition:
A 3D Map is a computer made map, Mathematically constructed high realistic presentation of a landscape together with the natural and artificial objects and phenomena. (Petrovic)
There are many uses for 3D models.
- Visualization as a static or dynamic map
- special analysis
- connection to different special datasets
- Map measurement tasks, calculations from original data with using special equipment or methods.
3D cartographic models can be represented as real 3D, pseudo 3D or 2D presentation. The content can be split up into three main groups; main content, secondary content and additional content.
Then main content consist of objects and phenomena that have essential importance for the users. The relief presentation is a fundament part of all 3D maps. This is the portrayal of the three-dimensional geometry of terrain. For mountain maps the relief is very important. The relief needs to be very details because if your user is a mountaineer then they need to know every single detail that can influence the route. If the map’s not very detailed that the mountaineer may start a route that is not safe.
The secondary content is the objects and phenomena which gives a complete impression of the landscape. Such as land cover, hydrology, less important structures, and administrative boundaries.
The additional content is presented exclusively to the users demand.
Mountain maps in 3D are becoming very popular. Mountain maps are frequently used by mountaineers. They can look at a 3D map to find routes up mountains and special features.
The image below show a 3D mountain map.
The two images show the original image and the modeling scene
