SCIENTISTS at QinetiQ in Malvern have developed a new three-dimensional map service covering the whole of the UK.
The service, called enAble3D, is being aimed at planning authorities, architects, tourist information centres and other professional customers.
The system translates the Ordnance Survey's MasterMap data into a very detailed navigable 3D world, including individual roads, buildings and trees.
On an ordinary PC, users can "fly through" the 3D maps, using a mouse to travel along at street level and then soar over rooftops for a bird's-eye view.
It could also be used as an educational tool by schools and colleges and to provide valuable information for emergency services.
Dave Palmer, QinetiQ's distributed technology group manager, said: "A wide range of organisations and services will benefit from enAble3D. Our new service has been designed to tackle the issues of cost, technology, data and visual realism that traditionally affect 3D visualisation.
"QinetiQ's proven expertise in advanced simulation technology and our application of state-of-the-art processing allows us to provide high levels of 3D realism in a cost-effective way."
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