Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
True-3D in Cartography—Current
Hard- and Softcopy Developments
Manfred F. Buchroithner and Claudia Knust
Abstract According to statistically indicative studies carried out by the first
author in the 70s and 80s, more than 60 % of all users of topographic or hiking
maps are not able to derive relief information spontaneously. Stereoscopic vision
seems essential, for not only an optimised perception of relief but also for other
spatial information. If the geodata visualisation is realised in a way that allows a
three-dimensional observation beyond perspective viewing, we talk about ''true-
3D''. This term applies to both flat map-like displays and solid landscape
embodiments. Both types belong to what is generally called the hardcopy branch
of these products. For some years, lenticular-foil maps have been the most
prominent examples of hardcopy 3D maps, However, softcopy displays have
recently been undergoing a very dynamic development triggered by the TV and
game industry. In North America, Europe and Japan various companies and
research centres are competing in the realisation of large-format static and small-
format portable computer-displays. They have the big advantage that, first,
dynamic datasets (e.g. films) can also be displayed and, second, wireless Internet
connections enable real-time access to databases. Very recently, physical land-
scape models of high photorealistic quality are also gaining increasing importance.
Keywords Cartography
Three-dimensionality
True-3D
Autostereoscopy
Geodisplays
Solid landscape embodiments
