We are now used to having an enormous amount of data in our pockets. The iPhone has boosted this enormously, and Android users are adopting GPS based mapping, location tweeting and facebook check-in's too.
I happen to think mapping related software is brilliant. I would, I use a high end Geographic Information System (GIS) almost every day in my work to visualise data and inspect options for putting together reports for my clients. It is often much better than Excel and pie or bar charts. Though those that know me, know I do like pork pies... oh, that sort of pie.. focus Polko..
Otuside of the world of work and expensive computers and software, it doesn’t matter where you are in the world a handheld GPS or phone can find stuff. Quickly. (except in one of Britain's many wi-fi/data blackspots of course!).
We are all used to Google maps on our notebooks, tablet PCs and desktops too. I also use these at work extensively, and have started to explore Bing maps as these seem to be a little better visually. Give it a go. See what you think. The 3D rendering on Google Maps and Google Earth are generally good – although sometimes the light makes for a poor photo and lack of clarity in tight city and town centre fly overs.
However, a new development by Apple is on its way - the new maps on the iPhone and pads etc will be available in 3D format. See the video here for an example, a video fly-through of Oslo. The 3D mapping has been created from fusing satellite data, photographs and - it being Apple - some head-working crazy algorithms for height and depth information.
So, for those that are looking for the next big thing to show off to friends, or those who can't quite read a flat map (and there are too many of you out there!!!), you don't have long to wait before Apple gives you another helping hand. I'm sure Google will follow very quickly.
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