Nokia spectacular Maps in 3D

We are getting spoiled by the waves of technology that either be incremental steps, or by giants leaps, makes us pause for a second and say, “Wow!”

This video tour takes you on a trip around the world, from Los Angeles to London to Sydney and back. Looking at it at first glance, it appears like a production using various aerial photography or studio quality CGI effects.

Paul Wex made something quite different though, titled "Wide Web World," every view, every angle and panning visual was sourced from Nokia’s mobile phone 3D maps. The level of detail that has been poured into these renderings is very impressive. It is certainly impressive enough that Google needs to keep an eye open as HERE develops.

We are not forecasting any end to Google Earth, as Google is well ahead in terms of number of available markets with 3D rendering available. Where HERE and Google Earth over lap however, the comparison is quite noticeable. We took two identical angles from HERE 3D Maps and Google Earth of the iconic Transamerica building in San Francisco, California and it is easy to see the differences in details Having said that, HERE 3D is not available everywhere, as Google Earth has a serious head start, as evidenced by taking an overhead peek at the State Capitol building in Sacramento, California. Google Earth scores with a 3D view where HERE 3D has not gone through that city yet.

Nokia has made good use of its investment in acquiring Navteq for $8 billion back in 2007 and it has been a strength of Nokia’s mobile phone product line as a part of the Location & Commerce business. The new HERE branding is clearly aimed at intruding on turf that Google has dominated for years.