Online Mapping Meets SimCity
Published Saturday, January 28, 2006 by CCAer | E-mail this post
edushi.com is an interactive Chinese site that displays maps of various Chinese cities. The interface is much like the interface found on Google Local with a zoom toolbar in the upper right and a drag and pan functionality. Nothing unusual there. What makes this site interesting is how the maps look. Instead of a standard map or satellite image, an oblique representation of the street layout, along with 3 (technically 2.5) dimensional looking buildings, is provided, lending the site a rather SimCity-like feel.
Not being able to read any Chinese makes navigating the site a little difficult, even with the aid of online translation services. according to
Geography 2.0: Virtual Globes, the site employs the following data:
- buildings/landmarks: footprints, heights, idealized appearance, photographs
- street map data (including 3D data for overpasses)
- street addresses
- a business database
- land cover (parks, water, sidewalks, etc.)
- smoothed terrain
- bus stops
- construction data (cranes are seen around some buildings under construction)
Only a small number of Chinese cities are included but what exists is impressive, clean and attractive. Expect more of this sort of internet mapping to come.
By way of
Geography 2.0: Virtual Globes
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