The Third Dimension in Web Maps – Experience Based on a Vector Tiles Service for the State of Bavaria
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: The Bavarian Agency for Digitization, High-Speed Internet and Surveying (LDBV) has developed a vector tiles web map based on various datasets, aiming at a high quality approach, short up-date-cycles, detailed and feature-rich, but also customizable, truly mobile and increasingly three-dimensional.The focus of this presentation are the challenges and chances to visualize the third dimension for a broad user base in a web browser or on a smartphone.Two rendering technologies have been primarily evaluated from our perspective as a service provider: The open source client Maplibre GL JS and the commercial software Mapbox GL JS.The presentation wants to give answers to the following questions:• Can the data of classical topographic maps be valuable for relief presentation in web maps?• How to handle object cluster in the distance in tilted maps and visualize fog and sky?• How to visualize buildings in varying levels of detail?• How to integrate terrain data?• How to use 3D lighting, directional and ambient light sources?• How to integrate 3D models of trees and other objects?• How to balance cartographic quality and performance of 3D views?• What are the differences of Maplibre and Mapbox, JS and Native?• What are the hardware and software requirements?Modern web browsers and hardware can handle client-side three-dimensional map rendering.The software libraries are enhancing rapidly and updates are released regularly with new features.Extending web maps in the third dimension creates new challenges and requires new approaches related to data processing, styling rules (json), data delivery, and sometimes client development (javascript).Compatibility of vector tile services is already challenging in two dimensions, even more in three.But it is worth the effort, advancing slowly but surely to a digital twin of our environment.
Source: Abstracts of the ICA
Author: Johann Sehner
Language: English
Subfield: Geography, Planning and Development
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4402204520