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Laser-Generated 3D Maps

Great Britain's national mapping agency, Ordnance Survey, has posted a beautifully detailed 3D map of Bournemouth that was generated through the use of accurate laser technology.  The organization says this map "is made from 700 million individual points of light."

Take a look at the elegant results:


 


Experts at Ordnance Survey are optimistic that geographic laser scanning technology will "revolutionise the future of personal navigation, tourism and the planning process as well as aiding architects, and the emergency and security services", but I'll be watching to see how their technology scales and performs versus competitors, particularly Google Earth's flesh-out-our-scaffolding approach.

It's also interesting to note that this forward step in 3D quantification is being pushed through a government agency.  Expect increasingly more governments to get serious about such initiatives because of the short and long-term value they can produce for the national economy.  And if they can't develop the technology in-house, then expect them to lean on companies like IBM and Google for smarter infrastructure.

Big thanks to commenter paulous99 for pointing out that Ordance Survey is in fact a UK govt org.

via Garry Golden


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