[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSmunh6NIQI[/youtube]
Last year it was rumored that Apple would have acquired the company C3 Technologies, which has a very interesting technology for 3D mapping. You probably already know that Google already offers a 3D module for the maps available in the Google Maps service, but also that that 3D module is available exclusively on the Android OS operating system. Considering that Google does not seem willing to offer this system on iOS, for example, last year Apple acquired a 3D mapping company called Poly9, and this year the acquisition of C3 Technologies, which works in the same field, was confirmed. In addition to the two companies, Apple also acquired Placebase, a company specialized in map mapping, and it is as clear as possible that Apple wants to get rid of Google in terms of geolocation services.
Now it is as clear as possible that Apple intends to completely change the iOS Maps application and offer a service similar to Google Maps, but the real "miracle" is behind the technology bought together with C3 Technologies. The Swedish company used for 3D mapping a technology used by the army to guide missiles and with its help they could create photo-realistic models for buildings, landforms and even trees. Imagine that you would open the Maps application and you could see regions of the globe but in 3D format and with a lot of details. Of course, technologies of this kind will not be available in Romania to begin with, but Apple's intentions are as clear as possible.
C3 Technologies is the leading provider of 3D mapping solutions, offering photo-realistic models of the world for search, navigation and geographic information systems. Since 2007 when it was spun out of the aerospace and defense company Saab AB, venture-backed C3 has redefined mapping by applying previously classified image processing technology to the development of 3D maps as a platform for new social and commercial applications. The Sweden-based company's automated software and advanced algorithms enable C3 to rapidly assemble extremely precise 3D models, and seamlessly integrate them with traditional 2D maps, satellite images, street level photography and user generated images, that together are forever changing how people use maps and explore the world.
To be honest, I think that Apple will create a geolocation system similar to the one offered by Google Maps, but initially only Americans will have detailed maps. For Romania and most of Europe, this purchase does not have much value at the moment and I could associate the limitations of Siri with the limitations that such a system will have. Looking at the way Apple has thought about its strategic moves in the past, I can say that this geolocation system will be extremely interesting, but that it will be limited at first.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNemPTHOKWg[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlelVaxctI0[/youtube]
