Comparing Google Maps 3D with Singapore’s OneMap3D

This is how Google Maps (or earth, to be precise) used to have 3D models in it. Everyhting was handcrafted.<p>Modeling was partly outsourced for anyone willing to do it with Google Sketchup, back when Google still owned it. It however, was really labour intensive and one could see a lot of human mistakes.<p>Using aerial images to generate 3D models is way cheaper and faster. I’m interested to see where this project is going, but i’m a bit sceptical for a long time success.

Singapore govt had been in news with the development of TraceTogather app for COVID-19 detection and now this. Typically, governments, with all its bureaucracies, are not expected to build things efficiently and with quality, especially complex software which is hard to build even for a supercharged startup. So this is surprising. Someone needs to figure out what are they doing right.

The words of the article say that OneMap3D is better but, to me, the images clearly convey that Google Maps 3D is better. Yes it loses some fine but they are clearly actual images of the real buildings. In contrast, OneMap3D seems to have computer-rendered models of what the buildings ought to look like.<p>As you look around it will presumably feel like you&#x27;re playing a 3D game (one with poor lighting and texturing at that!), whereas looking around in Google Maps feels like you&#x27;re actually exploring the city from above.

I thought that progressive meshes don&#x27;t lend themselves well to GPU buffer objects. Always assumed that Google Maps just have a huge number of static mesh LODs for everything (which they could have generated using progressive meshes) and are okay with mesh popping.

For modern buildings, the 3D models actually already exist in an architecture firm&#x27;s computers. Imagine if the city&#x2F;country mandates that building plans also be submitted digitally, and the architect has to allow it to be licensed for 3D maps...

This is a preview of the data provided by OneMap3D programme that Singapore Land Authority is launching soon. <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;geoworks.sg&#x2F;onemap3d-developer-programme&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;geoworks.sg&#x2F;onemap3d-developer-programme&#x2F;</a>

OneMap3D&#x27;s approach won&#x27;t handle natural landscapes, e.g. trees and rocks.<p>Ok, it&#x27;s not really useful but fascinating to explore <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;earth.app.goo.gl&#x2F;Ld1b8R" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;earth.app.goo.gl&#x2F;Ld1b8R</a>

Both looks great but I am use to having and seeing Google Maps. This is the first time that I have heard about SG&#x27;s OneMap3D