3D maps for boat tourists

This paper presents the results from a study where 3D city maps is used on mobile computers. The aim of this study is to get feedback from the users on how they experience the use of 3D maps as an interface in search for tourist information. To do this an application is developed that use a 3D map for routing and way finding. The application is tested on a group of boat tourists in the harbour of Tønsberg (Norway). The results showed that a rather large group of people found the use of 3D maps valuable both as a navigational tool and as a tool for geographic orientation. In the paper, also some technical issues that enable the transmission of 3D maps in a wireless network and its use on mobile devices, is also discussed. The research is carried out as part of the EU-Project TellMaris (IST 2000-28249).