Different Options for Designing 3D Map

October 21, 2022

In this post, we will introduce different options for designing 3D map. A map mostly serves the task of guiding people, but there are many different ways to design a map. When designing a map, a lot depends on what the map is designed for, which people use it, what kind of user experience they expect and what added value the map should create.

Detailed designing of 3D model

With 3D Wayfinder, you can design your own 3D map, but we also offer a complete solution with several detail levels. One way is to create very detailed designing 3D map. These are models where the textures are precise, so that it looks as real as possible. Such a 3D model is important for advertising apartment buildings, so future residents can get a very accurate idea of ​​their home.

Detailed_3d_model_of_apartment_building
Detailed 3D model view of the apartment building and the courtyard

It is not always necessary to create detailed models for the purpose of selling houses or apartments. For example, the building of the University of Applied Sciences in Tallinn has historical value. They wanted to bring a historical feel to the 3D map as well. Therefore, a detailed and realistic model was created for them.

different_options_for_designing_3d_map
Tallinn University of Applied Sciences 3D model view of the main building

Funway 2D map

A complete opposite to the realistic models are 2D maps. This is a map drawn using the FunWay method, which does not convey a real image, but has a nice design and is understandable to all users.

funway_2d_map_of_shopping_mall
2D map view of Beach Mall in Dubai

We have also prepared a detailed 3D model for them, which is much more realistic and the icons on the model are slightly more emphasized.

detailed_3d_model_of_shopping_mall
3D model view of Beach Mall in Dubai

Simplified map view

Everyone is probably familiar with the feeling of getting lost in a hardware store and spending time for lookinf certain products. We have prepared an interior map for the hardware store in Estonia, by shelves and departments. Pins for products from specific companies have been added to the shelves and departments, which makes it much easier for customers to search for specific products. Creating such a card is quick and easy. For customers, it makes the experience of visiting a hardware store more pleasant.

Simplified_map_view_of_hardware_store
A simplified map view of the hardware store with product brands

A similar simplified map is suitable for shopping centers, where different businesses can advertise themselves by the logo attached to the map, and it is much easier for the customer to find the desired location.

3d_wayfinder_solution_with_logos
Wayfinder solution of a large shopping center in Denmark with logos

Color based design

The designing 3D map can be based on the colors of the website or logo. For example the Kuwait Oil Company hospital map is inspired by the dark blue color of their website and logo.

3d_color_based_map_design
Kuwait Oil Company Hospital Wayfinder map

Similar to the color scheme of the Kuwait hospital, a map has also been created for IdeaPark based in Finland. The color scheme of the IdeaPark shopping center is green, and a map was made for them with the same color scheme.

color_based_map_solution
Map solution for the IdeaPark shopping center in Finland with mobile integrations

In addition to 3D models and maps, 3D Wayfinder also offers the option of creating a mobile app. The Ülemiste Center in Estonia has requested such a solution. Clients of the center can use the map application on a personal mobile device. The background of the Ülemiste Center mobile application map is displayed in a dark color to make it more visible on a small screen.

Color_based_mobile_integration
Map of the Ülemiste center with the solution of the app on the mobile device

As you have seen, 3D Wayfinder can design very unique looking maps. In addition to the big picture, there are many options for fine tuning. For example, it is possible to choose colors of the ceiling, floor, walls and other similar surfaces. It is also possible to change shapes and colors of the road guidance, shape and color of the adjacent menu and much more. All this affects the user experience and creates value for the branding of the building or company.

« »

Using Self-Service Kiosks During the Corona Pandemic

August 9, 2020

The Corona epidemic has far reaching consequences in all sectors. Everything from the obvious health, economic to social issues are influenced. However there are also many smaller matters that aren’t immediately apparent. For instance, the role of touch screens and kiosks in the spread and stopping of the pandemic.

Use of kiosks can both help spread and stop the pandemic.
Use of kiosks can both help spread and stop the pandemic

Kiosks during the Corona Pandemic

The use of kiosks during the Corona pandemic is a double edged sword. Since SARS-CoV-2 can spread through direct contact with other people, social distancing is highly advisable. However life must go on and everything can not be done online. Many jobs can not be done from a home office. Sometimes seeing the doctor in person is unavoidable. Therefore we need new solutions that allow us to conduct certain transactions without human contact, for example paying for products and services, printing prescriptions, asking for directions. These are all things that kiosks can be utilized for. However using touch-screen kiosks could in fact help spread the virus, if not done properly.

One way to make the kiosks safer would be to sanitize them in regular intervals. That however would be redundant as popular locales will have people using kiosks constantly. Placing a hand sanitizer bottle also may not be enough as not everybody cares enough about their own and other’s health.

Making Kiosks Safe Again!

One ingenious solution comes from Freetouch. This solution allows users to access touchscreens without ever touching it. The user can click, drag, scroll throughout the display just as they would with a laptop. This means that companies don’t need to make any additional investments in an already uneasy time. Also, the solution is quite Eco-friendly as there are no hand sanitizers or personal protective equipment being used!

A novel solution like Freetouch might be a bit confusing for some people, who just want to carry on as they did before the pandemic. Thankfully there are ways to make the screens of kiosks themselves kill bacteria. Many companies now have come forth with anti-microbial coating for touch screens. This coating can be added to touch screens without installing a completely new kiosk.

Voice activated kiosks are also an option of course. This kind of solution also makes kiosks more accessible for people who may not be ale to use touch screens because of a disability.

Investing In the Future

These are just some examples of human ingenuity overcoming the difficulties created by the current pandemic. The thing to remember is that this will not be the last pandemic to hit our global community. The investments we make in our safety will pay dividends for generations to come. Making the world more accessible through wayfinding and self-service kiosks will help curb unnecessary costs for enterprises and help keep us safe.

« »

Wayfinding at a Time of a Pandemic

April 3, 2020

We are facing a global public health crisis that is unprecedented. The effects of this event will have long term consequences in the social, economic, political and technological spheres. I have no doubt that we will emerge from these hard times sooner or later. It is up to us as individuals, workers and leaders to make sure that we learn from our past mistakes. Using wayfinding at a time of a pandemic can be a way to reduce human contact and to save lives.

Staying safe in these trying times

COVID-19 spreads through small respiratory droplets produced when people breathe, speak or cough. The virus isn’t airborne per se, but standing close to someone that is infected is dangerous. The best way to curb the spread of the virus is social distancing, washing your hands regularly and not touching your face with your hands.

How 3D wayfinder mobile app solutions can make user safe in pandemic time!

Many countries and enterprises have enacted measures to limit people’s movement and contact with varying results. People in the most affected areas like Europe and China are advised to stay home as much as possible. This in return means that e-commerce is booming. Everything from toilet paper and food to spare parts for machines are ordered online. Yet there are some instances where leaving the house is unavoidable.

Reducing risk through 3D Wayfinder solutions

You might need to visit the doctor in person, conduct business that might not be safe to do online or buy something essential that just isn’t available online. Making sure that these kinds of interactions are safe for everybody involved is of the utmost of importance. Using 3D Wayfinding solutions can be a useful tool in this regard and can make a small difference.

Using large screens or kiosks to guide people through buildings is an obvious way to reduce human contact. Although using kiosks should be done with caution, as it is a possible point of spreading the virus, so proper hygiene must be applied. Having an online version or a mobile app with a 3D model of the building, that tells people which corridors to use or where to find certain services saves time and is safer.

In addition to wayfinding, there are many ways to integrate other features into your solution to keep people safe. A mobile application used by a firm’s employees is a good way to communicate and to give urgent information to everybody or to specific people. For example, in case of a fire, it is possible to show people the safest route to evacuate. Or you might need to remotely lock certain doors or shut down electricity . This is also possible to integrate into your unique solution.

It is quite certain that this won’t be the last time that we face a global pandemic that requires social distancing to stay safe. Now is definitely the best time to think about your employees’ and customers’ safety and invest in it. Customers will undoubtedly recognize and gravitate towards companies that value their health. Using wayfinding at a time of a pandemic and beyond will be a worthy investment.

« »

Using Wayfinding Software in Office Buildings

June 28, 2019

Big office buildings can be extremely complicated for anybody – visitors, workers and even building managers. To avoid getting lost and wasting time, 3D wayfinding software in office buildings is a perfect solution for navigating your way thru there and finding the right location.

Accessibility is a big deal in business corporations and a simple system is the best way to keep customers and visitors satisfied. Lately, we had a chance to develop a wayfinding platform to an office complex. That has 5 different buildings and the biggest one of them about 30 stories. It is very difficult to find the right room among dozen of different rooms. With 3D Wayfinder software, it is now easier to find the right directions. Also, 3D model gives an extra value with a better overview of the whole complex. We think that wayfinding software in office buildings is the only right decision.

It is easy to inform customers through the software. For example, transport times, weather reports or local news can be displayed on the screen. Most importantly, this wayfinding solution gives the extra value for office building. Also, it improves the customer experience. Thanks to 3D Wayfinder modular architecture it is easy to implement new features. Therefore, we are ready to hear what would you like to integrate to your wayfinding solution.

3D wayfinder for office buildings and bilding complexes. 3D Wayfinder R&D AS is best software developer for this kind of projects.


Also, you can read more about 3D Wayfinder solutions of office buildings.

To get more information, contact us now and we will find the best solution for your office building.

« »

3D Wayfinding Solution for Airports

March 13, 2019

Airports are often places that many people do not visit very often and therefore they can be difficult to navigate. Finding the right gate in the right terminal is something that can cause a lot of stress under the time pressure and unknown venue. Luckily there are wayfinding solution for airports. Also we have installed our software in many airports across the globe what make navigating easier.

Integrating different features into Wayfinding system is made easy thanks to the open platform. One solution that could help airport visitors is a Wayfinding solution that directs user to the right gate after scanning the boarding pass. Also integrating barcode reader to Wayfinding will make user experience better and can help show innovativeness of the venue.

Lately, we were happy to offer our solution to one of the biggest airports in Indonesia. Our local partners helped them to set up the whole system. It is also based on enterprise license server solution which offers them a possibility to host solution in their own server. Also they wanted to include boarding pass barcode scanning feature. They want to give their visitors an easy and quick way to find their desired gate.

Indoor positioning is the right solution for airports. We believe that guiding people with the help of 3D Wayfinder software will make using the airport more convenient. User comfort and satisfied guests should be the goal of every airport. We hope you had the idea to contact us for wayfinding solution for airports.

3D wayfinder software in airports. 3D Wayfinder R&D AS has developed many solutions to airports!

3D Wayfinder has developed many solutions to airports. To get some more information about different integration possibilities contact us today and we are happy to give you a demonstration of our software. If you are interested of our wayfinding solution for airports then contact our sales department.

« »

Integrating Face Recognition Technology With 3D Wayfinder

February 4, 2019

3D Wayfinder has been lately testing face recognition technology and what are the possibilities to integrate it with wayfinding software. This is a concept that connects biometric data to certain locations and makes wayfinding personal and unique.

When creating 3D Wayfinder, we have followed the principles that each customer would like to customize their application and integrate it with other applications. Also including Digital Signage software. 3D Wayfinders open modular architecture makes implementing new features easy and supports 3rd party software. Read more about integrations.

Wayfinding solution usually incluse information like bus time schedules, weather forecast or local news. But the possibilities are endless. We believe that integrating face recognition technology in the your wayfinding solution might be one of the things you want to consider when you know who’s gonna use Wayfinding and what for.

One of the best places to have that technology is at conferences or seminars. When client registres to the event online they should a have a option to upload the picture of their face , using webcam or phone, which will be later used on the wayfinding software and accredidation.

3D Wayfinder software with face recognition and biometric data.

When a person arrives to the event they have possibility to quickly check in using the same wayfinding totem. After check in it is possible to show the person their daily schedule and direct them to the right locations. That would save the guest time with not looking around or trying to figure out what was the next thing they needed to attend.

Using face recognition feature is not only for conferences or seminars. Contact us and we find right solutions together.

Contact us to make your wayfinding concept become real and for integrating face recognition technology with 3D Wayfinder.

« »