Every GPS tracking software has browser-based (2D mapping), with typically the same features such as real-time traffic data or quick vehicle reference options. The only type of 3D mapping these basic softwares offer is in the form of “Street View”. “Street View” is a static image capture of the surrounding area taken by a camera on top of a moving vehicle. What you can see in Street View is limited to only the areas the vehicle drove and the camera could see. This means you could be visually missing off-road areas such as parking lots, open spaces, or alley-ways.
Example Street View Image
GPS Insight offers 3D mapping through an integration with the freely available Google Earth. 3D mapping offers you a more accurate and more in-depth visual of the world.
Most GPS tracking providers do not offer a robust 3D mapping feature. You will typically find that it is just a “Street View” feature. This is definitely a valuable feature that helps fleet managers get a better visual understanding for where a vehicle is located. But for power users of GPS tracking software, a more robust 3D feature, such as Google Earth, provides more value and insight.
3D Mapping allows users to:
- View current location and historical breadcrumb trails in a time lapse video in 3D
- View different angles for better perspective vs. standard birds-eye view
- Visualize reports for easier data analysis
- View thousands of vehicles and landmarks at once
- Create 3D Landmarks
- Insert overlays such as power lines
- Also utilize “Street View” for street level images
- Access a handful of “Layers” that Google supplies such as traffic, places, weather, and city boundaries
Example Fleet History in 3D Mapping
Watch a demonstration video to learn more about 3D Mapping.
Keep in mind when comparing providers that you can have simple “Street View” mapping or you can have powerful 3D mapping with Google Earth. Compare and contrast the two and let us know what you think.
