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first published week of: 10/05/2015
In 2013 Apple went 3D maps crazy. In one report alone we listed 28 different patent applications. The one patent that wasn't listed in that group has been granted a patent today under the title non-static 3D Map Views. Now that Apple has introduced 3D Touch with the new iPhone 6s, we can easily see how Apple may be able to apply the animated aspect of maps via touch that makes sense.
Apple has been granted a patent for their invention that provides a novel mapping application that animates three-dimensional (3D) views of a map when the mapping application renders the 3D views while in a satellite viewing mode. In some embodiments, the mapping application renders the 3D views of the map using camera captured images (CCIs) when the mapping application is in the satellite viewing mode.
The mapping application of some embodiments animates different defined types of map elements and/or constructs (e.g., bodies of water, shorelines, buildings, foliage, etc.) in the 3D view of the map. The mapping application of some embodiments animates some or all of the different defined types of map elements and/or constructs differently. For instance, in some embodiments, the mapping application animates bodies of water and buildings differently by using different shaders for rendering the bodies of water and the buildings. continued…