Mapsolute, a European provider of interactive maps, has introduced 3D interactive maps for the GCC. With the launch of its new portal, www.map24.com, Mapsolute Middle East aims to provide online mapping solutions for both the consumer market and corporate clients to help them identify, navigate and localize places throughout the GCC.

Map24.com — the first free online mapping portal in Middle East — offers interactive street maps with seamless zoom and pan features, granting the user instant overview and speed. Users can enjoy free address search and border-independent route planning with the dynamic map features. Other services possible include proximity and category search where the user is able to target the search on the preferred point of interest such as hotel, restaurant, shopping mall, etc.

Based on unique mapping technology — MapTP version 5.1 — Mapsolute has also made available 3D interactive maps. At the portal, the user can take a pilot seat and experience interactive route-flights from a bird’s eyeview. An integrated 3D control panel allows the user to be in charge of the animation while being able to rotate and change the slope of the map. The three dimensional “Route Flight” feature takes the user right down to the street level and plays a motion picture of the route.

The software is open to third party developers who wish to embed MapTP technology into their applications to take advantage of the full range of mapping functionality. The application is platform independent and is compatible with all browsers while preserving PC-resources.

Map24 is interested to sell its mapping solutions to corporate clients where interactive and dynamic map functions can be integrated to their Internet portals and interactive services. Mapping solutions are currently online for all GCC countries and future coverage will include Egypt, the Levant and more. It is planned that during 2006, to further facilitate the local market, the Map24 portal and its solutions will be appearing in Arabic.