Mitsubishi Corporation Releases First 3D Map for Mass Market

Mitsubishi Corporation Releases First 3D Map for Mass Market (Photos 
attached)

Tokyo, Japan, Feb. 15, 2002 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Corporation is 
pleased to announce the release of DiaMap, the first ever 
professional-quality three-dimensional digital mapping system to be priced 
for the mass market.

DiaMap combines high-quality digital color satellite images down-linked 
directly from the IKONOS low-orbit satellite and elevation data gathered 
from airborne laser sensors with sophisticated information technology such 
as virtual reality systems, databases, and network technology.

DiaMap can provide users with a 3D, street-level perspective of buildings, 
roads and other landmarks, as well as faithfully reproducing city 
landscapes, including hues and textures. 

The system has numerous applications; for consumers in navigation systems, 
businesses in various simulations, and governments in urban redevelopment 
programs. 

"The high quality data and the way Mitsubishi has brought these various 
technologies together have allowed the company to create a cost-effective 
solution to the technological challenges of creating 3D maps, which have 
until now been limited to experimental applications," said Akihiro Yamaura, 
General Manager of the Spatial Information Business Unit, Mitsubishi 
Corporation. 

Mitsubishi Corporation Spatial Information Business Unit is ready to supply 
3D digital mapping data of Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, a combined area of 
25,000 square kilometers (6,178,000 acres). The Company plans to expand the 
area the map covers to other parts of the country as demand grows. 

Applications:

The B2C Market

DiaMap can be combined with global positioning systems to provide a 
life-like rendition of roads and streets in real time to help car drivers 
or pedestrians navigate using in-car systems or cellular phones. Mitsubishi 
Corporation has already received an order from a major car navigation 
systems manufacturer for DiaMap.

Diamap makes it possible to build virtual shopping districts that are exact 
reproductions of actual places, allowing consumers to go e-shopping through 
a area familiar to them from the comfort of their own home.

The B2B Market

By using 3D maps to run simulations showing how radio waves are transmitted 
to cellular phones, PDAs and other mobile terminals from base stations, 
wireless telecommunications companies can position new base stations more 
effectively and economically. Mitsubishi has already shipped 3D maps for 
fixed wireless access (FWA) simulations to an internet service provider.

The construction, architectural design and real estate industries can use 
DiaMap to create a virtual image of a new project to assess the impact of 
an urban plan or redevelopment project before actual work has started. This 
stands to serve as an effective tool to help gain approval from local 
residents.

The B2G (Government) Market

3D maps are an effective tool for urban landscape simulations and other 
city planning developments, and as way to attract tourists. Mitsubishi 
Corporation has already received orders from several local and national 
government projects for this fiscal year.  

By using 3D maps to run simulations of evacuation routes from fires, 
floods, earthquakes, terrorist attacks and other emergencies, governmental 
agencies can formulate preventative measures and respond effectively in 
times of crisis. 

With the launch of this business, Mitsubishi Corporation will be the first 
company in the world to offer 3D digital maps to the mass market. Indeed 
global demand for 3D maps is growing fast. Mitsubishi Corporation has 
selected the spatial data industry as a strategic area for investment and 
is determined to establish itself as a leading company in this area.

Mitsubishi Corporation also aims to stimulate growth in this market as a 
whole by aggressively licensing its products to road and housing 
cartographers. 

For more information, please see http://www.diamap.jp/english/

Contact: 
Mitsubishi Corporation
Press Relations Team
Tomoya Shimoda
+81 3-3210-2179
+81 90-5337-7840

About Mitsubishi Corporation

Mitsubishi Corporation (UK: MBC)(US: MSBHY) is one of the 
world's most diverse enterprises, and Japan's largest sogo shosha, or 
trading company. Mitsubishi Corporation has decades of experience doing 
business around the world, experience that has made it more than just a 
leader in international trade. The company's extensive network and 
wide-ranging activities give it a decisive edge in gathering the timely, 
accurate market information vital to success. The company's seven business 
groups--New Business Initiative, IT & Electronics Business, Fuels, Metals, 
Machinery, Chemicals and Living Essentials--work closely with clients to 
develop new business opportunities. Project coordination, sourcing of raw 
materials, capital investments and development of sales channels are just a 
few of the ways Mitsubishi Corporation creates value for business partners, 
customers and shareholders. For further information, please visit the 
Mitsubishi Corporation home page at: www.mitsubishi.co.jp.

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Feb. 15, 2002, 21:00 (JST)
Source: Mitsubishi Corporation
Mitsubishi Corporation (OTC: MSBHY) (FTSE: MBC)
www.mitsubishi.co.jp 
From the Japan Corporate News Network 
http://www.japancorp.net 
Topic: New Product
Sectors: Electronics, Wireless, Telecom Carriers, Broadband & Internet, ITS 
/ Digital Mapping

© 2002 Japan Corporate News Network