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. ********************************************** 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