BERLIN, March 12, 2013 –Smart city, smart phone "smartMap Berlin," the app which depicts a 3D model of the German capital, continues to expand. "We have moved on to the next dimension after last year’s successful launch of the version for iPhones and iPads. We have enhanced the app with additional economic and scientific information from our Business Location Center and have integrated supplementary maps and infrastructure data. Furthermore the app is now also available in an Android version," explained Melanie Bähr, Managing Director at Berlin Partner GmbH.
"Berlin is one of the largest and most diverse regions for science in Europe: More than 200,000 people conduct research, study and work here. We are presenting this potential to an international audience with innovative products that have originated in Berlin. The Berlin government offered its support for the project and worked alongside the local experts who are global leaders in this technology," said Cornelia Yzer, Berlin State Senator for Economics, Technology and Research.
The "smartMap Berlin" enables companies to discover the appealing array of commercial real estate in Berlin – directly from their mobile devices. Roughly 1,000 available office and commercial properties can be virtually toured and viewed internationally, at any time. The "smartMap Berlin 2.0" has been expanded to include information about Berlin as a location for business and science. It now includes all of Berlin’s research institutes and lists companies and training centers in the healthcare industries cluster. This makes it easier to view and experience the city’s overall potential. Further information will be added in the coming months.
"A particular perk in the newest ‘smartMap Berlin‘ version is the possibility to rotate the 3D map. This allows for particular buildings and areas to be viewed from all directions and perspectives. We have added additional map levels, public transport information and also the ability to access the map from an Android. All these changes improve the usability and make the depicted information more comprehensive," said Benjamin Hagedorn, Managing Director at 3D Content Logistics GmhH.
The "smartMap Berlin" app was introduced in October 2012; it is a complete presentation of Berlin in 3D with a total of roughly half a million buildings and more than 800 square kilometers of city space. The app was developed by 3D Content Logistics, a start-up from the region, in close cooperation with the Business Location Center from Berlin Partner GmbH, Berlin’s economic development corporation.
The app can be downloaded, free of charge, from the iTunes App Store or the Play Store by searching for "smartMap Berlin." The first version was downloaded more than 13,000 times from the App Store.
Access more information about the "smartMap Berlin" at http://www.businesslocationcenter.de/smartmap
The "smartMap Berlin" was funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
About the BLC: The Business Location Center, BLC, is Berlin’s economic web portal. Sector data, commercial real estate, labor market and structural information, surface maps and details about funding programs can be accessed here within seconds. The information is up to date and can be experienced ‘live’ with the 3D map of Berlin.
About 3D Content Logistics: 3D Content Logistics (3DCL) was founded as a spin-off from the Hasso Plattner Instititute, the center of excellence in software systems engineering at the University of Potsdam. 3DCL focuses on making 3D content secure, efficient and available for use on end devices. The "smartMap" software offers interactive 3D maps for various uses and sectors such as urban development, architecture and construction, location and real estate marketing or also for use by the population.