‘Clarion MAP780 and MAP680 first for 3D technology’

Clarion’s latest GPS devices are the first to map buildings and landmarks in 3D, the company has claimed.

According to a statement by Clarion, the MAP780 and MAP680, for use in Europe and the UK respectively, feature high-performance programmes capable of drawing buildings in the foreground and background of the road ahead.

Buildings also appear see-through as the driver approaches them, so as not to obstruct the view, while those at a distance are textured so they can be used as reference points to aid navigation.

Digital elevation model data is used by both devices to draw height and depth features providing greater clarity for the driver while traffic lanes are also rendered in 3D, with the appropriate lane for the driver highlighted.

In addition to 3D technology, the portable navigation systems use Bluetooth to display text messages and provide touch-screen access to a paired phone and include a built-in media player.

The MAP780 and MAP680 are priced at £269 and £229 respectively.

In related news, Consumer Reports recently rated the Garmin Nuvi 760 as the best GPS device giving it an "excellent" overall score following several months of in-lab and on-the-road tests of 39 systems.