3D maps is the latest stunning addition to Nokia's Ovi Maps, offering you the chance to fly around 16 locations around the world from any angle you like. But how does it work? We reveal the science behind the magic after the cut.

The 3D maps beta for Ovi Maps is the result of Nokia's partnership with C3, whose advanced camera equipment is able to capture images of the same object from up to 100 different angles at the rate of one a second.

These images are then used to form the 3D shape of an object with a high level of accuracy. From there, the shapes are given texture based on the original photographs that have been taken, and the full seamless canvas of high-resolution 3D data is produced, keeping an even level of consistency and quality throughout.

Furthermore, C3's approach is both faster and less reliant on human operators than the traditional 3D-modelling process. The latter technique relies mainly on imagery captured from above, which means colours are often washed out, while human operators need to manually create the roof for each building, and drape the sides with oblique imagery taken from four different angles.

The C3 approach, however, computerises nearly the entire process, leading to a more uniform and photo-realistic result. Just a single operator is used to manually retouch the shapes of 10 to 40 individual objects for each 3D environment, which are typically well-known landmarks or places of special interest.

The results speak for themselves, we think. But how about you? Are you impressed with the new 3D Maps Beta for Ovi Maps? Give us your impressions in the Comments below!

Via The Ovi Blog