Navigon GPS to use NASA data for 'panoramic' 3D views

NEW YORK, N.Y. - At the CES Unveiled press event Tuesday, Navigon previewed the 8100T, a device touted as the first in-car GPS navigation system to offer panoramic 3D views of mountains, valleys, and other highlights of the surrounding landscape.

During a stop by BetaNews at the booth, J. Michael Martin, channel marketing manager, showed how the upcoming Navigon 8100T will use maps based on NASA terrain data -- along with a built-in graphics accelerator --to capture experiences such as driving up hills and peering down through ravines on its wide-screen 4.8-inch display.

The "geographic guidance" in the 8100T helps drivers to stay safe by letting them see landscapes ahead on the road, according to Martin. Navigon claims to be the first to come to market with these panoramic 3D views.

Martin acknowledged, though, that if you're planning to change directions in some way, such as going back to original destination, it's best to pull off the road for a little to let the GPS "reorient itself."

Another feature in the 8100T, Reality View Pro, is designed to give photorealistic 3D views of major highway interchanges, complete with actual road signs.

The 8100T will also come with a long list of other capabilities, including real-time traffic updates, visual lane guidance, Zagat reviews of local hotels and attractions, and "advanced text-to-speech."

The Navigon 8100T is expected to start shipping later this month for about $599 from Web-based retailers. Navigon is also selling optional Fresh Maps subscriptions, providing up to twelve map updates over three years for $79.99.