Nokia updates Ovi Maps with 3D vector graphics and an API

21 May 2009 12:34 GMT / By Duncan Geere

Nokia has updated its Ovi Maps product and launched an API for developers to create applications for it.

The Finnish mobile handset company's new mapping site allows users to add and save their own locations, as well as shifting to a vector-graphics approach, rather than the bitmaps it was using previously. Currently it only works on Internet Explorer, Safari and Firefox.

Users can also choose to install a plugin which adds 3D views, including landmarks, tilting and rotation, night view and fly-throughs. Lonely Planet, Michelin and Wcities have added contextual info about places.

All this functionality is available on mobile devices too, which is Nokia's advantage over mapping rival Google, who've been slow to roll out a version of Google Earth for the Symbian platform, despite having a very capable version of its Mapping app available.

An API has been released too, which lets developers embed Ovi maps into their websites using Javascript. Nokia's also inviting developers to submit ideas for services and content, offering cash prizes for the best "Apps on Maps".