Google shows Volkswagen the way home

Volkswagen cars will be kitted out with Google Earth 3D display

Car manufacturer Volkswagen revealed this week that it has partnered with Google and graphics chipmaker nVidia to develop a 3D in-car navigation system and display that is "more real looking than anything available today".

The companies said that driver and passenger will be able instinctively to recognise where they are in relation to the surrounding topography, especially in urban areas that are depicted with depth and accurate size relationships between buildings and roads.

The development features a vehicle-centric touch screen interface to Google Earth with state-of-the-art graphics, accurate 3D maps and real-time traffic updates and routing.

"This open system harnesses the power of the web to maintain a dynamic database of current information on restaurants, dealerships, gas stations and other points of interest that can be overlaid directly onto the user's 3D map," the companies said.

A prototype of the technology will be available on showroom floors in the near future, according to Volkswagen.

The trio are also working on other advancements, including automatic personalised content updates for vehicle navigation systems.