The Third Dimension in Cartography: Recent and Future DevelopmentsDie dritte Dimension in der Kartographie: rezente und zukünftige Entwicklungen

The importance of three-dimensional representations in cartography is expanding appreciably with the development of modern visualisation techniques. In the present article, the classical three-dimensional visualisations, such as pseudo three dimensional depictions on flat displays and solid landscape embodiments, are briefly presented. Primarily the state-of-the-art developments of truly three-dimensional (auto-)stereoscopic visualisations are set forth and described by means of some selected research activities. Essential characteristics of these very diverse methods are pointed out in comparison with the “classical” presentation methods and some prospects for future developments are given.