Since 19 December, Apple's own map that was rolled out with iOS6 has been a source of pleasure for fans of Hungary. The app has made it possible to discover Budapest in 3D. While this might not have a practical use to anyone but tourists with a thing for time travel, it offers a great way to waste your office hours or study time.
Apple Maps (available for Mac, iPad and iPhone) wasn't well-received at first: practically everything that could go wrong with it, went wrong. The head of the company, Tim Cook had to go as far as to apologise for releasing such an early version of the app. But now is the time for absolution on our part, because Budapest was added to the list of locations with a 3D city tour.
Apple has passed the test of 3D rendering: as opposed to GoogleMaps, the buildings in Flyover are finally protruding and model the city's attractions with surprising detail. Of course, the app has more tricks up the sleeve: the portrayal is meticulous, there are worn rooftops, sunlit balconies, and you can even spot your car in front of your building. Let's say it: the whole thing has little practical use, but it is tremendous fun.
The addition of the Hungarian capital came as a surprise, for at the beginning only the most important cities in the world were mapped in the project and we would never have thought Budapest would to be included so soon. It is indeed a compliment to be rendered side by side with other major cities.
To enjoy the FlyoverTour, find Budapest inAppleMaps, switch to "satellite mode", and click the 3D sign in the lower right corner. As expected, the map can be rotated in any direction and zoomed in. Have fun!
