If we consider their basic functions, digital maps are quite similar to their paper predecessors: Street names, house numbers and road directions can all be read from them, and certain public institutions and buildings can be identified by their icons.
With navigation maps that are connected to GPS technology, however, there is so much more that can be done, and this explains their increasing popularity - in addition to the features mentioned above, digital maps include navigation data and lots of other information.
The extra information offered by maps produced by Top-Map include:
Address data
- Administrative boundaries
- City, town or village reference points
- Postal codes (ZIP codes)
- Postal addresses (Street name and house number)
Traffic rules
- Turning regulations
- One-way streets and 'no entry' restrictions
- Restrictions on vehicle types
- Time restrictions
- Speed limits
- Permit requirements
Road descriptions
- Type of road surface
- Road priority
- Special types of road (e.g. motorway, roundabout)
Data to help navigation
- Lane information
- Road sign information
- TMC (Traffic Message Channel) data
Visual enhancements
- 3D models of buildings and other landmarks
- Road highlighting at multi-level road junctions
- Waterways (lakes, rivers, etc.)
- Railway network
- Information showing the type of terrain
POI (Point of Interest) related data
- Contact details (address, phone number, e-mail and internet address)
- "Rich POI Content" (e.g. tourist information, images, sounds)
