Britain's first 3D town map launched in Exmouth

YOU would imagine a Devon is a technological backwater - but this week Exmouth embraced the latest technology to boost business by launching the UK'S first-ever interactive town centre virtual map.

The map, designed by Depict 3D, in partnership with Exmouth Town Council and East Devon District Council, went live at 3.30pm yesterday and will help businesses get a head start - 100 businesses have already signed up.

Town manager Tony Collins said: "The whole concept is too embrace new technology so that Exmouth businesses are given every possible advantage in the current economic climate."

Essentially a custom version of Google Earth, the user can zoom in and out of a virtual town centre, have a walk about, look at the sites and shop fronts - complete with photos of their facades, click onto them and use their websites.

And where businesses have online shopping that can also be accessed and Nick Schemanoff of Depict 3D said: "The system will show a range of different businesses types, such as accommodation, shops, attractions, pubs, restaurants and business services.

"All of the participating businesses are receiving copies of the place marks to use on their own individual websites as links to Google Earth.

"The advantage of this is that it will add useful content to their website, along with promoting the other businesses in the area."

The tool will be a valuable method for residents and visitors alike to explore what Exmouth and the surrounding area has to offer, to a level of detail that has never previously been available.

Mayor Darryl Nicholas said: "When we market Exmouth to potential investors and developers, we want them to be able to visualise their business or venture in the town. Now we will be able to do that by taking them on a virtual tour of the town and allowing them to picture their business in place on its actual location.

BROWSE VIRTUAL EXMOUTH IN 3D >>