In 2013 Apple went 3D maps crazy. In one report alone we listed 28 different patent applications. The one patent that wasn't listed in that group has been granted a patent today under the title non-static 3D Map Views. Now that Apple has introduced 3D Touch with the new iPhone 6s, we can easily see how Apple may be able to apply the animated aspect of maps via touch that makes sense.

Apple has been granted a patent for their invention that provides a novel mapping application that animates three-dimensional (3D) views of a map when the mapping application renders the 3D views while in a satellite viewing mode. In some embodiments, the mapping application renders the 3D views of the map using camera captured images (CCIs) when the mapping application is in the satellite viewing mode.

The mapping application of some embodiments animates different defined types of map elements and/or constructs (e.g., bodies of water, shorelines, buildings, foliage, etc.) in the 3D view of the map. The mapping application of some embodiments animates some or all of the different defined types of map elements and/or constructs differently. For instance, in some embodiments, the mapping application animates bodies of water and buildings differently by using different shaders for rendering the bodies of water and the buildings.

In some embodiments, the mapping application animates the defined types of map elements and/or constructs differently based on different types of input (e.g., touch input, gesture input, audio input, motion input, etc.) received at a device on which the mapping application is operating. For example, the mapping application of some embodiments animates bodies of water based on touch input differ. 

Apple's patent FIG. 1 conceptually illustrates a device that executes a mapping application of some embodiments that provides animated 3D satellite map views; FIG. 2 conceptually illustrates an example of the mapping application of some embodiments animating water in a 3D satellite map view based on touch input; and FIG. 7 conceptually illustrates an example of the mapping application of some embodiments animating reflections of water off the surface of buildings in a 3D satellite map view and animating shorelines in the 3D satellite map view.

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