3D Mapping and Modelling Market Size Analysis - Market Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook Report (2025-2034)

The global 3D mapping and modelling market value reached around USD 7.09 Billion in 2024 due to rapid advancement in 3D scanning technologies and sensors. The integration of 3D mapping solutions in industries such as construction, healthcare, and entertainment are also contributing to market growth. As a result, the industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.80% during the forecast period of 2025-2034 to attain a value of USD 28.19 Billion by 2034. The rise of smart city initiatives and urban planning projects is further expected to propel the demand for accurate 3D models.

3D Mapping and Modelling Market Growth

3D mapping and 3D modelling can be described as the overall process involving 3D technology visualisation of the objects in the world. 3D mapping requires recording and recreating objects like terrains, buildings, and others in the environment. 3D mapping is primarily used in building planning, navigation, and other applications. 3D modelling is the mathematical development of physical structures with the assistance of specialised software. Such digitally generated 3D models are commonly used in media and entertainment industries, including films, games, and for visual representation for better comprehension, boosting the 3D mapping and modelling market value.

The demand for 3D mapping and modelling solutions has increased in the defence, military, and aerospace sectors. Such systems contribute to developing geospatial intelligence and to improve situational awareness across fields for ongoing tracking and surveillance projects, disaster management operations, and wide-area mapping. The rising demand for driver-less cars, metros, as well as other transport systems has led to the increased adoption of 3D mapping, and, thus, the 3D mapping and modelling industry is also expected to grow.

Key Trends and Developments

Growing demand for customised maps, increasing use of 3D animation, and rising adoption in renewable energy projects are the key trends propelling the market growth.

November 2024

Niantic, renowned for its AR games such as Pokémon Go, is pioneering advancements in geospatial technology with the launch of its Large Geospatial Model (LGM). This sophisticated system utilises data gathered from millions of user smartphone scans, transforming real-world environments into detailed 3D maps.

May 2024

Baidu's Vice President declared a partnership with Tesla aimed at incorporating the most recent iteration of Baidu Maps into Tesla automobiles in China. Given that Tesla partially depends on mapping data for its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) features, this initiative could potentially expedite Tesla's introduction of FSD in the Chinese market.

March 2024

The U.S. Army has renewed its contract with Maxar Intelligence for the provision of 3D terrain models, which are utilised to develop immersive training environments for military personnel, as announced by the company on March 12. Maxar, headquartered in Colorado, the USA, has been granted Phase 4 of the U.S. Army's One World Terrain (OWT) contract.

March 2024

Three years following the BMC's initiation of a 3D-mapping project for the Worli area in Mumbai, India, the civic authority has officially begun the development of a digital twin for Mumbai through comprehensive three-dimensional (3D) model mapping of the entire city. To enhance civic amenities, the BMC has finalised a contract worth Rs 155 crore with Genesys International Corporation in collaboration with Veritas.

Increased Demand for Customised Maps

The growing demand for customised maps and open-source navigation routing engines is also boosting the growth. The World Bank has committed USD 840 billion over 15 years to assist India in addressing its urbanisation challenges, emphasising the need for effective urban planning through 3D mapping technologies. As per the 3D mapping and modelling industry analysis, this investment aims to leverage 3D mapping for optimising infrastructure and enhancing urban development strategies. Similarly, in Los Angeles, city planners utilised 3D mapping to create a digital twin of the city, which aids in tracking infrastructure conditions and planning future developments. In the private sector, companies like HERE Technologies and TomTom are also making significant strides by developing high-definition maps for autonomous vehicles. These companies are investing heavily in creating detailed, real-time mapping solutions that cater to the growing demand for customised navigation systems.

Rise of 3D Animation

The rising demand from the application sector is due to the increasing use of 3D animation, games, and movies, and the introduction of 3D-enabled display devices. For instance, Epic Games, known for its Unreal Engine, has heavily invested in 3D graphics technology to enhance gaming experiences. The engine is widely used not only in video games but also in film production, allowing creators to produce high-quality visual effects and immersive environments, which ca contribute to the 3D mapping and modelling market revenue. Epic's commitment to developing tools that support real-time rendering and virtual production techniques exemplifies how the demand for 3D content is shaping their business strategy. Similarly, NVIDIA has focused on advancing its graphics processing units (GPUs) to support 3D rendering and AI-driven technologies. Their recent initiatives include developing platforms like Omniverse, which facilitates collaboration in creating 3D simulations across industries such as architecture, automotive, and entertainment.

Rising Adoption in Renewable Energy Projects

3D mapping technologies are also being utilised for environmental monitoring and renewable energy projects. By providing detailed terrain analysis, companies can identify optimal locations for wind turbines and solar panels. This application not only supports sustainability efforts but also aids in assessing the environmental impact of new energy projects that can aid the 3D mapping and modelling demand. For instance, at CES 2024, Iridesense introduced a groundbreaking 3D multispectral lidar sensor designed for remote monitoring of crops. This sensor can analyse plant health and soil humidity levels in real-time, enabling farmers to optimise irrigation and resource management. By deploying this technology in Brazil, Iridesense aims to improve agricultural practices and potentially save millions of litres of water and pesticides annually. Companies are increasingly utilising geospatial data for planning renewable energy projects. For instance, Macro Works has employed 3D mapping and terrain models to secure planning permissions for over 100 solar farms in Ireland.

Focus on Development of Smart Cities

The trend of developing smart cities is significantly shaping the 3D mapping and modelling market landscape. Cities worldwide are increasingly adopting 3D mapping technologies to enhance urban planning, infrastructure management, and public engagement. For instance, cities like Hamburg, Helsinki, Chicago, and London are creating smart 3D city models to streamline urban master planning and assess the impact of new developments. One notable example is the smart 3D city model developed by Helsinki, which incorporates semantic information on over 80,000 buildings, ground surfaces, and waterways. This model allows architects to integrate Building Information Modelling (BIM) data to evaluate the effects of proposed constructions on factors such as wind movement and sunlight exposure. Such detailed modelling provides a comprehensive view of urban dynamics, enabling better decision-making. Additionally, Singapore is at the forefront with its dynamic 3D digital model or "digital twin," which integrates data from Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This model provides real-time insights into urban conditions, facilitating efficient resource management and urban planning. As cities leverage 3D mapping for applications like environmental monitoring, traffic management, and public safety, the integration of geospatial data becomes important. This trend underscores the importance of advanced mapping technologies in improving the quality of life for residents.

3D Mapping and Modelling Market Trends

The 3D mapping and modelling industry is anticipated to be driven by the advancements and easy access to 3D equipment, including sensors, scanners as well as other GPS components. The integration of AI and machine learning (ML) into 3D mapping solutions is a crucial trend of 3D mapping and modelling market which is enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of data processing. Companies are leveraging AI to automate tasks in 3D modelling, such as texture generation and real-time rendering. This trend is evident in sectors like automotive, where companies are developing advanced navigation systems for autonomous vehicles that rely on high-quality 3D maps.

Recent innovations in AI, particularly with techniques like Neural Radiance Fields (NeRFs) and Gaussian Splatting, are making it easier to create detailed 3D representations from standard video recordings. This shift allows for the digitisation of real-world environments using everyday devices, such as smartphones, rather than specialised hardware like LIDAR.

3D Mapping and Modelling Market Restraints

There is a significant lack of awareness regarding the capabilities and benefits of 3D technologies across multiple sectors. Many industries have not fully recognised how 3D mapping can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve decision-making processes, which slows down the adoption of these technologies. For instance, a study highlighted in the Construction Economics and Building Journal found that while many professionals in the construction industry acknowledged the existence of 3D printing, a significant number had not utilised this technology in their projects, impacting 3D mapping and modelling demand forecast. The cost associated with implementing 3D mapping and modelling software, along with the necessary hardware, can be prohibitive for many organisations. This includes expenses related to specialised tools, training, and maintaining the technology, which can deter potential users from adopting these solutions.

There are significant challenges related to interoperability among different software systems used in 3D mapping and modelling. Discrepancies in software performance and issues with unlicensed tools can lead to inefficiencies and errors in the mapping process.

3D Mapping and Modelling Industry Segmentation

“3D Mapping and Modelling Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Component

• 3D Mapping
• 3D Modelling

Market Breakup by Application

• Projection Mapping
• Texture Mapping
• Maps and Navigation
• Others

Market Breakup by End Use

• Construction Industry
• Transportation Industry
• Automobile Industry
• Entertainment Industry
• Healthcare Industry
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

3D Mapping and Modelling Market Share

Market Analysis by Component

3D modelling holds the largest 3D mapping and modelling market share as 3D modelling is extensively used in industries like architecture, engineering, construction, gaming, entertainment, and healthcare. These sectors rely on 3D modelling for accurate visualisations and designs. Continuous improvements in 3D modelling software and tools have made it more accessible and efficient, encouraging its adoption across various fields. There is also an increasing need for realistic and immersive experiences, especially in gaming and virtual reality, which boosts the demand for high-quality 3D models.

Conversely, 3D mapping technologies are essential for creating detailed spatial representations of environments. This technology uses tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and photogrammetry to collect high-precision data. These tools are crucial for applications in urban planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster management. Additionally, industries like mining and forestry use 3D mapping for resource management and environmental assessments, enhancing decision-making processes.

Market Analysis by Application

Maps and navigation applications hold the largest share. This dominance is due to their extensive use across various industries, including urban planning, transportation, and logistics. These applications provide detailed spatial information, aiding in efficient route planning, infrastructure development, and real-time navigation that can boost the growth of the 3D mapping and modelling market. The widespread adoption of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the integration of 3D mapping into everyday technologies, such as smartphones and vehicle navigation systems.

Projection mapping involves projecting visual content onto irregular surfaces to create immersive experiences, widely used in events, concerts, and advertising campaigns. Brands often use this technique during product launches to engage audiences effectively. Major events like the Vivid Sydney festival showcase large-scale projection mapping on iconic buildings, transforming them into dynamic canvases of light. Conversely, texture mapping applies surface textures to 3D models to enhance realism across various applications. In video games, it is crucial for creating lifelike environments and characters, while in architectural visualisation, it helps architects present designs with realistic materials and finishes.

Market Analysis by End Use

The construction industry holds the largest share. This is due to the industry's extensive use of 3D technologies for designing, planning, and visualising building projects. 3D modelling enhances accuracy, reduces errors, and facilitates collaboration among project stakeholders, making it a vital tool in construction that can influence 3D mapping and modelling market dynamics and trends. Utilising 3D modelling in construction leads to improved design accuracy, reduced errors and omissions, and enhanced collaboration among project stakeholders. This results in cost savings and more efficient project completion.

In transportation, 3D mapping is used for advanced navigation systems and traffic management. Companies like Google Maps use this technology to provide users with detailed views of streets and landmarks, enhancing navigation accuracy. In the automobile sector, 3D modelling plays a significant role in vehicle design and testing; automakers use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to create detailed models for simulations assessing performance under various conditions. In healthcare, 3D technologies are changing medical imaging and surgical planning. Techniques such as MRI and CT scans generate detailed 3D models of patients' anatomy, allowing surgeons to plan complex procedures with precision.

3D Mapping and Modelling Market Regional Insights

North America 3D Mapping and Modelling Market Trends

North America is expected to play a major role in the forecast period because the region has a significant automobile market driven by the large presence of key players and technologically advanced capabilities. The improved infrastructural spending brings more money into the economy, creating more demand for services and goods for customers, which will ultimately boost investments in increasing capacity in production facilities, retail stores, and office space, impacting 3D mapping and modelling demand growth.

The increasing population trend is also adding to the expansion of the construction industry, particularly in the United States and, therefore, aiding the growth of the 3D mapping and modelling market. The huge volume of connected vehicles in the United States clearly outlines an evolving trend of connected cars, which is aiding the market growth in a proportionate way by increasing the need for better and improved navigation capacities.

Asia Pacific 3D Mapping and Modelling Market Drivers

Countries like China and India are experiencing rapid urbanisation, leading to increased adoption of 3D mapping for city planning and infrastructure development. The region is embracing technologies such as LiDAR and photogrammetry, which are integral to 3D mapping and modelling applications, further boosting the growth of the 3D mapping and modelling industry. China's Belt and Road Initiative incorporates 3D mapping for the development of infrastructure projects across participating countries. For instance, initiatives like the Mapping Global China Project aggregate extensive datasets related to China-financed projects, providing insights into project locations, types, and development stages. This comprehensive mapping helps in understanding the spatial dynamics between China and participating countries.

Europe 3D Mapping and Modelling Market Opportunities

European countries are utilising 3D modelling for urban planning and the preservation of historical sites, enhancing cultural heritage conservation. The region's robust automotive sector employs 3D modelling for design and manufacturing processes, contributing to demand of 3D mapping and modelling market.

The European Union has funded projects like Cultural Heritage Through Time, which uses 3D modelling to monitor and preserve historical sites. One notable initiative is the INCEPTION project, which focuses on making cultural heritage more accessible through advanced 3D semantic modelling. The INCEPTION project has redefined how 3D modelling can be utilised for cultural heritage preservation. It employs Building Information Modelling (BIM) techniques to create next-generation 3D models of artifacts and environments.

Latin America 3D Mapping and Modelling Market Growth

Countries such as Brazil and Mexico are investing in large-scale infrastructure projects, necessitating accurate 3D mapping for planning and execution. 3D modelling is being used for environmental monitoring and disaster management, addressing regional challenges. Brazil's National Institute for Space Research has employed 3D modelling for deforestation monitoring in the Amazon rainforest, increasing the 3D mapping and modelling industry revenue.

DETER (Deforestation Detection in Real Time) provides timely alerts regarding deforestation activities in the Amazon. It utilises data from MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) sensors on NASA’s Terra and Aqua satellites. The DETER system reported a 55% reduction in deforestation from August 2023 to April 2024 compared to the previous year, marking the lowest rate for that period in the last decade.

Middle East and Africa 3D Mapping and Modelling Market Dynamics

Countries in the Middle East are investing in smart city projects, utilising 3D mapping for efficient urban development. Moreover, in Africa, 3D modelling aids in resource management and agricultural planning, supporting sustainable development goals. The United Arab Emirates has launched the Dubai 3D Printing Strategy, aiming to make Dubai a leading hub for 3D printing technologies, including construction and medical applications, which boosts the 3D mapping and modelling market opportunities.

Moreover, Dubai aims to have 25% of all new buildings constructed using 3D printing by 2030. Companies like 3DXB are leading this initiative; they recently built the world's largest 3D-printed villa in Dubai.

Innovative Startups in 3D Mapping and Modelling Market

Startups are innovating rapidly, leveraging advanced technologies to create unique solutions that cater to diverse industries. Some companies have developed a patented technology that enables users to create interactive 3D models using just a smartphone camera, providing detailed measurements for applications in home improvement and insurance sectors. Additionally, companies focus on immersive experiences through large-scale projection mapping and augmented reality, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and audience engagement and impacting the 3D mapping and modelling demand forecast.

Exodigo

Founded in 2021, Exodigo is an innovative startup that specialises in non-intrusive subsurface imaging. It provides a digital geolocated 3D map of buried assets using a combination of multi-sensor fusion and artificial intelligence. This technology dramatically improves the accuracy and efficiency of mapping underground infrastructure, which is crucial for construction, utilities, and environmental management.

Blackshark.ai

This startup offers a geospatial platform that utilises AI for high-frequency mapping and 3D visualisation. Blackshark.ai extracts insights from satellite and aerial imagery to create photorealistic digital twins of the planet's infrastructure. Their technology supports applications in urban planning, simulation, and mixed reality environments, enabling rapid updates and accurate feature detection on a global scale.

Competitive Landscape

The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in the global 3D mapping and modelling market, covering their market share, capacity, and latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, and investments, expansions of capacity, and plant turnarounds. Companies are focusing on developing comprehensive software solutions that integrate cutting-edge data collection and visualisation tools. Additionally, firms are leveraging cloud-based platforms to provide scalable mapping solutions that cater to diverse applications, from urban planning to environmental monitoring.

Vricon

Vricon was an American company specialising in geospatial-intelligence data and software, known for its 3D visualisation capabilities. Vricon's technology utilised stereophotogrammetry to create detailed 3D models from satellite imagery, serving both government and commercial clients.

Autodesk Inc.

Autodesk Inc. is a leading American multinational software corporation headquartered in San Francisco, California. Established in 1982, the company is renowned for its software products for architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, and entertainment.

Bentley Systems, Incorporated

Bentley Systems Incorporated is an American software development company based in Exton, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1984, Bentley specialises in software solutions for infrastructure engineering and project delivery across various sectors such as transportation, utilities, and buildings.

Other players in the 3D mapping and modelling market are Trimble Inc. (NASDAQ: TRMB) and Intermap Technologies, Inc. (TSE: IMP), among others.