Real-time map projection in virtual reality using WebVR

In this paper, we present an implementation of a real-time web-based solution that projects pre-rendered map tiles onto a virtual reality plane. An interaction layer, that enables different ways of map manipulation including its surroundings, is developed. The implementation of the projection is described in detail. The main goal of our work is to show the advantages of the web-based map applications over the maps that currently exist and are being developed for native hardware and software support in virtual reality. We measure and analyze their performances and discuss possible future integrations of the already existing platforms with the proposed solution. The implementation leverages JavaScript with WebGL by extending the possibilities of the A-Frame framework based on WebVR. The results of the performance evaluation proved a high usability and interaction level of the proposed solution with already existing and widely available hardware and software support.