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With the growing use of 3D technologies and further developments in the field of 3D visualization images have become more important as representations of reality. Some have suggested that 3D visualization is replacing the map as the primary cartographic graphic,and that this shift is leading toward ethical issues.

Recently a 3D Ethics Charter was signed through the leadership of 3DOK.org. "The third dimension (3D) undoubtedly represents a major breakthrough in terms of public policy tools. This concerns both land management on a day-to-day basis as well as the understanding of development projects, consultation between local authorities, councillors and the local population and above all helps in decision-making."

The heart of the charter lies in the realization that 3D information is not only new, but that it is not well understood, yet, particularly in the case of business use and purposes that are associated with legal outcomes.

For example, representing a beautiful house in a 3D model that is for sale may look amazingly life-like and downright beautiful. A potential buyer may think "wow, that is an amazing deal and the price is right" - proceeding to act on the purchase immediately.

A problem may arise at a later date when that buyer realizes that the 3D model he or she was looking at sits beside a cliff and that camera angles actually helped to create the illusion earlier presented. While one might suggest that buyers of kinds should be aware of their purchases, the push behind the 3D Ethics Charter is designed to create a level playing field, one that business and the public can come to rely on and trust.

Trust and reliability in the 3D visualization field are integral to healthy development of new technologies and their use. They are also healthy when establishing investment avenues and sources of interest for new innovation - a factor that ought to interest many of us.

We can find ethics bodies in many geospatial related organisations from international to national to local levels. As 3D technbologies grow and expand, it will be interesting to follow activities related to their use along the lines of standardisation, legislation and governance.

ASM Newsletter is distributed by e-mail every week. It reports on events in the spatial industry in Asia and events outside the region which will impact on Asia.