This web map bends the world like Inception

A new turn-by-turn map demo bends terrain upward like the city-folding scenes in Inception.

Norwegian company Orbify released a web demo showing off its patent-pending 3D warping engine. Built on the PlayCanvas rendering engine, the browser preview lets you move across a curved 3D model of Hamilton Stadium in Ontario. The project caught quick attention, pulling 444 points and 147 comments on Hacker News.

Why it matters: Standard 3D maps hide what is behind tall buildings, while flat maps lose context over long distances. Bending the map curve keeps your immediate turn clear in the foreground while showing the road miles ahead.

You can try the v72 demo right in your browser. Use WASD keys to move, left drag to pan, and right drag to rotate the view. Orbify is currently pitching the technology (patent PCT/EP2026/058725) for pilot projects and industry partnerships.

Driving to the grocery store is usually dull; at least your navigation view might soon look like a sci-fi movie.