The voxel map reproduces Warsaw’s central district using OpenStreetMap, LiDAR and the city’s tree database.
WARSAW VIRTUAL MAP LAUNCHES IN Voxel Form
*An open‑source 3D replica of central Warsaw lets users toggle time, weather and even control pedestrians. Built on OpenStreetMap, LiDAR and the city’s tree database, the tool showcases the power of public data.*
A new interactive map turns Warsaw’s historic centre into a blocky playground. Built with voxels, the model lets anyone shift the clock, summon rain or sunshine, and even steer virtual pedestrians. The creator pulled data from OpenStreetMap, the national Geoportal and the city’s own tree registry, stitching them into a seamless 3D environment. The result is a publicly accessible, open‑source replica that runs best on desktop browsers but can be summoned on phones after a patient load. No private datasets or paid APIs hide behind the scenes; every pixel traces back to a civic source.
A voxel cityscape you can explore
The project renders central Warsaw in blocky voxels, a visual language borrowed from Minecraft and MagicaVoxel. Users can shift the date, time of day and weather, watching the city morph in real time. Pedestrians appear as controllable avatars, a nod to Dungeon Keeper’s unit‑control mechanic. The experience runs best on desktop; mobile browsers load, but the initial data pull can be lengthy. No proprietary assets are used; every element derives from publicly available datasets.
How does the voxel map use open data?
Three open sources feed the model. OpenStreetMap supplies the layout of buildings, streets, sidewalks and tram tracks. GUGiK’s Geoportal contributes LiDAR scans for accurate building heights and tree crowns, plus aerial imagery that paints the scene. Warsaw’s municipal tree database adds species‑level detail, enabling seasonal foliage changes. By stitching these layers together, the map reproduces the city’s physical form without a single closed‑source file.
Why the focus on open‑source licensing?
The code lives on GitHub under an open‑source license, inviting reuse and remix. Developers can clone the repository, adapt the voxel engine, or repurpose the data pipeline for other cities. This transparency counters the trend of black‑box urban visualizations that lock users out of the underlying data. It also aligns with a growing community that treats city models as public infrastructure rather than commercial products.
What are the practical limits of the tool?
Desktop browsers handle the full asset bundle; mobile devices can load the map but may stall during the initial download. The voxel rendering is computationally light compared to photorealistic engines, yet the sheer volume of LiDAR points and high‑resolution imagery still taxes low‑end hardware. Users seeking smooth performance should opt for a modern browser on a capable machine and expect a brief wait before the city appears.
Frequently asked questions
What datasets power the Warsaw voxel map?
The map uses OpenStreetMap for streets and buildings, GUGiK/Geoportal LiDAR and aerial imagery for heights and colors, and Warsaw's city tree database for individual tree species.
Can I use the voxel map on a mobile device?
The map works on mobile browsers, but the initial load can be slow and performance may be limited compared to desktop.
Is the Warsaw voxel project open source?
Yes, the code is hosted on GitHub and is open‑source, allowing anyone to reuse or modify it.
Warsaw Vibe Voxel demonstrates that open data can power immersive urban experiences without corporate lock‑in. By exposing the code and datasets, the project invites developers to replicate or extend the model for other locales. As more cities adopt similar pipelines, the line between proprietary city visualizations and community‑driven tools will blur, reshaping how citizens explore their own streets in digital form.
Sources: Hacker News – Show HN: Warsaw in voxels – An interactive 3D map of the city centre (https://p.migdal.pl/warsaw-vibe-voxel/)