Challenges of Russian software in creating 3D maps

This article considers possibilities of national software tools to create 3D maps for educational purposes. When creating 3D maps for academic purposes it is necessary to take into account the requirements for such maps and working programs of the disciplines in the Earth Sciences module, and to choose software that allows creating cartographic products in static, interactively or dynamically as well. The article presents a comparative analysis of national and foreign software tools for three-dimensional cartographic products created on the basis of a 3D terrain model. The author also considers the possibilities of the Russian software tools for academic 3D maps. The advantages and disadvantages of geoinformation systems (GIS) and 3D graphics programs were stated in the paper. It is concluded that a similar interface and capabilities of open GIS. Possibilities of GIS and game engines for creating 3D terrain models, 3D-scenes and the territory «flight around» by means of national software are considered.