SATELLITE NAVIGATION companies TomTom, Garmin and Navman are believed to be working on next-generation in-car GPS displays that will offer a ‘3D’ image of the on-screen maps and the path ahead.

Specific details are scarce, but according to UK magazine Auto Express, the technology works by displaying two near-identical images almost simultaneously, creating the illusion of depth.

Auto Express reports that the systems using the new technology may be available as soon as early 2010, with aftermarket manufacturers the first to offer the new systems and car manufacturers to begin including it soon after.

Land Rover, anticipating the technology, already offers dual-image ‘3D-ready’ LCD screens as an option in its Land Rover and Range Rover models.