Patent ID: 8549439

Claim:
A computer implemented method for displaying a window containing an alternate data representation in a three-dimensional system, comprising: (a) obtaining, in a three-dimensional (3D) graphics application, a real world geospatial scene, wherein the real world geospatial scene comprises multiple data layers; (b) displaying, using the 3D graphics application, a first 3D view of the real world geospatial scene on a display device, wherein the first 3D view is comprised of a first set of data layers selected from the multiple data layers; (c) selecting, in the 3D graphics application, a set of entities that together define an alternate representation of the first 3D view, wherein: (i) the alternate representation comprises a second set of data layers selected from the multiple data layers; (ii) the second set of data layers is different than the first set of data layers; (iii) the second set of data layers is comprised of the set of selected entities; (iv) the selecting is performed as part of a public utility lens feature; (v) the set of entities are selectable from a panel illustrating public utilities that may be displayed in the first 3D view; and (vi) the selected set of entities comprises a selected subset of one or more public utilities; and (d) displaying, using the 3D graphics application, an overlayed lens window on top of the first 3D view, wherein: (i) the overlayed lens window displays the alternate representation of the real world geospatial scene that comprises a color-coded display of the selected subset of public utilities; and (ii) the overlaid lens window is precisely lined up over the first 3D view so that it appears as if the first set of data layers is being viewed but the alternate representation comprised of the second set of data layers is displayed within the overlaid lens window instead.