Patent ID: 8924149

Claim:
A method for guiding a traveler along a predetermined route in a digital map to a specific point of interest (POI) with respect to a three-dimensional structure in real life using a navigation device ( 10 ), said method comprising the steps of: providing a digitized 3D model ( 16 ) of a physical object in reality; providing a digital map having at least one road segment ( 14 ) corresponding to a road in reality leading to the 3D model ( 16 ); associating a plurality of spatially distinct points of interest (POIs 20 - 28 ) with the 3D model ( 16 ) corresponding to distinct locations distributed about the physical object in real life, wherein associating the plurality of spatially distinct POIs ( 20 - 28 ) comprises categorizing at least one POI as an exterior portal ( 20 - 26 ) and at least one POI as an interior feature ( 28 ); providing a navigation device ( 10 ) interactive with the digital map and having a display screen ( 12 ); and on selection by a user of one of the plurality of POIs ( 20 - 28 ) as a destination; providing directional cues associated with the road segment ( 14 ) leading toward the 3D model ( 16 ) from the display screen ( 12 ) of the navigation device ( 10 ); and, when proximate the physical object, portraying the 3D model ( 16 ) of the physical object on the display screen ( 12 ); providing directional cues ( 33 , 35 ) associated with the 3D model ( 16 ) leading toward the selected POI ( 28 ) on the display screen ( 12 ) of the navigation device ( 10 ), wherein if the selected POI is an interior feature ( 28 ), then navigating to the exterior portal ( 20 - 26 ) prior to providing directional cues ( 35 ) toward the selected POI ( 28 ).