Orbify.eu pitches warped Inception-style 3D maps for navigation

Norwegian startup Orbify.eu is revolutionizing navigation with its unique 3D map technology, inspired by the dreamlike visuals of Christopher Nolan's film Inception. Led by co-founder Karsten Huitfeldt, who previously worked at architecture firm Snøhetta, the company is developing image processing software that bends 3D map models onto curved surfaces, creating a near-field street-level perspective that transitions into an overhead view as users move away from the map.

Patent pending (PCT/EP2026/058725), the technology aims to improve navigational interfaces by providing a continuous, unified design language that eliminates the need for multiple views and systems. Huitfeldt explains that Orbify is currently bridging the gap between a working prototype and a commercial product, with early focus on securing intellectual property and implementing the patented bending algorithm, shader, and camera setup.

To validate the effectiveness of the interface, the startup is conducting a controlled study comparing Orbify's approach to conventional perspective and aerial displays. The demo, accessible through a web browser using PlayCanvas Engine and WebGL2/WebGPU, shows the potential of the curved map UI. However, further research is needed to determine whether the benefits of this innovative design outweigh the challenges of introducing geometric distortion.