Map viewer and method

Techniques for displaying a 3d map view of a 3d geographical map are provided. A database (101) stores data which defines the 3d geographical map in a layered hierarchy comprising data layers (110a, 110b, 110c) which can be individually rendered for the 3d map view. The database (101) comprises a data layer (110a) of a digital terrain model which is modelling a terrain surface and a data layer (110b) of a 3d road network comprising 3d road elements. A processor is configured for selecting specific data layers (110a, 110b, 110c) of the database (101) in response to a resolution setting of the 3d map view (200) and to render the 3d map view using the selected specific data layer (110a, 110b, 110c).