Nokia has unveiled a significant change in its Ovi Maps strategy by opening up the API for third party use.

The company has confirmed that travel site Lonely Planet is one of the first to embed Ovi Maps on its site.

In addition, Nokia has released a new version of Ovi Maps for its own devices, placing the emphasis on personalisation and synchronisation between web and mobile.

New features include high-res satellite and terrain maps - both in 2D and 3D views - 3D landmarks for over 200 cities, rotation, tilting, night view, and fly-overs and fly-throughs.

It also now offers POI information by Lonely Planet, Michelin and Wcities, as well as a weather service that provides 24 hour and five-day forecasts.

The Ovi Maps Beta on the web is accessible at www.maps.ovi.com.

The latest version of the Ovi Maps Beta for your device is available for download at Nokia Betalabs at www.nokia.com/betalabs/maps.