In one embodiment, a method for rendering a route in a 3D virtual environment includes generating with a processor a 3D virtual environment including a plurality of 3D objects, the 3D virtual environment corresponding to a physical region, identifying with the processor a route for navigation through the 3D virtual environment corresponding to a route of travel through the physical region, generating with the processor and a display device a graphical rendering of the 3D virtual environment and the route with a height of the route being increased in regions of the 3D virtual environment where one or more of the plurality of 3D objects occludes a view of route, rendering of the route with partial transparency to provide visibility of objects occluded by the route and/or with navigation information, e.g. animated direction arrow, street names.