This is an inquiry for player and DM alike. I have been looking into the differences between Digital and physical 3D maps. I was seeing what everyone thinks of them and what everyone's preference of them are.

For some context, I have been a DM for over a decade. I currently use a digital map display (which is just fancy words for a TV in a box) with a map program called Arkenforge. This program gives me quite a few advantages which I will get to later. I have recently looked into building my own physical terrain that are able to be maniplulated and fit together for the varying dungeons. The type of terrain I am looking at building can be taken apart into 2 inch pieces and placed in a box or case so transportation isn't an issue. The time to make a digital map and to build the physical pieces are about the same and 

These are the lists of pros and cons for each that I have found

Pros for Digital

1. Fog of war. The program I use allows me to show only the parts of the map I want to show. Objects can be hidden and moved as needed
2. Sound, music, and effects. I am able to put in music and sound effects for while the party is at a tavern or something more sinister for a dungeon. And while ai am not in an encounter I can have an image of the city or world map up for the players to use.
3. Map size. No matter how big the dungeon is, I can just move where the display is and have a massive dungeon without moving or building anything.

Con of digital

1. Must have a power supply and my computer to run the program.
2. Lack of depth with a 2d screen to place miniatures on. So the terrain and variations in height is somewhat lost.
3. The case itself takes up a good chunk of the table and is raised up about 5 inches from the table top, so individuals a little further away struggle to see what is on the screen.

Pros of Physical

1. Immersion. Being able to see what and where everything is brings a level of immersion to the game that you can't get with paper or digital. Seeing something is above you or that they are hidden behind a pillar makes it more interesting.
2. Combat aid. As mentioned above, the terrain itself can be just as challenging as they monster itself. Actually having pillars that the creature is using for cover helps with player decision and tactics.
3. No need for electricity. So it is perfect for a game that might take place where outlets are scarce.

Cons of Physical

1. The maps need to be built and torn down. Not just for each game, but during the game as well depending on the size of a dungeon or the number of places that are visited in a game means that rearranging and changing of pieces is needed.
2. Dungeon size. Generally if you have something physical, the dungeon size itself has to be smaller. Doing something physically massive on a table, plus character sheets, plus dice, you start running out of space.
3. Random encounters. Players are known to go off the beaten path. It's almost expected. Due to that, encounters that aren't planned for can make it difficult to come up with an on the spot map.

That is my view on it at least. Let me know your thoughts. And why not have a poll?

If you are using modular maps using squares, you can simulate fog of war physically by slowly building up the map on the table over time, instead of building the whole map for everyone to see at the start of the game. Building the map during play also means that there is a bit less downtime for the players between scenarios, since you are only building parts of the map they see instead of the entire thing, and you do not need to build areas where the players do not explore.

As for the lack of depth for digital maps, maybe try putting terrain pieces on the television screen?

I think both are good and it is nice to have both on hand at the same time in my opinion, although lugging around all that stuff and having enough space to put everything could be an issue. I lean towards sticking with physical maps, and I would only bring out the fancy TV box if you are at home or for really rare special occasions. It would be a disaster if you accidentally dropped the television while transporting it! If I had a fancy TV box, I definitely would leave at home most of the time, and bringing it out the house would be a special treat for the players.