France launches Google Maps rival

Posted on Sunday, June 25 2006 @ 1:14 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
CNN writes France has launched a Google Earth rival:
France unveiled a Web site http://www.geoportail.fr on Friday that allows people to access detailed satellite images of the country and said it offered more detail of its territory than Google Earth.

Google Earth, which allows Internet users to zoom in on locations around the world, caused concern when it was launched last year among governments who feared terrorists might use the service to help plot attacks.

But President Jacques Chirac stressed the need for France to have such a site, which will allow Internet users to view aerial photos and maps, saying the state had to be at the cutting edge of modern technology.
Unfortunately it only features France and French territories and at the moment it's quite slow too. Probably all the press articles generated too much traffic to their server and they don't seem to handle it well. Not really cutting edge eh, Chirac?


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



Loading Comments