Microsoft launches MSN Virtual Earth beta

Posted on Monday, July 25 2005 @ 14:47 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
Microsoft today launched the beta version of MSN Virtual Earth. The service enables users to search, discover, explore, plan and share information and activities relevant to specific U.S. locations by combining aerial imagery, detailed maps and precise local search capabilities.

“When you’re in an unfamiliar city and need to find a nearby Chinese restaurant or ATM within walking distance of your hotel, a traditional Internet search experience won’t give you the visual location-specific information you need,” said Stephen Lawler, general manager of the MapPoint business unit and MSN Virtual Earth at Microsoft. “MSN Virtual Earth provides a deeply immersive search experience that lets people see what it’s like to be in a location and easily explore what they can do there.”

The new Microsoft Location Finder is a separate client-side application based on technology developed by Microsoft Research. It operates seamlessly with MSN Virtual Earth and turns a regular Wi-Fi-enabled laptop, tablet or PC into a location-determining device without the addition of any separate hardware. When the Locate Me link in MSN Virtual Earth is clicked, Microsoft Location Finder is activated and uses Wi-Fi access points to determine the user’s location. Next, the user’s present location is centered on the map, enabling him or her to quickly and easily search that area.

Microsoft is also providing free access to the MSN Virtual Earth map control, in the form of an easy-to-use JavaScript control, for technology developers and others who want to incorporate noncommercial uses of MSN Virtual Earth into their own applications and Web sites.

Features:
  • Aerial photo with labels. This navigation feature combines real-world imaging with the usefulness of a traditional road map by letting people see aerial photos with an overlay of road networks and point-of-interest information.
  • Locate Me. With this feature consumers can quickly find their present location, then explore and discover the area around them. The Locate Me link activates Microsoft Location Finder, which uses Wi-Fi access points or Internet Protocol address geocoding to determine a person’s location.
  • Scratch Pad. As people conduct searches around a location, they can choose to save search results including name, address and description as a list or itinerary to the Scratch Pad. This provides users with a simple way to compile search results that can be e-mailed, copied into a document or even added to a weblog on MSN Spaces.
  • Permalink. Permalink is for consumers who regularly conduct the same searches or who want to share specific searches with others. By clicking the Permalink link, a URL is created that then can be used to return to MSN Virtual Earth later and re-create map view and searches. The Permalink link can be bookmarked, e-mailed to a friend or copied into a clipboard.
  • Yellow page directories. MSN Virtual Earth incorporates licensed yellow page directories to enable users to find high-quality yellow page listings. These directories have been incorporated into the MSN Search index so users can query the information in broad, flexible ways.
  • Zoom, panning and compass controls. Users have multiple options for navigating their view of aerial photos or standard maps in MSN Virtual Earth; they can use the mouse’s scroll wheel, zoom, or Game Panning via the Compass Control.
  • Community link. A Community link in the navigation bar calls up a Web site that encourages people’s feedback and enables their participation in the ongoing development of MSN Virtual Earth.
  • Developer resource center. Accessible from the Community site as well as directly from http://www.viavirtualearth.com, the developer resource center is a third-party Web site from which developers can download the MSN Virtual Earth map control and find other information to help them start creating Web sites that incorporate the MSN Virtual Earth service.
  • Browse the globe at MSN's Virtual Earth. Google's approach which was launched a few months ago can be found here


    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.



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