Extreme Close-Ups in Live Maps
Within the last week or so, Microsoft has uploaded about 3.8 terabytes of new hi-res aerial imagery to their Live Maps service. This seems like it’ll really put the screws to Google to get more advanced with their Google Maps service. However, I still believe Google’s got all their competitors beat in terms of the look and feel of their application. It just feels a lot smoother and faster than Live Maps, Mapquest, and Yahoo! Maps. They’re also coming along on their Mobile Maps and direction finding features. This ultrasharp aerial stuff from Microsoft is very impressive, though, and because it’s oblique it’s much easier to pick out landmarks in the cities. Here’s a side-by-side comparison at the closest zoom of the Westin Peachtree in Atlanta:
Google Maps
Microsoft Live Maps
via Download Squad
New Google Earth Imagery
Last week Google released a slew of new imagery, much of it hi-res. They’ve also updated and corrected some imagery problems. Here are the details:
New hi resolution:
- Canada: Downtown Vancouver, BC
- England: Northamptonshire, Nottingshire, Berkeshire, Peakdistrict, Birmingham, Greater Manchester, Avon, Gloucestershire, Linconshire
- France: Rennes, Poitiers
- US: Omaha, NE; Missoula, MT; Amherst, MA; Keowee, SC; Catawba Wateree, NC/SC; Rolla, MO; Nashville (”Burbia”), TN; Gaston County, NC; Anne Arundel County, Metro Water District of Southern California; State of Arkansas
Updated imagery:
- Spain: Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, El Hierro, La Gomera, Tenerife, and Las Palmas (Canary Islands) Spain
- US: Austin, TX; San Bernardino, CA; State of Connecticut, Greater Los Angeles Area, CA
- Australia: Sydney harbor area
Fixes:
- Danish plane replicants removed (read more)
- Andes, Machu Picchu terrain repaired