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