April 11, 2008

Microsoft Updates Live Maps and Virtual Earth 3D

Microsoft has announced an update to their Live Maps and Virtual Earth 3D. There are 11 major updates including:

1. Export your Collection to Your Navigation/GPS device. 2. Improved 3D cities. 3. 3D modeling with 3DVIA 4. Labels for Birds Eye imagery 5. 1-Click Directions (Party Maps) 6. MapCruncher Integration (MapCruncher is a raster map mashup tool.) 7. Enhanced Explore of Map Content from across the web contributed by other People 8. Neighborhood Subscribe via GeoRSS 9. Tour Enhancements including Hi-Def Movies. 10. Directions and Traffic Enhancements 11. Improved display of KML files including Google MyMaps links

According to the Virtual Earth Team blog, the update involved a bigger release than originally planned. They are also upgrading Map Control, an SDK for developers, to version 6.1.

Related Reading: Local Search: Competing All Over the Map

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 8:51 AM | Permalink

December 12, 2007

Microsoft Acquires UK Mapping Provider

Microsoft significantly expanded its mapping capabilities in Europe with the acquisition of Multimap, a UK-based online and mobile mapping company. Multimap will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft, within the Online Services Group alongside Virtual Earth and Live Search.

Multimap offers a consumer-facing mapping site that also provides local services via partners, including hotel, holiday-cottage, and restaurant-booking services. Multimap's location-based business services include mapping, proximity searching, routing, aerial images with map overlay, local information, and weather.

Posted by Kevin Newcomb at 12:57 PM | Permalink

December 26, 2006

Vertical Strategies in Local Search

Just before the holiday weekend, Bill Slawski had an interesting post at his SEO by the Sea blog. The qualities of online search make it a natural fit for local he contends. This can be seen by the degree to which local has been emphasized within Google (Google Local), Yahoo! (Yahoo! Local), Microsoft (Windows Live Local), and most recently, Ask (AskCity).

But the real opportunity in Local could be in vertical segmentation, he argues. Increased verticalization has in fact gained steam over the past year with the introduction and development of many successful vertical destinations such as Zillow and Trulia in Real estate and Oodle and LiveDeal in classifieds. This “verticalization� of Local Search was a pervasive theme at the Kelsey Group’s ILM:06 show last month.

Some of the advantages of a vertical search strategy include a refined corpus of data which increases the likelihood of relevant results within a category that a user is presumably interested in (going by their presence on the site in the first place). This increased relevance can lead to higher click through rates and higher intent to buy.

Some local shopping destinations such as NearbyNow enjoy these advantages because someone searching for “sunglasses� in their local area is more likely to be looking to find a place to buy them. Compare this to a Google search where the user’s intent isn’t as easily discernable (they could be in a research stage, many steps before a purchase decision and, ultimately, a transaction).

So vertical search can be valuable, but it also doesn’t come without its own set of challenges. Use cases are different across vertical categories so different rules and interfaces should be applied for optimal experiences. This challenge is particularly relevant to the local products of search giants mentioned above. These local search offerings are all grounded in a map interface, however a map isn’t as relevant in some categories as others.

A map that plots the locations of local landscapers isn’t as valuable as one that plots local movie theaters (landscapers come to you). However the map interface dominates search results in both of these categories (and all others) in Google Local, Yahoo Local, et al.. For landscapers, plumbers, roofers and other service categories, user reviews or credentials might represent a better use of this space.

Still, there are many challenges in creating these rules and varying interfaces across vertical categories. The same challenge faces internet yellow pages companies such as yellowpages.com. Smaller vertical players can meanwhile create experiences that are more customized to the use case of that category, but they can’t scale to the degree that a Google or a Yahoo! can.

Perhaps the best of both worlds is to build a “house of brands� strategy that brings together many individual vertical brands under one roof. The Classified Ventures family of online classified destinations (cars.com, apartments.com, HomeGain) has done this to some degree, but many believe the slow moving nature of their newspaper owners (Belo, Gannett, McClatchy, Tribune and Washington Post) has held this consortia back from reaching its potential. It’s still an interesting model and one to watch – and possibly model after - in the coming year.

Posted by Mike Boland at 7:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

December 13, 2006

New Release of Virtual Earth Launched

The Windows Live Local blog reports on a new build of Virtual Earth. This version has features that will especially appeal to walkers, runners and bicyclists. It has new tools for drawing and measuring that can be creatively used to determine bicycle and running routes. In the new version of Virtual Earth, as the user employs the drawing tool a convenient tooltip reports the distance. When users share their favorite loops and routes drawn using the tools in Virtual Earth, the distance is displayed in the Collection Viewer. Not only can you plot and share your own favorite routes on Virtual Earth, but you can also discover routes plotted by other users. The new build includes other enhancements, but the features around drawing are the most exciting .

Posted by Amanda Watlington at 10:25 PM | Permalink

November 16, 2006

Sprint Launches Mobile Search Relationship With Microsoft

According to the Wall Street Journal, Sprint has launched mobile (local) search has part of a broad new strategic relationship with Microsoft, "allowing its subscribers to use their phones to look up information on local businesses and events and find downloadable multimedia content such as ringtones, videos and games." (Here's the Microsoft release.)

According to the article, the new Microsoft-powered search will appear on the "home page of Sprint's browser." The local search component of the partnership will be monetized with advertising. But there's ambiguity in the way the WSJ describes the ad model and I haven't yet had a chance to discuss this with either party.

Here's how the WSJ describes the advertising aspect of the deal. "The local-search component offers a new revenue stream as well: Businesses can bid to be listed as sponsored links in the local-search directory and will pay a fee when consumers click those links to call them through the service."

So the clicks initiate phone calls to merchants. Whether these placements will be separately auctioned and billed as "calls" or as "clicks" is not clear. I'm assuming this is PPCall advertising and will be priced accordingly.

Microsoft is currently monetizing local search online at MSN search and Live Local through its relationship with SuperPages.com, which includes local PPC and PPCall advertisers. It separately has an exclusive relationship with Ingenio to provide PPCall advertisers for the mobile version of Live.com. Whether advertisers in the Sprint deal are being provided via either or both of those Microsoft relationships is not clear at this moment.

Regardless, the move will likely boost AdCenter's fortunes in the near-to-medium term, with Sprint as a mobile distribution partner. It also further solidifies PPCall as an ad vehicle well suited to mobile.

Sprint has an existing mobile local search relationship with InfoSpace, whose downloadable FindIt application works with Java-enabled Sprint GPS phones. Recently, Sprint also announced a deal with Google's new Java-based "GMail for mobile" initiative. But this is a broader and deeper involvement with Microsoft at the level of the carrier deck.

The WSJ article discusses some of the other partnerships between U.S. carriers and mobile search vendors, such as JumpTap and Medio Systems.

If one steps back, what may now be emerging is a kind of mobile search/feature war among the carriers that may trump their collective concern about being relegated to "dumb pipe" status. Sprint has apparently thrown that conventional wisdom to the wind in its most recent announcements with Google and now Microsoft. The emphasis seems, instead, to be on providing the best mobile search and user experience -- as it should be -- in their competition with other carriers for customer acquisition and loyalty.

There's something of an irony here in that on Windows Mobile smartphones (I have the Sprint PPC-6700) the mobile IE browser is the focus of the mobile Web-search experience. In that context, the mobile search experience is much more a duplication – albeit comparatively weak – of the online experience. What that means is the Window Mobile OS (on smartphones) is likely to merely replicate the market position of Google (or Yahoo) rather than boost Live.com or this new Microsoft-powered Sprint mobile search.

Posted by Greg Sterling at 2:34 AM | Permalink

November 9, 2006

Google, Microsoft And The '3-D Web'

When Microsoft launched its Live Local/Virtual Earth 3-D platform earlier this week, the memorable quote from Virtual Earth GM Stephen Lawler was, "It's the beginning of the 3-D Web." As a factual matter that statement may not be entirely accurate, but symbolically it is.

Numerous companies, such as Planet 9 Studios, have been working on 3-D modeling for a long time. Then, of course, there's Second Life and MTV's Virtual Laguna Beach. Now comes 3B, which allows users to create their own personalized 3-D "villages." There's also the world of avatars, which is growing.

In the larger context of online trends, we're seeing the rise of more imagery and visual information initially exemplified by Flickr and more recently by online video and YouTube. Sharing and community are integral to these experiences. (Also, check out the provocative new demo of Microsoft's Photosynth. Here's a previous post on it.)

Microsoft acquired Vexcel for, among other things, the company's capacity to do automated 3-D rendering. Vexcel CEO John Curlander said that the company is rendering eight cities a month, moving quickly to 16. Accordingly, the Virtual Earth 3-D platform will have well over 100 cities by the end of Q2 next year. By contrast, Google is letting the community build 3-D models, which is proceeding steadily according to Google Earth GM John Hanke. Also, Google has a way to rate/rank the best and most detailed models, among duplicates, for maximum quality ("model complexity.")

You can bet that Google will be accelerating the development of these 3-D models for Earth.

All the coverage in the past week has been around the "red meat" competitive question of whether Microsoft has now surpassed Google Earth with Virtual Earth 3-D. The answer is both yes and no. Yes, in the sense that Microsoft has made 3-D cities broadly accessible by making them available in the browser (though there's still a plug-in to download). No, in that the experience of using Live Local 3-D in the browser is currently much slower than using comparable functionality on Google Earth 4.

Both products have APIs/developer tools that allow third parties to build on top of these "platforms." But let's forget about the "who will win?" issue. Let's look at the bigger picture, which is more interesting anyway.

The question of what's next in search is often posed and left unanswered, because it's very hard to image what might replace the ubiquitous text box. But, in my opinion, a partial answer is starting to emerge. It involves variables of place (local/geo-coding), rich media (images, video, 3-D) and community. I wrote some time ago on this blog about Google Earth as a "geobrowser" and alternative Web-search paradigm.

Almost anything that you can do in text/2-D can be done in a more fun and engaging way in 3-D and/or with video. With limited exceptions pictures are, in fact, worth more than a thousand words.

The Internet is rapidly becoming more "textured" and rich media and community are at the center of that trend. In one corner, social search is being seen by some as a successor to machine algorithms (or at least the future includes some hybrid). In another, "social networking" sites -- which might be now better labeled "social destinations" -- continue to gain more and more consumer traction. In addition, online video is growing fast both as consumer experience and as an online advertising vehicle.

There is much more to discuss in terms of how geo-location, rich media and community play out in search (or "discovery"), as well as the advertising opportunities that may lie on the other side for both large and small businesses. My point is only that the foundation is now being pretty clearly laid for new search and discovery tools and new user experiences that are much more complex and engaging than what exists today.

Posted by Greg Sterling at 4:07 PM | Permalink

November 6, 2006

Windows Live Local Gets "Virtual Earth" 3-D Cities

Tomorrow Microsoft will bring dramatic 3-D mapping to the browser window. Windows Live is set to launch photorealistic 3-D imagery for the "urban core" of 15 U.S. cities: San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Boston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Detroit, Phoenix, Houston, Baltimore, Atlanta, Denver, Dallas and Fort Worth. An image of virtual San Francisco, as provided by Microsoft, is above.

Microsoft has already built out 3-D terrain imagery on a near global basis and the company has said it wants to expand 3-D imagery to all major U.S. cities and those around the globe.

The 3-D imagery will be another view, available beside the 2-D existing aerial views, which include Bird's Eye. Microsoft already offers real-time traffic information and will do so in the 3-D environment as well. All the features of Live Local, including collections and local listings will be available in the 3-D environment.

And yes, advertising will be happening within the 3-D product. There will be, for example, brand advertising on 3-D billboards and on virtual building sides. According to the press release, "Similar to billboards on the side of roads, virtual billboards will be available throughout Live Search in the 3-D view. The ads available within the Virtual Earth 3-D experience are created using a combination of technologies from Virtual Earth, Massive Inc. technology, and the advertising platform from Microsoft Digital Advertising Solutions."

Here's virtual Seattle, complete with virtual billboards:

Can't see them? Look to the right in the image above, and you'll see the one shown in the close-up below:

As it hasn't been sold, a "test pattern" style image serves as a placeholder.

Here's another unsold billboard close-up, to the right of the Space Needle:

Consider also that video can be embedded in these slots as well. There are also numerous e-commerce scenarios.

Recently, brand advertisers have been tripping over themselves to get into the virtual world Second Life. Live Local 3-D isn't that far away, representing an interesting evolution of dynamic mapping toward gaming. To that end, there are many social media possibilities in the new 3-D environment – Collections is just the beginning.

Last year Microsoft bought Vexcel a company that developed a super high resolution camera and 3-D rendering technology, among other technology. Microsoft's Erik Jorgensen said that most of the 3-D rendering in the new views of Live Local were done on an automated basis, with some minor human intervention after the fact. This means the company can scale these 3-D models quickly for cities around the globe.

Taking a step back, the mainstream use case of mapping is still driving directions. But don't dismiss this as novelty. The engagement that 3-D mapping will drive will be considerable and the browser availability will make the product more accessible to audiences than Google Earth is currently, as a download.

As more and more layers of information are embedded in 3-D mapping it moves from novelty to utility. There's much more the think about and discuss with the new product, which I haven't yet been able to test. But it's safe to say that this is a dramatic next step in online mapping and that the whole segment is just getting more and more interesting.

Postscript From Danny: The latest feature sounds great, but unfortunately the name will be confusing to some. To recap:

MSN Virtual Earth was announced back in May 2005 (see MSN Virtual Earth To Take On Google Earth. Virtual Earth was to feature "Bird's Eye" view of buildings.

MSN Local Search (with "flat" aerial maps) launched in June 2005.

MSN Virtual Earth launched in July 2005 but without the Bird's Eye images.

MSN Virtual Earth became Windows Live Local in December 2005 and gained the bird's eye images. The former "Virtual Earth" name (which was excellent) got sucked up by the Microsoft turning all of its search properties into the Live brand. Virtual Earth only survived as a "powered by Virtual Earth" mention o the Windows LIve Local site.

Now "Live Local" is being reduced to simply "Live" or "Live Search" but Virtual Earth is coming back, at least in the press release, as "Virtual Earth 3D."

The maps are now live, and you can get to them via either:

http://local.live.com http://maps.live.com

Well, supposed to be live. They're promised, but so far, I can't get any of them to render.

In addition, Firefox is not supported. You want to see the 3D cities? You gotta use IE6 or IE7, then download a 500K setup file, then downloading another 5MB file. That's a pain, and a far bigger download than Microsoft suggested would be required when I spoke with them about the new service. Then again, Google Earth is a 15MB download.

Postscript 2 From Danny

Got it working now on a different computer. If you don't see buildings, have patience. It can take a minute or two for them to start slowly appearing. Here's Las Vegas from a live shot:

Yes, that looks like a Pac Man monster on the side of the Luxor pyramid. But it's not -- instead, from the Microsoft press release image here, it's a promo for the play Hairspray.

Here's a live shot of San Francisco to compare against the image Microsoft sent earlier, at the top of this article:

The quality isn't as good, but it's certainly not bad. Many more non-live photos can be found in the release.

Posted by Greg Sterling at 5:05 PM | Permalink

October 9, 2006

Windows Live Search Mobile PPCall Deal With Ingenio

A few weeks ago Google introduced sponsored listings into mobile search. Yahoo followed last week. Now Microsoft has partnered with Ingenio to deliver pay-per-call listings into Windows Live Search for mobile. But unlike the other two programs this is not being launched in beta.

Ingenio's advertisers are the only paid listings that will appear when users conduct a geotargeted search on Window Live for mobile. There will only be one advertiser shown for any given search and Ingenio's entire inventory will be funneled into Windows Live. When there are no relevant Ingenio advertisers, no sponsored listings will appear. (The company has existing mobile distribution through Jingle Networks' 1800-Free-411 and go2.)

Since Ingenio announced its original deal with AOL (see example) more than a year ago it has been steadily building distribution with smaller players in the local market. This is obviously a very significant relationship and may be a prelude to a broader deal with Microsoft. Ingenio wouldn't comment on that possibility, however.

Microsoft currently offers "call for free" click-to-call functionality on Live Local.

All three of the dominant search providers have now flipped the switch on sponsored listings in mobile. We should see a continuing acceleration of product development and competition in the wireless space. Early evidence argues that response rates (clicks/calls) in a wireless environment will be much higher than clicks on sponsored listings online because there are fewer competing advertisers (due to smaller screens) and users' needs are typically more immediate.

While the number of users conducting searches in a mobile environment is currently a very tiny fraction of what it is online, mobile search will be a significant channel in the next several years as the user experience improves.

Posted by Greg Sterling at 8:45 AM | Permalink

September 12, 2006

Windows Live Local Better, But Still Not There

Windows Live Local (WLL) came out of beta today along with Live.com and Live Search. Chris Sherman covered the full upgrade and release in his Search Day article. This post will focus on WLL specifically.

Derrick Connell, Microsoft's search business general manager, is quoted as saying that 15% to 20% of search queries are local. (While this estimate may be slighly low, it would mean somewhere between 975 million and 1.3 billion U.S. search queries per month (across all engines) had a local intent. This shows what's at stake in having a good user experience and being able to monetize those queries.

WLL's primary attraction remains its spectacular "Birdseye" aerial photography, which hasn't been duplicated by its competitors. In this release there's about 30% more Birdseye coverage in the US, with an ongoing effort to cover most population centers in the US, UK and EU in the near term.

The WLL team has also beefed up the "details" page for individual businesses with Web search results. Formerly there was only basic contact information and a map. Beyond this, since the last time I wrote about WLL, there haven't been any significant upgrades. Here are the three most recent posts about Live Local and its features:

• A Closer Look At Windows Live Local
• Windows Live Local Integrates "Call For Free" Into All Business Listings
• Windows Live Local Adds Traffic And Sharing

The aerial photography is great for pinpointing on precisely which corner the W Hotel is located in San Francisco. The Scratch Pad and Collections are very nice (and unique) ways to save and share map data. And the layered results are also useful. Yet there are other areas where Live Local could improve:

• Offer reviews and other features to help users make decisions. (Among the big three Yahoo! is the most helpful here, allowing users to sort/refine by rating, location or other criteria.)

• Do more passive disambiguation so that users don't have to clarify otherwise self-evident locations (e.g., "SF, CA" means "San Francisco")

• Be able to handle non-traditional searches such as "great bars in New York." Windows Live Search does a much better job on this query than WLL

Having said all that, WLL has come a great distance in its short life and we expect Microsoft to continue to make investments to make the product and the user experience better as a integral "vertical" within Live Search.

Posted by Greg Sterling at 5:39 AM | Permalink

August 31, 2006

Tips On Getting Listed In Local Search Results

Patricia Hursh wrote a ClickZ column named Four Steps Every Business Can Take to Improve Local Search Results. The article goes over the what, why and how on Local Search. In short, how does one get included in the local results you see search engines providing? She recommends that you (1) update your business listings at Amacai, infoUSA, and Acxiom, (2) submit your site to local engines such as Google Local, MSN Local, Yahoo Local, Ask Local, and TrueLocal, (3) update your Internet Yellow Page listings at YellowPages.com, Verizon SuperPages, and SwitchBoard.com, and (4) make sure to have your address clearly listed throughout your web site.

Don't have time to do all of that, you can pay one of these two companies to do it for you; Relevant Ads or RegisterLocal. Also, if you are interested in understanding who local search engine powers who, see Bruce Clay's and TrueLocal's PDF chart.

Postscript Barry: Although Amacai is related to another sister company, Localeze, it does not actually manage local search content. Localeze, a completely separate company (Amacai is its subsidiary), manages local search content for local merchants.

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 9:04 AM | Permalink

July 20, 2006

Windows Live Local Worth Another Look

Windows Live Local debuted with a splash with most attention focused on its spectacular "birds eye" aerial imagery. Since then, Microsoft has worked to improve the service, improving the user interface and adding unique features not found in other local search services. SEW correspondent Greg Sterling puts Windows Live Local through its paces in today's SearchDay article, A Closer Look at Windows Live Local.

Posted by Chris Sherman at 2:20 PM | Permalink

Windows Live Local Worth Another Look

Windows Live Local debuted with a splash with most attention focused on its spectacular "birds eye" aerial imagery. Since then, Microsoft has worked to improve the service, improving the user interface and adding unique features not found in other local search services. SEW correspondent Greg Sterling puts Windows Live Local through its paces in today's SearchDay article, A Closer Look at Windows Live Local.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 2:20 PM | Permalink

Windows Live Local Worth Another Look

Windows Live Local debuted with a splash with most attention focused on its spectacular "birds eye" aerial imagery. Since then, Microsoft has worked to improve the service, improving the user interface and adding unique features not found in other local search services. SEW correspondent Greg Sterling puts Windows Live Local through its paces in today's SearchDay article, A Closer Look at Windows Live Local.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 2:20 PM | Permalink

Windows Live Local Worth Another Look

Windows Live Local debuted with a splash with most attention focused on its spectacular "birds eye" aerial imagery. Since then, Microsoft has worked to improve the service, improving the user interface and adding unique features not found in other local search services. SEW correspondent Greg Sterling puts Windows Live Local through its paces in today's SearchDay article, A Closer Look at Windows Live Local.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 2:20 PM | Permalink

July 11, 2006

SuperPages Upgrades Maps With Microsoft

I never saw a press release. But today I discovered that SuperPages, which had dynamic mapping almost before anyone else in local (though it was "cludgey"), has upgraded the mapping on its site using the Microsoft Virtual Earth platform. The "new" maps are much nicer and easier to use than the last time I checked, which was admittedly a long time ago.

While there is aerial photography, there's no "Birds Eye" view here. YellowPages.com licensed Virtual Earth, including Birds Eye, several months ago.

Posted by Greg Sterling at 5:44 PM | Permalink

SuperPages Upgrades Maps With Microsoft

I never saw a press release. But today I discovered that SuperPages, which had dynamic mapping almost before anyone else in local (though it was "cludgey"), has upgraded the mapping on its site using the Microsoft Virtual Earth platform. The "new" maps are much nicer and easier to use than the last time I checked, which was admittedly a long time ago.

While there is aerial photography, there's no "Birds Eye" view here. YellowPages.com licensed Virtual Earth, including Birds Eye, several months ago.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 5:44 PM | Permalink

SuperPages Upgrades Maps With Microsoft

I never saw a press release. But today I discovered that SuperPages, which had dynamic mapping almost before anyone else in local (though it was "cludgey"), has upgraded the mapping on its site using the Microsoft Virtual Earth platform. The "new" maps are much nicer and easier to use than the last time I checked, which was admittedly a long time ago.

While there is aerial photography, there's no "Birds Eye" view here. YellowPages.com licensed Virtual Earth, including Birds Eye, several months ago.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 5:44 PM | Permalink

SuperPages Upgrades Maps With Microsoft

I never saw a press release. But today I discovered that SuperPages, which had dynamic mapping almost before anyone else in local (though it was "cludgey"), has upgraded the mapping on its site using the Microsoft Virtual Earth platform. The "new" maps are much nicer and easier to use than the last time I checked, which was admittedly a long time ago.

While there is aerial photography, there's no "Birds Eye" view here. YellowPages.com licensed Virtual Earth, including Birds Eye, several months ago.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 5:44 PM | Permalink

June 13, 2006

Microsoft 'Mix-ins' vs. Google Mashups

Steven Lawler of Microsoft didn't directly mention Google by name, but many of his comments this morning at Where2.0 were directed toward differentiating Microsoft's Virtual Earth platform and Windows Live Local's consumer destination from the company's chief online rival. As part of his very accelerated presentation (15 minutes) he said that Microsoft's goal is to "leverage local information on a global basis" through a mapping interface. That's very much like the message Google presented yesterday.

He added that "The Virtual Earth team is going to make a virtual world where people can quickly jump in and get information in many different dimensions."

Lawler elaborated that Microsoft's goal was to create a "2-D and 3-D model of the entire globe." He used Microsoft's "Birds Eye" aerial and pedestrian-level "Streetside" photography to argue that the company had established a leading position in mapping and now had the best technology and user experience available. As evidence, Lawler pointed to the recent Vexcel acquisition, which included an advanced digital camera for capturing aerial imagery down to 6 inches of resolution.

Lawler said that Microsoft would bring Birds Eye aerial photography to 80% of the U.S. and Europe in the very near future. And he compared the relationship between Birds Eye vs. satellite mapping to HDTV vs. analog TV.

One of the areas of emphasis was on social media/networking and "collections," effectively mashups (Lawler called them "mix-ins") where users bring local data and information to a Virtual Earth mapping interface.

Lawler said that Microsoft was building out its "geocommunity," which includes many non-developers (i.e., regular people). He added that Miscrosoft's installed community base included MSN Spaces and Messenger IM users. Lawler said that that "database" included 14 billion crisscrossing relationships that Microsoft hoped to tap and leverage as part of this geocommunity.

On the subject of how people find user-generated collections and other map-based data, Lawler argued, "What's going to be key is how people discover and share information going forward. The [Virtual Earth] platform is about extracting the data and combining that with imagery."

Posted by Greg Sterling at 2:25 PM | Permalink

Microsoft 'Mix-ins' vs. Google Mashups

Steven Lawler of Microsoft didn't directly mention Google by name, but many of his comments this morning at Where2.0 were directed toward differentiating Microsoft's Virtual Earth platform and Windows Live Local's consumer destination from the company's chief online rival. As part of his very accelerated presentation (15 minutes) he said that Microsoft's goal is to "leverage local information on a global basis" through a mapping interface. That's very much like the message Google presented yesterday.

He added that "The Virtual Earth team is going to make a virtual world where people can quickly jump in and get information in many different dimensions."

Lawler elaborated that Microsoft's goal was to create a "2-D and 3-D model of the entire globe." He used Microsoft's "Birds Eye" aerial and pedestrian-level "Streetside" photography to argue that the company had established a leading position in mapping and now had the best technology and user experience available. As evidence, Lawler pointed to the recent Vexcel acquisition, which included an advanced digital camera for capturing aerial imagery down to 6 inches of resolution.

Lawler said that Microsoft would bring Birds Eye aerial photography to 80% of the U.S. and Europe in the very near future. And he compared the relationship between Birds Eye vs. satellite mapping to HDTV vs. analog TV.

One of the areas of emphasis was on social media/networking and "collections," effectively mashups (Lawler called them "mix-ins") where users bring local data and information to a Virtual Earth mapping interface.

Lawler said that Microsoft was building out its "geocommunity," which includes many non-developers (i.e., regular people). He added that Miscrosoft's installed community base included MSN Spaces and Messenger IM users. Lawler said that that "database" included 14 billion crisscrossing relationships that Microsoft hoped to tap and leverage as part of this geocommunity.

On the subject of how people find user-generated collections and other map-based data, Lawler argued, "What's going to be key is how people discover and share information going forward. The [Virtual Earth] platform is about extracting the data and combining that with imagery."

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 2:25 PM | Permalink

Microsoft 'Mix-ins' vs. Google Mashups

Steven Lawler of Microsoft didn't directly mention Google by name, but many of his comments this morning at Where2.0 were directed toward differentiating Microsoft's Virtual Earth platform and Windows Live Local's consumer destination from the company's chief online rival. As part of his very accelerated presentation (15 minutes) he said that Microsoft's goal is to "leverage local information on a global basis" through a mapping interface. That's very much like the message Google presented yesterday.

He added that "The Virtual Earth team is going to make a virtual world where people can quickly jump in and get information in many different dimensions."

Lawler elaborated that Microsoft's goal was to create a "2-D and 3-D model of the entire globe." He used Microsoft's "Birds Eye" aerial and pedestrian-level "Streetside" photography to argue that the company had established a leading position in mapping and now had the best technology and user experience available. As evidence, Lawler pointed to the recent Vexcel acquisition, which included an advanced digital camera for capturing aerial imagery down to 6 inches of resolution.

Lawler said that Microsoft would bring Birds Eye aerial photography to 80% of the U.S. and Europe in the very near future. And he compared the relationship between Birds Eye vs. satellite mapping to HDTV vs. analog TV.

One of the areas of emphasis was on social media/networking and "collections," effectively mashups (Lawler called them "mix-ins") where users bring local data and information to a Virtual Earth mapping interface.

Lawler said that Microsoft was building out its "geocommunity," which includes many non-developers (i.e., regular people). He added that Miscrosoft's installed community base included MSN Spaces and Messenger IM users. Lawler said that that "database" included 14 billion crisscrossing relationships that Microsoft hoped to tap and leverage as part of this geocommunity.

On the subject of how people find user-generated collections and other map-based data, Lawler argued, "What's going to be key is how people discover and share information going forward. The [Virtual Earth] platform is about extracting the data and combining that with imagery."

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 2:25 PM | Permalink

Microsoft 'Mix-ins' vs. Google Mashups

Steven Lawler of Microsoft didn't directly mention Google by name, but many of his comments this morning at Where2.0 were directed toward differentiating Microsoft's Virtual Earth platform and Windows Live Local's consumer destination from the company's chief online rival. As part of his very accelerated presentation (15 minutes) he said that Microsoft's goal is to "leverage local information on a global basis" through a mapping interface. That's very much like the message Google presented yesterday.

He added that "The Virtual Earth team is going to make a virtual world where people can quickly jump in and get information in many different dimensions."

Lawler elaborated that Microsoft's goal was to create a "2-D and 3-D model of the entire globe." He used Microsoft's "Birds Eye" aerial and pedestrian-level "Streetside" photography to argue that the company had established a leading position in mapping and now had the best technology and user experience available. As evidence, Lawler pointed to the recent Vexcel acquisition, which included an advanced digital camera for capturing aerial imagery down to 6 inches of resolution.

Lawler said that Microsoft would bring Birds Eye aerial photography to 80% of the U.S. and Europe in the very near future. And he compared the relationship between Birds Eye vs. satellite mapping to HDTV vs. analog TV.

One of the areas of emphasis was on social media/networking and "collections," effectively mashups (Lawler called them "mix-ins") where users bring local data and information to a Virtual Earth mapping interface.

Lawler said that Microsoft was building out its "geocommunity," which includes many non-developers (i.e., regular people). He added that Miscrosoft's installed community base included MSN Spaces and Messenger IM users. Lawler said that that "database" included 14 billion crisscrossing relationships that Microsoft hoped to tap and leverage as part of this geocommunity.

On the subject of how people find user-generated collections and other map-based data, Lawler argued, "What's going to be key is how people discover and share information going forward. The [Virtual Earth] platform is about extracting the data and combining that with imagery."

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 2:25 PM | Permalink

May 23, 2006

Windows Live Local Maps UK With Aerial Imagery

Loren Baker spotted a LiveSide post noting that Windows Live Local has added UK aerial imagery coverage. LiveSide explains that they are still lacking Birds-Eye feature at many UK cities, but expect improvements to that feature by the "end of the summer."

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 8:41 AM | Permalink

Windows Live Local Maps UK With Aerial Imagery

Loren Baker spotted a LiveSide post noting that Windows Live Local has added UK aerial imagery coverage. LiveSide explains that they are still lacking Birds-Eye feature at many UK cities, but expect improvements to that feature by the "end of the summer."

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 8:41 AM | Permalink

Windows Live Local Maps UK With Aerial Imagery

Loren Baker spotted a LiveSide post noting that Windows Live Local has added UK aerial imagery coverage. LiveSide explains that they are still lacking Birds-Eye feature at many UK cities, but expect improvements to that feature by the "end of the summer."

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 8:41 AM | Permalink

Windows Live Local Maps UK With Aerial Imagery

Loren Baker spotted a LiveSide post noting that Windows Live Local has added UK aerial imagery coverage. LiveSide explains that they are still lacking Birds-Eye feature at many UK cities, but expect improvements to that feature by the "end of the summer."

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 8:41 AM | Permalink

May 8, 2006

Microsoft Accelerates Mapping

Mapping has already become one of the most competitive arenas online -- a visual version of local search. Barry posted earlier about how Microsoft wants to enable dynamic updating of online maps with traffic and other local data in real time. Last week, as I posted on my blog, the company announced the well-known acquisition of Vexcel corporation. Vexcel is a "remote sensing" and mapping company that enables, among other things, extremely high resolution aerial photography and 3-D mapping.

Microsoft is investing very heavily in maps and map-related technology. It sees mapping as an opening in its struggle against Google and now considers itself the technology leader in mapping. Virtual Earth, like Google and Yahoo!, has an API and the company is starting to license its product to companies like Zillow and YellowPages.com. Google remains “ahead” in terms of the proliferation of its maps and use of its API. (According to Philipp Lessen, Google has started serving AdWords in Google Earth.)

Because of the importance of mapping both "generically" to consumers and as an entry point for local search, neither Google nor Yahoo! can afford to allow Microsoft to break out in this area. Thus I would expect to see more investment and an acceleration of product development in the near term.

Posted by Greg Sterling at 11:14 AM | Permalink

Microsoft Accelerates Mapping

Mapping has already become one of the most competitive arenas online -- a visual version of local search. Barry posted earlier about how Microsoft wants to enable dynamic updating of online maps with traffic and other local data in real time. Last week, as I posted on my blog, the company announced the well-known acquisition of Vexcel corporation. Vexcel is a "remote sensing" and mapping company that enables, among other things, extremely high resolution aerial photography and 3-D mapping.

Microsoft is investing very heavily in maps and map-related technology. It sees mapping as an opening in its struggle against Google and now considers itself the technology leader in mapping. Virtual Earth, like Google and Yahoo!, has an API and the company is starting to license its product to companies like Zillow and YellowPages.com. Google remains “ahead” in terms of the proliferation of its maps and use of its API. (According to Philipp Lessen, Google has started serving AdWords in Google Earth.)

Because of the importance of mapping both "generically" to consumers and as an entry point for local search, neither Google nor Yahoo! can afford to allow Microsoft to break out in this area. Thus I would expect to see more investment and an acceleration of product development in the near term.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 11:14 AM | Permalink

Microsoft Accelerates Mapping

Mapping has already become one of the most competitive arenas online -- a visual version of local search. Barry posted earlier about how Microsoft wants to enable dynamic updating of online maps with traffic and other local data in real time. Last week, as I posted on my blog, the company announced the well-known acquisition of Vexcel corporation. Vexcel is a "remote sensing" and mapping company that enables, among other things, extremely high resolution aerial photography and 3-D mapping.

Microsoft is investing very heavily in maps and map-related technology. It sees mapping as an opening in its struggle against Google and now considers itself the technology leader in mapping. Virtual Earth, like Google and Yahoo!, has an API and the company is starting to license its product to companies like Zillow and YellowPages.com. Google remains “ahead” in terms of the proliferation of its maps and use of its API. (According to Philipp Lessen, Google has started serving AdWords in Google Earth.)

Because of the importance of mapping both "generically" to consumers and as an entry point for local search, neither Google nor Yahoo! can afford to allow Microsoft to break out in this area. Thus I would expect to see more investment and an acceleration of product development in the near term.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 11:14 AM | Permalink

Microsoft Accelerates Mapping

Mapping has already become one of the most competitive arenas online -- a visual version of local search. Barry posted earlier about how Microsoft wants to enable dynamic updating of online maps with traffic and other local data in real time. Last week, as I posted on my blog, the company announced the well-known acquisition of Vexcel corporation. Vexcel is a "remote sensing" and mapping company that enables, among other things, extremely high resolution aerial photography and 3-D mapping.

Microsoft is investing very heavily in maps and map-related technology. It sees mapping as an opening in its struggle against Google and now considers itself the technology leader in mapping. Virtual Earth, like Google and Yahoo!, has an API and the company is starting to license its product to companies like Zillow and YellowPages.com. Google remains “ahead” in terms of the proliferation of its maps and use of its API. (According to Philipp Lessen, Google has started serving AdWords in Google Earth.)

Because of the importance of mapping both "generically" to consumers and as an entry point for local search, neither Google nor Yahoo! can afford to allow Microsoft to break out in this area. Thus I would expect to see more investment and an acceleration of product development in the near term.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 11:14 AM | Permalink

Microsoft To Map The World In Real Time?

The TechnologyReview.com has an interesting article explaining a project at Microsoft named SenseWeb, that will strive to enable Windows Live Local to have real-time mapping and local data. The real-time information, is reportedly going to be up-to-the minute on local gas prices, traffic flows, restaurant wait times, parking information and more. It is important to note that Yahoo maps have been offering real-time traffic reports since at least January 2005. I am interested to see how Microsoft will enable local gas prices, restaurant wait times and parking information into this system.

I personally rarely use Yahoo maps for local traffic data before driving anywhere. But would real-time traffic data be of use to you while you are driving? I suspect I would use it often if it were fully integrated into my GPS system. If it is not integrated into your GPS system or you do not have a GPS system, then maybe TrafficGauge makes sense for you - it is one nice review. I would suspect whatever Microsoft does with SenseWeb, they would have plans to integrate it into their GPS device.

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 9:30 AM | Permalink

Microsoft To Map The World In Real Time?

The TechnologyReview.com has an interesting article explaining a project at Microsoft named SenseWeb, that will strive to enable Windows Live Local to have real-time mapping and local data. The real-time information, is reportedly going to be up-to-the minute on local gas prices, traffic flows, restaurant wait times, parking information and more. It is important to note that Yahoo maps have been offering real-time traffic reports since at least January 2005. I am interested to see how Microsoft will enable local gas prices, restaurant wait times and parking information into this system.

I personally rarely use Yahoo maps for local traffic data before driving anywhere. But would real-time traffic data be of use to you while you are driving? I suspect I would use it often if it were fully integrated into my GPS system. If it is not integrated into your GPS system or you do not have a GPS system, then maybe TrafficGauge makes sense for you - it is one nice review. I would suspect whatever Microsoft does with SenseWeb, they would have plans to integrate it into their GPS device.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 9:30 AM | Permalink

Microsoft To Map The World In Real Time?

The TechnologyReview.com has an interesting article explaining a project at Microsoft named SenseWeb, that will strive to enable Windows Live Local to have real-time mapping and local data. The real-time information, is reportedly going to be up-to-the minute on local gas prices, traffic flows, restaurant wait times, parking information and more. It is important to note that Yahoo maps have been offering real-time traffic reports since at least January 2005. I am interested to see how Microsoft will enable local gas prices, restaurant wait times and parking information into this system.

I personally rarely use Yahoo maps for local traffic data before driving anywhere. But would real-time traffic data be of use to you while you are driving? I suspect I would use it often if it were fully integrated into my GPS system. If it is not integrated into your GPS system or you do not have a GPS system, then maybe TrafficGauge makes sense for you - it is one nice review. I would suspect whatever Microsoft does with SenseWeb, they would have plans to integrate it into their GPS device.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 9:30 AM | Permalink

Microsoft To Map The World In Real Time?

The TechnologyReview.com has an interesting article explaining a project at Microsoft named SenseWeb, that will strive to enable Windows Live Local to have real-time mapping and local data. The real-time information, is reportedly going to be up-to-the minute on local gas prices, traffic flows, restaurant wait times, parking information and more. It is important to note that Yahoo maps have been offering real-time traffic reports since at least January 2005. I am interested to see how Microsoft will enable local gas prices, restaurant wait times and parking information into this system.

I personally rarely use Yahoo maps for local traffic data before driving anywhere. But would real-time traffic data be of use to you while you are driving? I suspect I would use it often if it were fully integrated into my GPS system. If it is not integrated into your GPS system or you do not have a GPS system, then maybe TrafficGauge makes sense for you - it is one nice review. I would suspect whatever Microsoft does with SenseWeb, they would have plans to integrate it into their GPS device.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 9:30 AM | Permalink

May 5, 2006

Microsoft's Windows Live Local Launches CelebFavorites.com

Microsoft announced the launch of CelebFavorites.com, a site that uses Windows Live Local maps to plot eight famous American stars. Each of the participating celebrities has listed their favorite restaurants, hotels, clubs, shops, museums or places to hang out. You can click on a celebrities name and then travel the maps to find out more information about them. The site will be live until June 30, 2006.

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 9:01 AM | Permalink

Microsoft's Windows Live Local Launches CelebFavorites.com

Microsoft announced the launch of CelebFavorites.com, a site that uses Windows Live Local maps to plot eight famous American stars. Each of the participating celebrities has listed their favorite restaurants, hotels, clubs, shops, museums or places to hang out. You can click on a celebrities name and then travel the maps to find out more information about them. The site will be live until June 30, 2006.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 9:01 AM | Permalink

Microsoft's Windows Live Local Launches CelebFavorites.com

Microsoft announced the launch of CelebFavorites.com, a site that uses Windows Live Local maps to plot eight famous American stars. Each of the participating celebrities has listed their favorite restaurants, hotels, clubs, shops, museums or places to hang out. You can click on a celebrities name and then travel the maps to find out more information about them. The site will be live until June 30, 2006.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 9:01 AM | Permalink

Microsoft's Windows Live Local Launches CelebFavorites.com

Microsoft announced the launch of CelebFavorites.com, a site that uses Windows Live Local maps to plot eight famous American stars. Each of the participating celebrities has listed their favorite restaurants, hotels, clubs, shops, museums or places to hang out. You can click on a celebrities name and then travel the maps to find out more information about them. The site will be live until June 30, 2006.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 9:01 AM | Permalink

February 4, 2006

Targeting Local Searchers

Although SEM on local search verticals bears many resemblances to global search marketing, there are subtle nuances and differences in searcher behavior that you need to take into account to ensure a successful campaign. ClickZ columnist Phil Stelter is devoting his next few columns to the art of SEM for local search verticals, kicking off the series with a Q&A with MSN, specifically looking at the Search Local (beta) and Windows Live Local services. Targeting Local Audiences With Search, Part 1: MSN is packed with great advice for reaching people searching in the virtual 'hood.

Posted by Chris Sherman at 3:22 PM | Permalink

Targeting Local Searchers

Although SEM on local search verticals bears many resemblances to global search marketing, there are subtle nuances and differences in searcher behavior that you need to take into account to ensure a successful campaign. ClickZ columnist Phil Stelter is devoting his next few columns to the art of SEM for local search verticals, kicking off the series with a Q&A with MSN, specifically looking at the Search Local (beta) and Windows Live Local services. Targeting Local Audiences With Search, Part 1: MSN is packed with great advice for reaching people searching in the virtual 'hood.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 3:22 PM | Permalink

Targeting Local Searchers

Although SEM on local search verticals bears many resemblances to global search marketing, there are subtle nuances and differences in searcher behavior that you need to take into account to ensure a successful campaign. ClickZ columnist Phil Stelter is devoting his next few columns to the art of SEM for local search verticals, kicking off the series with a Q&A with MSN, specifically looking at the Search Local (beta) and Windows Live Local services. Targeting Local Audiences With Search, Part 1: MSN is packed with great advice for reaching people searching in the virtual 'hood.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 3:22 PM | Permalink

Targeting Local Searchers

Although SEM on local search verticals bears many resemblances to global search marketing, there are subtle nuances and differences in searcher behavior that you need to take into account to ensure a successful campaign. ClickZ columnist Phil Stelter is devoting his next few columns to the art of SEM for local search verticals, kicking off the series with a Q&A with MSN, specifically looking at the Search Local (beta) and Windows Live Local services. Targeting Local Audiences With Search, Part 1: MSN is packed with great advice for reaching people searching in the virtual 'hood.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 3:22 PM | Permalink

January 30, 2006

New "Bird's Eye" Imagery for Detroit Added to MSN Live Local Database

On Friday, I posted about a new blog where users share interesting locations and things people have found while the MSN's Live Local Bird's Eye imagery. I'm still awaiting an answer from MSN about any new cities and/or regions that have been added to the service since it launched in December. However, we've learned via this MSN Virtual Earth Team Blog post that imagery is now available for the Detroit are, home of the Super Bowl this Sunday, Motown music, and the city where I earned my MLIS degree at Wayne St. University.

A list of the cities and areas where offer Bird's Eye imagery is also available can be found in our first post about Windows Live Local.

Posted by Gary Price at 12:53 PM | Permalink

New "Bird's Eye" Imagery for Detroit Added to MSN Live Local Database

On Friday, I posted about a new blog where users share interesting locations and things people have found while the MSN's Live Local Bird's Eye imagery. I'm still awaiting an answer from MSN about any new cities and/or regions that have been added to the service since it launched in December. However, we've learned via this MSN Virtual Earth Team Blog post that imagery is now available for the Detroit are, home of the Super Bowl this Sunday, Motown music, and the city where I earned my MLIS degree at Wayne St. University.

A list of the cities and areas where offer Bird's Eye imagery is also available can be found in our first post about Windows Live Local.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 12:53 PM | Permalink

New "Bird's Eye" Imagery for Detroit Added to MSN Live Local Database

On Friday, I posted about a new blog where users share interesting locations and things people have found while the MSN's Live Local Bird's Eye imagery. I'm still awaiting an answer from MSN about any new cities and/or regions that have been added to the service since it launched in December. However, we've learned via this MSN Virtual Earth Team Blog post that imagery is now available for the Detroit are, home of the Super Bowl this Sunday, Motown music, and the city where I earned my MLIS degree at Wayne St. University.

A list of the cities and areas where offer Bird's Eye imagery is also available can be found in our first post about Windows Live Local.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 12:53 PM | Permalink

New "Bird's Eye" Imagery for Detroit Added to MSN Live Local Database

On Friday, I posted about a new blog where users share interesting locations and things people have found while the MSN's Live Local Bird's Eye imagery. I'm still awaiting an answer from MSN about any new cities and/or regions that have been added to the service since it launched in December. However, we've learned via this MSN Virtual Earth Team Blog post that imagery is now available for the Detroit are, home of the Super Bowl this Sunday, Motown music, and the city where I earned my MLIS degree at Wayne St. University.

A list of the cities and areas where offer Bird's Eye imagery is also available can be found in our first post about Windows Live Local.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 12:53 PM | Permalink

January 27, 2006

Check out Cool Bird's Eye Imagery from Windows Live Local on Bird's Eye Tourist

You've likely seen sites that allow people to share cool places and things found using the satellite and aerial imagery from Google Maps/Google Local. Google Sightseeing is an example.

However, what about a site where cool "bird's eye" imagery of places and things found using Windows Live Local could be shared? The answer is yes, such a site exists. Check out the new Bird's Eye Tourist and see what others have spotted and share what you find.

Bird's Eye Tourist is searchable but you can also browse by location and categories. Now you know what I'll be doing this weekend. (-:

For example, the California collection presently offers views of surfers in Malibu, the home used in Psycho, sea lions on Pier 39, and a few celebrity homes.

I've asked Microsoft via e-mail if any new bird's eye imagery for specific cities or areas has been added to Windows Live Local since it launched a few months ago. When I here back I'll postscript this entry.

For more on Windows Live Local check out this post where we list the cities where bird's eye imagery is available. Overhead aerial and satellite imagery available for many more areas.

Postscript: What many people don't realize is that Live Local also has 15 meter satellite imagery (not Bird's Eye) for most of the world included in its database. It's discussed in this post. You can also read this press release from Harris, the providers of the content.

Posted by Gary Price at 3:28 PM | Permalink

Check out Cool Bird's Eye Imagery from Windows Live Local on Bird's Eye Tourist

You've likely seen sites that allow people to share cool places and things found using the satellite and aerial imagery from Google Maps/Google Local. Google Sightseeing is an example.

However, what about a site where cool "bird's eye" imagery of places and things found using Windows Live Local could be shared? The answer is yes, such a site exists. Check out the new Bird's Eye Tourist and see what others have spotted and share what you find.

Bird's Eye Tourist is searchable but you can also browse by location and categories. Now you know what I'll be doing this weekend. (-:

For example, the California collection presently offers views of surfers in Malibu, the home used in Psycho, sea lions on Pier 39, and a few celebrity homes.

I've asked Microsoft via e-mail if any new bird's eye imagery for specific cities or areas has been added to Windows Live Local since it launched a few months ago. When I here back I'll postscript this entry.

For more on Windows Live Local check out this post where we list the cities where bird's eye imagery is available. Overhead aerial and satellite imagery available for many more areas.

Postscript: What many people don't realize is that Live Local also has 15 meter satellite imagery (not Bird's Eye) for most of the world included in its database. It's discussed in this post. You can also read this press release from Harris, the providers of the content.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 3:28 PM | Permalink

Check out Cool Bird's Eye Imagery from Windows Live Local on Bird's Eye Tourist

You've likely seen sites that allow people to share cool places and things found using the satellite and aerial imagery from Google Maps/Google Local. Google Sightseeing is an example.

However, what about a site where cool "bird's eye" imagery of places and things found using Windows Live Local could be shared? The answer is yes, such a site exists. Check out the new Bird's Eye Tourist and see what others have spotted and share what you find.

Bird's Eye Tourist is searchable but you can also browse by location and categories. Now you know what I'll be doing this weekend. (-:

For example, the California collection presently offers views of surfers in Malibu, the home used in Psycho, sea lions on Pier 39, and a few celebrity homes.

I've asked Microsoft via e-mail if any new bird's eye imagery for specific cities or areas has been added to Windows Live Local since it launched a few months ago. When I here back I'll postscript this entry.

For more on Windows Live Local check out this post where we list the cities where bird's eye imagery is available. Overhead aerial and satellite imagery available for many more areas.

Postscript: What many people don't realize is that Live Local also has 15 meter satellite imagery (not Bird's Eye) for most of the world included in its database. It's discussed in this post. You can also read this press release from Harris, the providers of the content.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 3:28 PM | Permalink

Check out Cool Bird's Eye Imagery from Windows Live Local on Bird's Eye Tourist

You've likely seen sites that allow people to share cool places and things found using the satellite and aerial imagery from Google Maps/Google Local. Google Sightseeing is an example.

However, what about a site where cool "bird's eye" imagery of places and things found using Windows Live Local could be shared? The answer is yes, such a site exists. Check out the new Bird's Eye Tourist and see what others have spotted and share what you find.

Bird's Eye Tourist is searchable but you can also browse by location and categories. Now you know what I'll be doing this weekend. (-:

For example, the California collection presently offers views of surfers in Malibu, the home used in Psycho, sea lions on Pier 39, and a few celebrity homes.

I've asked Microsoft via e-mail if any new bird's eye imagery for specific cities or areas has been added to Windows Live Local since it launched a few months ago. When I here back I'll postscript this entry.

For more on Windows Live Local check out this post where we list the cities where bird's eye imagery is available. Overhead aerial and satellite imagery available for many more areas.

Postscript: What many people don't realize is that Live Local also has 15 meter satellite imagery (not Bird's Eye) for most of the world included in its database. It's discussed in this post. You can also read this press release from Harris, the providers of the content.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 3:28 PM | Permalink

January 17, 2006

Logos On Rooftops Probably Not Aimed At Google Maps

Boing Boing points to Advertising with Google Maps, which suggest that merchants like Target and others are tapping into satellite views on Google Maps and Windows Live Local by painting logos on the top of their buildings. Paint me a bit dubious. I suspect these logos were painted in most cases to appeal to those flying over buildings by airplane. I'd further guess you'd see most of them along known flight paths.

I make these guesses based on years of looking out of airplane windows when landing. But I also did a bit of research. RoofAds is a company that will, well, paint your logo on your rooftop. Why? The about page at RoofAds says:

Each day, millions of commuters gaze out of their airplane windows upon takeoff and landing from airports around the world. These commuters see mountains, rivers, cities, and white rooftops of large buildings.

Here's a nice gallery of their work, along with stats on how many passengers per day will see your roof ad around various airports. Notice that one of the roof ads is for Yahoo Autos!

How many mentions of Google Maps on the RoofAds site? Zilch. In other words, here's a company that specializes in selling rooftop ads. However, seeing your ad in Google Maps is not yet a selling point or it. That more than makes me think people aren't painting ads for Google Maps.

FYI, I did find some other examples of rooftop ads. Here's an Agfa one at the Google Globetrotting site. Given how faded it is, fair to say it wasn't slapped up to take advantage of Google Maps, which launched with satellite views only last April.

The Target ad is best seen at Boing Boing, link above. But it came from Google Sightseeing on this page. The site is currently down, probably because of the Boing Boing attention. You might also try searching for "roof" or "rooftop" over at the Google Earth forums.

Certainly those with rooftop logos will get some gains as satellite view mapping services continue to gain in popularity. We'll even likely see some consider painting logos on rooftops for just this reason. But the phenomenon probably shouldn't be attributed to Google Maps.

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 9:19 AM | Permalink

Logos On Rooftops Probably Not Aimed At Google Maps

Boing Boing points to Advertising with Google Maps, which suggest that merchants like Target and others are tapping into satellite views on Google Maps and Windows Live Local by painting logos on the top of their buildings. Paint me a bit dubious. I suspect these logos were painted in most cases to appeal to those flying over buildings by airplane. I'd further guess you'd see most of them along known flight paths.

I make these guesses based on years of looking out of airplane windows when landing. But I also did a bit of research. RoofAds is a company that will, well, paint your logo on your rooftop. Why? The about page at RoofAds says:

Each day, millions of commuters gaze out of their airplane windows upon takeoff and landing from airports around the world. These commuters see mountains, rivers, cities, and white rooftops of large buildings.

Here's a nice gallery of their work, along with stats on how many passengers per day will see your roof ad around various airports. Notice that one of the roof ads is for Yahoo Autos!

How many mentions of Google Maps on the RoofAds site? Zilch. In other words, here's a company that specializes in selling rooftop ads. However, seeing your ad in Google Maps is not yet a selling point or it. That more than makes me think people aren't painting ads for Google Maps.

FYI, I did find some other examples of rooftop ads. Here's an Agfa one at the Google Globetrotting site. Given how faded it is, fair to say it wasn't slapped up to take advantage of Google Maps, which launched with satellite views only last April.

The Target ad is best seen at Boing Boing, link above. But it came from Google Sightseeing on this page. The site is currently down, probably because of the Boing Boing attention. You might also try searching for "roof" or "rooftop" over at the Google Earth forums.

Certainly those with rooftop logos will get some gains as satellite view mapping services continue to gain in popularity. We'll even likely see some consider painting logos on rooftops for just this reason. But the phenomenon probably shouldn't be attributed to Google Maps.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 9:19 AM | Permalink

Logos On Rooftops Probably Not Aimed At Google Maps

Boing Boing points to Advertising with Google Maps, which suggest that merchants like Target and others are tapping into satellite views on Google Maps and Windows Live Local by painting logos on the top of their buildings. Paint me a bit dubious. I suspect these logos were painted in most cases to appeal to those flying over buildings by airplane. I'd further guess you'd see most of them along known flight paths.

I make these guesses based on years of looking out of airplane windows when landing. But I also did a bit of research. RoofAds is a company that will, well, paint your logo on your rooftop. Why? The about page at RoofAds says:

Each day, millions of commuters gaze out of their airplane windows upon takeoff and landing from airports around the world. These commuters see mountains, rivers, cities, and white rooftops of large buildings.

Here's a nice gallery of their work, along with stats on how many passengers per day will see your roof ad around various airports. Notice that one of the roof ads is for Yahoo Autos!

How many mentions of Google Maps on the RoofAds site? Zilch. In other words, here's a company that specializes in selling rooftop ads. However, seeing your ad in Google Maps is not yet a selling point or it. That more than makes me think people aren't painting ads for Google Maps.

FYI, I did find some other examples of rooftop ads. Here's an Agfa one at the Google Globetrotting site. Given how faded it is, fair to say it wasn't slapped up to take advantage of Google Maps, which launched with satellite views only last April.

The Target ad is best seen at Boing Boing, link above. But it came from Google Sightseeing on this page. The site is currently down, probably because of the Boing Boing attention. You might also try searching for "roof" or "rooftop" over at the Google Earth forums.

Certainly those with rooftop logos will get some gains as satellite view mapping services continue to gain in popularity. We'll even likely see some consider painting logos on rooftops for just this reason. But the phenomenon probably shouldn't be attributed to Google Maps.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 9:19 AM | Permalink

Logos On Rooftops Probably Not Aimed At Google Maps

Boing Boing points to Advertising with Google Maps, which suggest that merchants like Target and others are tapping into satellite views on Google Maps and Windows Live Local by painting logos on the top of their buildings. Paint me a bit dubious. I suspect these logos were painted in most cases to appeal to those flying over buildings by airplane. I'd further guess you'd see most of them along known flight paths.

I make these guesses based on years of looking out of airplane windows when landing. But I also did a bit of research. RoofAds is a company that will, well, paint your logo on your rooftop. Why? The about page at RoofAds says:

Each day, millions of commuters gaze out of their airplane windows upon takeoff and landing from airports around the world. These commuters see mountains, rivers, cities, and white rooftops of large buildings.

Here's a nice gallery of their work, along with stats on how many passengers per day will see your roof ad around various airports. Notice that one of the roof ads is for Yahoo Autos!

How many mentions of Google Maps on the RoofAds site? Zilch. In other words, here's a company that specializes in selling rooftop ads. However, seeing your ad in Google Maps is not yet a selling point or it. That more than makes me think people aren't painting ads for Google Maps.

FYI, I did find some other examples of rooftop ads. Here's an Agfa one at the Google Globetrotting site. Given how faded it is, fair to say it wasn't slapped up to take advantage of Google Maps, which launched with satellite views only last April.

The Target ad is best seen at Boing Boing, link above. But it came from Google Sightseeing on this page. The site is currently down, probably because of the Boing Boing attention. You might also try searching for "roof" or "rooftop" over at the Google Earth forums.

Certainly those with rooftop logos will get some gains as satellite view mapping services continue to gain in popularity. We'll even likely see some consider painting logos on rooftops for just this reason. But the phenomenon probably shouldn't be attributed to Google Maps.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 9:19 AM | Permalink

January 3, 2006

New OSX Dashboard Widget for MSN Virtual Earth; Yahoo Maps Gets a Widget

It goes without saying that 2005 was the year of online maps and online aerial/satellite imagery. Here are a couple of new tools that will likely continue their popularity into 2006.

+ First, a new version of an MSN Virtual Earth widget was released over the weekend for Mac OSX Dashboard.

+ Second, Yahoo Maps now has a widget (Mac and PC) that's available here.

Posted by Gary Price at 3:36 PM | Permalink

New OSX Dashboard Widget for MSN Virtual Earth; Yahoo Maps Gets a Widget

It goes without saying that 2005 was the year of online maps and online aerial/satellite imagery. Here are a couple of new tools that will likely continue their popularity into 2006.

+ First, a new version of an MSN Virtual Earth widget was released over the weekend for Mac OSX Dashboard.

+ Second, Yahoo Maps now has a widget (Mac and PC) that's available here.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 3:36 PM | Permalink

New OSX Dashboard Widget for MSN Virtual Earth; Yahoo Maps Gets a Widget

It goes without saying that 2005 was the year of online maps and online aerial/satellite imagery. Here are a couple of new tools that will likely continue their popularity into 2006.

+ First, a new version of an MSN Virtual Earth widget was released over the weekend for Mac OSX Dashboard.

+ Second, Yahoo Maps now has a widget (Mac and PC) that's available here.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 3:36 PM | Permalink

New OSX Dashboard Widget for MSN Virtual Earth; Yahoo Maps Gets a Widget

It goes without saying that 2005 was the year of online maps and online aerial/satellite imagery. Here are a couple of new tools that will likely continue their popularity into 2006.

+ First, a new version of an MSN Virtual Earth widget was released over the weekend for Mac OSX Dashboard.

+ Second, Yahoo Maps now has a widget (Mac and PC) that's available here.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 3:36 PM | Permalink

December 14, 2005

Windows Live Location Finder & Privacy

Microsoft has responded to user concerns about the type of information that's transmitted and used when you use the new Windows Live Local "locate me" feature. From a blog post by Chandu Thota, SDE Lead of the Microsoft Virtual Earth team:

No personal information such as your name or contact information is sent to Microsoft by Location Finder service. Also, Location Finder service was designed with concern for your personal information; secure methods such as SSL are used when transferring location information between your machine and the Microsoft location service.

The post also notes that no information is shared, and offers a bit more technical detail about how the feature works. Reassuring information if you're concerned when you use this cool new feature from Microsoft.

Posted by Chris Sherman at 7:02 PM | Permalink

Windows Live Location Finder & Privacy

Microsoft has responded to user concerns about the type of information that's transmitted and used when you use the new Windows Live Local "locate me" feature. From a blog post by Chandu Thota, SDE Lead of the Microsoft Virtual Earth team:

No personal information such as your name or contact information is sent to Microsoft by Location Finder service. Also, Location Finder service was designed with concern for your personal information; secure methods such as SSL are used when transferring location information between your machine and the Microsoft location service.

The post also notes that no information is shared, and offers a bit more technical detail about how the feature works. Reassuring information if you're concerned when you use this cool new feature from Microsoft.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 7:02 PM | Permalink

Windows Live Location Finder & Privacy

Microsoft has responded to user concerns about the type of information that's transmitted and used when you use the new Windows Live Local "locate me" feature. From a blog post by Chandu Thota, SDE Lead of the Microsoft Virtual Earth team:

No personal information such as your name or contact information is sent to Microsoft by Location Finder service. Also, Location Finder service was designed with concern for your personal information; secure methods such as SSL are used when transferring location information between your machine and the Microsoft location service.

The post also notes that no information is shared, and offers a bit more technical detail about how the feature works. Reassuring information if you're concerned when you use this cool new feature from Microsoft.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 7:02 PM | Permalink

Windows Live Location Finder & Privacy

Microsoft has responded to user concerns about the type of information that's transmitted and used when you use the new Windows Live Local "locate me" feature. From a blog post by Chandu Thota, SDE Lead of the Microsoft Virtual Earth team:

No personal information such as your name or contact information is sent to Microsoft by Location Finder service. Also, Location Finder service was designed with concern for your personal information; secure methods such as SSL are used when transferring location information between your machine and the Microsoft location service.

The post also notes that no information is shared, and offers a bit more technical detail about how the feature works. Reassuring information if you're concerned when you use this cool new feature from Microsoft.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 7:02 PM | Permalink

December 8, 2005

Windows Live Local Beta is Now Online; Some Global Imagery Also Added

Although they said it would go live at Noon EST, the Windows Live Local service that we wrote about yesterday is now online. Lots of details in yesterday's post plus I've linked to the complete news release here.

One question I've been asked is what cities "bird's eye" imagery will be available for. Here's the list:

According to the web site, they have "more cities" with "Bird's Eye images" that can "fit on one page" (that sounds a bit silly) but nevertheless they do offer a list of some major metro areas. + New York City, NY + San Francisco, CA + Boston, MA + Los Angeles, CA + Washington, DC + Seattle, WA + Philadelphia, PA + Las Vegas, NV + Atlanta, GA + Albuquerque, NM + Indianapolis, IN + Lexington, KY

No Chicago available? Yes, that appears to be the case. I went looking to take a "closer" 45-degree (bird's eye view) look at McCormick Place. I found the location, no problem, but was unable to get the bird's eye view According to the site, more cities will be coming soon. I would bet this has a lot to do with what Pictometry can supply MSN Live with. More about this MSN Live Local supplier in yesterday's post.

Steven Lawler, GM of Virtual Earth, told me that Chicago is on the short-list of cities. Actually, new material can be added very rapidly using (even between releases) and in reality locations are generally added by county. Let's hope MS Live Local promotes when new areas are placed into the system.

Lawler added that Virtual Earth now includes imagery from the USGS, Harris, Pictomery (the bird's eye views), and others. He said that as of today about 25% of the U.S. has bird's eyes views available and the orthography (overhead imagery) for areas that don't have these views has also been added to and enhanced. Of course, how close you can zoom-in is determined by the location and imagery itself. Plans call for 90% of the U.S. to have bird's eye imagery. However, no timeline was provided. New areas to fly and add to the database are determined by several factors including population and the amount of tourism an area receives. Yes, people like to see where they are going. (-:

While the oblique or "bird's eye imagery" comes from Pictometry, the viewing and searching technology was built by Microsoft.

Lawler said that they are "actively flying right now" to get new imagery into the system. The late Autumn is a good time since in many areas, the leaves have fallen from the trees," he added.

Eventually, plans call for these types of services available globally. In the mean time and speaking of globally, MS Live Local from MSN Virtual Earth has added global imagery to the database from Harris. You can read more about it in this news release.

"The 15-meter Global Dataset produces gorgeous imagery that will be a perfect addition to the visualization applications in Microsoft's Virtual Earth...Features of imagery available through 15-meter Globe Dataset include advanced tonal balancing of realistic earth colors resulting in true-life visual scenarios."

I've found since this data is so new that the best way to find this imagery is begin with a map of the globe and then zoom-in to the location you want. I hope Microsoft adds global locations to their search database soon along with more detailed imagery. As an example, here's an image of Germany and environs.

Bird's eye Imagery Ok, now for what you've been waiting for a look at what I have to say is some cool stuff. The oblique and "bird eye" views that Live Local provides. I can't say enough times that the best way to become familiar with this is to use it. It's easy.

Here we go:

1) Enter a location where bird's eye imagery is available. 2) In the "where box" I'm going to enter the space needle, Seattle, a 3) A box appears labeled "1" with links to zoom, get directions, and/or