Newsletter Archive
October 2007
Microsoft Extends and Expands Agreement to Use NAVTEQ Traffic Data
On Oct. 15, NAVTEQ announced a multiyear extension of its agreement to provide real-time and historic traffic information to Microsoft Corp. The agreement extends Microsoft's right to use NAVTEQ Traffic data in online products and services, desktop and mobile applications, and appliances. MSN Direct service, Streets & Trips 2008 with Connected Services, Live Search Maps, Microsoft Automotive and Live Search for Windows Mobile services use NAVTEQ Traffic data today. To read the full press release, please visit the NAVTEQ Press Center.
Open Geospatial Consortium Adds Microsoft as Principal Member
On Oct. 22, at the annual GEOINT Symposium gathering of the leaders in geospatial and intelligence industries, the Open Geospatial Consortium Inc. (OGC) announced that Microsoft is joining the OGC as a principal member. As a principal member, Microsoft is able to help the OGC in its role of shaping the best practices, policies and standards that will govern the world's important geospatial capabilities and contributions. This marks a milestone in moving the geospatial industry forward in the areas of interoperability and standards. Through its involvement with OGC, Microsoft is helping to ensure the geospatial interoperability of its technology, particularly the Microsoft Virtual Earth platform. To read the full press release, please visit the OGC Pressroom.
Microsoft and Dassault Systèmes Launch Microsoft Virtual Earth-3DVIA
On Oct. 18, Dassault Systèmes and Microsoft launched Microsoft Virtual Earth -3DVIA (Technology Preview). This free online application, developed by Dassault Systèmes, allows consumers to imagine and create realistic 3-D models — such as of buildings and structures — then share them through Virtual Earth. Users can download Virtual Earth -3DVIA for free and immediately begin using the fun, easy-to-use and intuitive application. To read the full press release, please visit Microsoft PressPass.
Recent Updates – Virtual Earth
Microsoft Releases Virtual Earth Version 6.0
This month, Microsoft announced the release of Virtual Earth version 6.0, which features expanded accuracy with rooftop geocoding and bird's-eye* view pushpins; new tools, such as multipoint routing and MapCruncher; and a new, interactive software development kit. The platform also features an enhanced infrastructure, including support for Apple Safari, transaction reporting and performance improvements. Learn more about Virtual Earth version 6.0.
Recent Updates – Live Search Maps
Live Search Maps Introduces Final Fall Updates
On Oct. 15, Live Search Maps announced the availability of new and enhanced mapping features such as rerouting of directions based on current traffic information, bird's-eye navigation in 3-D, the ability to create 3-D models in Virtual Earth, enhanced business listing details, and data import including GeoRSS, GPX and KML. With this update, bird’s-eye coverage* has been increased to cover 80 percent of the U.S. population, and nearly 200 complete cities are available in 3-D. A detailed list of the new features and enhancements is located on the team blog.
About Virtual Earth and Live Search Maps
Virtual Earth
The Virtual Earth platform is Microsoft's next-generation mapping and location service. It combines MapPoint Web Service functionality with exciting innovations in bird’s-eye* imagery, satellite and aerial views, map styles and usability, and local search. The Virtual Earth platform is an exceptional solution for businesses and enterprise customers.Virtual Earth powers Live Search Maps, Microsoft's online local search and mapping Web site, but this technology can be in your hands, too, for your custom online application. See more information about the Virtual Earth platform here.
Live Search Maps
Live Search Maps represents an exciting component of Microsoft's Live Search vision, which gives consumers a deeply immersive local experience on the Web, where they can find, discover, plan and share relevant location information that is important to them. Live Search Maps is powered by Virtual Earth, delivering a core set of functionality that combines maps and directions, immersive bird’s-eye and aerial imagery, and local search. To try Live Search Maps for yourself check out Live Search, or, if you are interested in learning more about the service, go to Presspass.
Notes:
*Available in many metropolitan areas.
