April 2009 Virtual Earth API Updates

On April 9, Virtual Earth released the latest series of updates to the Virtual Earth API for Virtual Earth AJAX and Virtual Earth 3D map controls, including performance updates for both AJAX and 3D. Updates for April include native support for Windows Internet Explorer 8, new AJAX control methods and new 3-D control features.

Caterpillar Leverages Virtual Earth for Global Dealer Locator

In April, Caterpillar, a leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, released its new global dealer locator Web site, leveraging the Microsoft Virtual Earth platform to provide customers with an easier way to find Caterpillar dealers and equipment. The new application allows Caterpillar customers to search for dealers by address, name or geographic coordinates, and offers filters to help customers home in on the exact location and type of dealer they are looking for. Customers can specifically search for equipment to purchase, service or rent, with the information presented on a Virtual Earth map with custom Caterpillar icons. The service also takes advantage of Virtual Earth routing algorithms to provide driving directions to any given dealer location directly to the customer.

Virtual Earth Powers New Child Locator Service From AT&T

On April 17, AT&T announced the release of its new child locator service, FamilyMap, that leverages the Virtual Earth platform to provide parents with a useful tool to track a child’s whereabouts. The Virtual Earth platform allows AT&T to note a child’s location on a rich Virtual Earth map that includes surrounding landmarks, with the added capability to label frequently visited areas and note child-safe locations. Virtual Earth allows FamilyMap customers to easily identify landmarks, and switch between satellite, street map views, and Virtual Earth Bird’s Eye* imagery to really assess any given area with detailed, angled views for additional context.

City of Los Angeles Uses Virtual Earth for Solar Map and Power Reliability Projects

In April, the city of Los Angeles announced two power-related projects that leverage the Virtual Earth platform to provide a better experience to customers. The Los Angeles County Solar Map project leverages Virtual Earth to enable homeowners and businesses to quickly assess whether a given property is a good candidate for solar power by providing information on roof size and sun exposure. In addition, Bird’s Eye* and aerial imagery provide customers with a clear image of their location and the surrounding area. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is also leveraging the Virtual Earth platform for its Power Reliability Program. Using Virtual Earth allows the department to track related events and assess how well the department is doing in meeting objectives. The interactive maps also allow customers outside the LADWP to quickly see what is happening in their local neighborhoods.

BBC Uses Virtual Earth to Track Swine Flu Outbreak

To help audiences track and visualize the current swine flu outbreak, the BBC is leveraging Virtual Earth to provide an interactive resource for swine flu information. Site visitors can access Virtual Earth interactive maps that not only mark outbreak locations but also provide swine flu-related news, including text, video and audio content. Audiences can also access directly from the map eyewitness accounts provided by BBC readers, adding an additional level of context.