Google Earth or MSN Virtual Earth – which planet will you call home? (Personally, I prefer Tatooine, but I’m nerdy like that.)
The two interactive mapping services just made their debut. On the surface, both offer similar features, with enhanced data sources and imaging capabilities. There are, however, a few distinctions:
- Google Earth was unveiled with relatively little fanfare at the Google Factory Tour. MSN’s version came with a more formal, more public announcement from Mr. Gates.
- MSN’s service will be available free to all users. Google’s offering will be made available in beta only to paying Keyhole subscribers.
- Google Earth users have to print or email listings. MSN’s Virtual Earth provides a scratch pad where users can save results to email or blog later.
- Rather than relying on the AJAX technology already in use on Google Maps (and on MSN Virtual Earth), Google Earth requires users to download client software. (Will this impact user adoption?)
- MSN’s imaging techniques show 45 degree angle shots, rather than Google’s overhead shots. This gives users the “z coordinate”, which can be used to gauge the height of anything as well as its latitude and longitude.
- Bells & whistles – Google’s imaging gives you the ability to fly “Superman-like” over terrain, MSN’s allows you to zoom in and read details as small as storefronts.
More coverage in this article on the Wall Street Journal.
I used that back when it was still Keyhole’s software. Pretty cool. I orientated myself with the Las Vegas street plan prior to going there to prevent getting lost in a drunken state. It served me well.
I’ve been in the Colosseum in Rome. Now that’s an amazing place. I’d love to go back in time and sit in a sell-out Colosseum watching navy battles or gladiators knock eachother out.