MapForums

January 2007

In the News

Redfin Integrates Microsoft Virtual Earth Map Platform
On January 12th Redfin, one of the leading online real estate brokers, announced its decision to use the Virtual Earth platform to power their online mapping capabilities, offering home-buyers powerful new ways to explore a neighborhood. Redfin first created its own mapping platform but after careful consideration, the company replaced their mapping technology with Virtual Earth to expand more quickly and to offer a richer user experience. Redfin’s blog highlighting decision to use the Virtual Earth platform can be found on at: Redfin Moves the Earth | Redfin Corporate Blog
Press release: Redfin News: Redfin Integrates Microsoft Virtual Earth Map Platform, Continues Expansion in Greater Seattle and San Francisco Bay Areas

The Carbon Project Adds Microsoft Virtual Earth
The Carbon Project, the world leader in geosocial networking, announced that its CarbonTools PRO, Gaia and ((Echo))MyPlace software includes support for Microsoft Virtual Earth. Carbon Project pioneers innovative geosocial solutions and makes location-based information accessible and usable to everyone, everywhere. Now with the support of the Virtual Earth platform, developers will have the ability to use the immersive mapping features of Virtual Earth in geosocial networking.
Press Release: The Carbon Project - Innovative Geosocial Solutions

Case Study: BridgeStreet Worldwide Boosts Revenue with Interactive Mapping Solutions
BridgeStreet Worldwide, a corporate housing provider, wanted to update its Web site and provide better customer service with a more dynamic mapping solution for its guests and employees. The solution? BridgeStreet Worldwide used Virtual Earth mapping software to create a new accommodations search tool and saw some amazing results including a 22% increase in online bookings, returning site visits increase by 50% and they saved an estimated $60,000 in development costs. To learn more, check out the complete case study at Microsoft Case Studies: BridgeStreet Worldwide.

Recent Updates

Microsoft Enhances Virtual Earth Platform Imagery With GlobeXplorer Aerial Imagery
On January 8th, Microsoft announced that it will begin to update the Virtual Earth online mapping platform with more than 400,000 square miles of enhanced, high-definition U.S. aerial imagery. The new imagery is part of a deal with GlobeXplorer, a leading global provider of aerial and satellite images. For more information about these updates, check out the official press release at: Microsoft Enhances Virtual Earth Platform Imagery With GlobeXplorer Aerial Imagery: GlobeXplorer deal refreshes 409,997 square miles of U.S. aerial imagery in Virtual Earth..

Expanded Imagery in the US and Abroad
In January, Microsoft expanded its Bird’s Eye imagery to several international markets, with new imagery of over 150 cities such as Monte Carlo, France, Milan, Italy, Straslund, Germany and Toledo, Spain. In the US, over 40 new cities and regions are now available including Miami, FL; Palm Beach, FL, Houston, TX, Austin, TX, Flint, MI, and Montgomery, AL.

For a complete list of new imagery, please go to the Virtual Earth team blog at: Virtual Earth / Live Maps. And for an updated collection of major coverage areas check out Live Local Search.

__________________