Windows Live Maps...WOW!

[flyingdutchman]

Pretty sure this is not a repost as I did a search but...

Windows Live Maps is awesome! It makes Google Maps look second class. There is a new feature called bird view and u have to see for yourself cuz its too good to describe...also it shows traffic information but I dont know how accurate that is

http://maps.live.com/

[board123]

Birds eye view made me shat bricks. Too bad it's only for populous places like Toronto.

[DaVibe]

I like Google's better ...

[Kinki]

The bird's eye view is better (higher res) on Live than Google though...

Guess you can't please everyone.

I like Google's better ... AND they have bird's eye view as well.

[DaVibe]

The bird's eye view is better (higher res) on Live than Google though...

Guess you can't please everyone.

The only reason why I mention it is because I've been using this the past few weeks ...
Everything I just looked up looks the same ...

It's neat regardless. I just wish it would go in CLOSER!

[_Allan_]

Zoom to Kennedy / Ellesmere ... a bit to the west, is "Wye Valley Road" ... in the Birds Eye View, it's the current version - in fact, all of Ellesmere / Kennedy is the most current ((they did construction in 2006/2007)) but in the "Aerial", it's the old version ...

Birds Eye (http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=r8tv518csqj8&style=b&lvl=2&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=28277936&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1)

Aerial (http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=43.765021~-79.283821&style=h&lvl=19&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=28277936&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1)

I don't understand how the two versions can be so different from eachother ... they use the same maps right?

[TheFuteballer]

I like Google's better ... AND they have bird's eye view as well.

how do you see bird's eye view from google?

[user01]

Wow, the Bird's Eye function is fantastic. Is that how birds see from the sky? If so, that's amazing... :razz::razz::razz:

[Kinki]

you guys gotta try the "rotate" camera angle!

i like.

[Jon Lai]

I like Google's better ... AND they have bird's eye view as well.

+1

Google > M$

[DaVibe]

how do you see bird's eye view from google?

Maybe it's just a Window's feature?

Edit: Google Earth as opposed to Google Maps?
I see more options available with Google E as opposed to the Maps version ...

[-=Wraith=-]

best feature for online maps is still streetview imo

too bad it only works for the US maps lol

how do you see bird's eye view from google?

ya, i've never seen it before

we talking bout the web (and not the desktop version)?

Maybe it's just a Window's feature?

Edit: Google Earth as opposed to Google Maps?
I see more options available with Google E as opposed to the Maps version ...

Maybe a Google Earth feature? Haven't used it in a long while...

should compare online vs online versions anyways

[TheFuteballer]

ya, i've never seen it before

we talking bout the web (and not the desktop version)?



Maybe a Google Earth feature? Haven't used it in a long while...

should compare online vs online versions anyways

I think they are talking about Google EARTH as opposed to MAPS. In which case it wouldn't be fair to compare to Windows Live Maps.

[go leafs]

google doesn't have bird's eye view...

edit: also, this isn't a new feature, it's over 3 years old

[Talamasca]

Very cool. Check out the Colosseum in Rome or the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

[DaVibe]

You guys like the "Bird's Eye" view though? I don't like it personally, I'm looking at parts of my area and depending on when the shot is taken, there's crazy shadows ... obviously on an angle so I can't see everything that I could before.

Some shots are more revealing (like the south side of my house) but others show nothing (like the north side of my house).

I don't know ... I wish the "Bird" could swing around somehow.

[flyingdutchman]

Does Birds view include places OUTSIDE of North America?

I havent looked into that yet

and fyi Google Maps does not have a birds view.

[bokep]

impressive

[go leafs]

Does Birds view include places OUTSIDE of North America?

I havent looked into that yet

and fyi Google Maps does not have a birds view.

yes there is quite a bit in europe

e..g. here's a recent update
http://blogs.msdn.com/virtualearth/archive/2009/02/03/virtual-earth-imagery-release-january-2009.aspx

another cool feature is to put it in 3d... there are 3d buildings like in google earth. you can even combine the 3d view with the bird's eye imagery

[Bskll]

bird's eye view is just google maps with satellite imagery and tilted a bit. not really all that fancy. Microsoft probably hired some people to fly over Toronto 100 times to get those pics.

Google street view + 3d models of building > Microsoft.

[deep]

bird's eye view is just google maps with satellite imagery and tilted a bit.
Um, no.

[heymikey]

The Bird's Eye view is pretty cool although it does look quite animated. On the other hand, Google's Street View is realistic but it can't handle pedestrianized-only zones (a vehicle mounted with cameras goes through each city to capture Google's street view).

Check out Venice (with Rialto Bridge) using Bird's Eye view (http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=rk5qmbj0v61b&style=b&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=10969011&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1)

Venice (St. Mark's Square) (http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=rk52xpj0vf26&style=b&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=10969026&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1)

[Ziggy007]

Pretty sure this is not a repost as I did a search but...

Windows Live Maps is awesome! It makes Google Maps look second class. There is a new feature called bird view and u have to see for yourself cuz its too good to describe...also it shows traffic information but I dont know how accurate that is

http://maps.live.com/

Congratulations, you have discovered Microsoft Live and their mapping suite. You are now only technologically behind the rest of the world by one year.

[go leafs]

bird's eye view is just google maps with satellite imagery and tilted a bit. not really all that fancy. Microsoft probably hired some people to fly over Toronto 100 times to get those pics.

Google street view + 3d models of building > Microsoft.

this is the company they use (they signed an exclusive deal with MS)
http://www.pictometry.com/about_us/overview.shtml

Microsoft also has 3d models... in some cities they are better than Google's (haven't checked out too many cities yet)

[CheapDude]

Live Maps shows the traffic conditions for us, hopefully google will finally add that feature too.

[go leafs]

Congratulations, you have discovered Microsoft Live and their mapping suite. You are now only technologically behind the rest of the world by one year.

3 years :razz:

[Kommander_KornFlakes]

Too bad it's only for populous places like Toronto.

As long as Toronto is included who cares about the other villages of Canada.

P.S. this "new" MS maps are at least 2 years old, I just checked out this construction project where I was at and it is not even started, the building was finished 6 months ago.


-

[cheapmeister]

As long as Toronto is included who cares about the other villages of Canada.

Oh so everywhere else in Canada is not worthwhile to look at? If that birds eye view zooms in any closer on the t-dot you would see how ugly and congested the city really is!

[Kommander_KornFlakes]

-
Okay the "Bird's Eye View" on this thing is simply awesome, better than Google's and sharper, but the best feature that goes for the win is that mini-view sight thing which tells you exactly in the map what you are looking at, Google lacks that.

Right now I'm watching the houses of the douchebags that live in Centre Island, you know, the ones that want to close down the Guvernment nightclub because its party music disturbs the crickets in their backyards :rolleyes:

[cheapmeister]

Is this thing any good at zooming in on that secret air base called area 51? How about the view of the playboy mansion? :lol: Which state is it in?

[heymikey]

Other European Cities:

London (Piccadilly Circus) (http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=skjgrzgznwm9&style=o&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=12487716&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1)

Madrid (Plaza Mayor) (http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=qr2bgbgpqytd&style=o&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=16205898&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1)

Paris (Arc de Triumph) (http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=s4c0p5h5r4md&style=o&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=42567488&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1)


.

[DaVibe]

-
Okay the "Bird's Eye View" on this thing is simply awesome, better than Google's and sharper, but the best feature that goes for the win is that mini-view sight thing which tells you exactly in the map what you are looking at, Google lacks that.

Right now I'm watching the houses of the douchebags that live in Centre Island, you know, the ones that want to close down the Guvernment nightclub because its party music disturbs the crickets in their backyards :rolleyes:

That'd be funny if it was LIVE

[Justin]

Wow, the birds eye view sure beats google..... for Saskatoon anyways.

[heymikey]

A lot of Canadian cities actually have a bird's eye view:

Calgary (http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=sh6znx5gttnw&style=o&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=28994927&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1)

Edmonton (http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=sxqnf15j840n&style=o&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=28136485&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1)

Downtown Regina (http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=sd6xcm68h8cs&style=o&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=32785847&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1) :lol:

[Evil Baby]

To use this feature, open Live Search in Windows Internet Explorer version 6 or 7.
For more information, and to download the latest version, visit the Microsoft Internet Explorer website (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/default.mspx).

F that sound.

[chen88]

bird's eye view is current in Brampton....it was taken from early summer from what i can see....

[Rembrandt100]

best feature for online maps is still streetview imo

too bad it only works for the US maps lol



ya, i've never seen it before

we talking bout the web (and not the desktop version)?



Maybe a Google Earth feature? Haven't used it in a long while...

should compare online vs online versions anyways

there was a street view for Toronto last year. the link I have for it is dead but there was a post in this forum with a link to it. It was only of the main streets. Maybe it is shut down for upgrading. or not.

Dave

[Shimso]

Wow nice. It actually has a pic of Yonge/Dundas that isn't ~5 years old :D

[Ben31]

WOW...old pics....:lol:...I took a look at the ACC bunch of construction in front?...and when was ACC built?...oh wait...the aerial view seems alright but the bird's eye view...I see construction.

[go leafs]

WOW...old pics....:lol:...I took a look at the ACC bunch of construction in front?...and when was ACC built?...oh wait...the aerial view seems alright but the bird's eye view...I see construction.

That is maple leaf square and telus building, still under construction right now

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/234/3265023138_d559577d12_b.jpg
from http://www.urbantoronto.ca/showthread.php?t=8441

[Talamasca]

Other European Cities:

London (Piccadilly Circus) (http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=skjgrzgznwm9&style=o&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=12487716&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1)

Madrid (Plaza Mayor) (http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=qr2bgbgpqytd&style=o&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=16205898&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1)

Paris (Arc de Triumph) (http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=s4c0p5h5r4md&style=o&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=42567488&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1)


.

Brings back some good travel memories. I can see the hotel I stayed at in Madrid, just a few metres from Plaza Mayor. :)

[originalnutta]

WTF, i didn't know my neighbour had a swimming pool. :mad:

[SleepyGSR]

I was a bit impressed with the clarity of the pictures. Then I accidentally clicked on 'rotate'. Wow! That's a neat feature. I can see all four sides of my house.

[flyingdutchman]

Im looking at the place where I lived in Middle East 7 years ago and it looks like the same when I was back there. Only thing is...that place has been demolished for over 3 years now...so I guess the Middle East hasnt been updated yet...also there is no bird view available there


Yes..that rotate button is pretty amazing!!

[Pavel]

If I want real detail in north americal, I use windows live. I dnt like that it only works with IE though. . I also find the driving directions more accurate with windows live. I like them both but I'm used to google earth, however I'm trying to get away from google maps.

[Kommander_KornFlakes]

-
World Maps and Global imagery are not Microsoft's forte, they should stick to software, and they should relinquish all these neat features to Goodle.

[angekfire]

Looks pretty snazzy. Ottawa in included in bird's eye too, looks like the pics are from summer though.

[Minh]

Wow, defently impressive.

[-=Wraith=-]

there was a street view for Toronto last year. the link I have for it is dead but there was a post in this forum with a link to it. It was only of the main streets. Maybe it is shut down for upgrading. or not.

Dave

ya it was toronto.virtualcity.ca or something

[Emancipated]

+1

Google > M$

360 > PS3

Seriously, you seem to rally behind any thing that is the "it" thing of the moment without any clear and justifiable motive. If MS can come along and give Google a little competition, all the better. I like that Microsoft isn't just resting on their laurels. They've largely been irrelevant in the last few years so it's good to see projects they've been working on is finally coming to light.

[M-e-X-x]

neat, but not impressed... they're using 2005 navteq maps???

come on, even mapquest is using the newest navteq maps

[slowtyper]

Holy crap. How long have this windows live map been out in its current version (very detailed birds eye view)?

I'm a total google fanboy and I love their maps but the detailed birds eye view is way way better than googles until they get street view in Canadian cities. Actually even with street view, I think I'd prefer MS's version of birdeye.

I hate saying this about MS but this is awesome.

[ethansmith]

The maps are more up to date (at least in my area) then Google's. You can see the end of the road being connected to a major artery in my neighborhood, something at was only done last summer. Google's still shows the original farm house and fields.

Cool!

--Ethan

[Stunt_101]

welcome to 2008, it has been out for the longest time, nothing new

[armandino101]

best feature for online maps is still streetview imo

too bad it only works for the US maps lol


Agree. Street view is awesome. It's available not only in US, but also Europe (except the UK), Japan, and Australia.

Btw the "Get directions" feature on Google map's works great for Vancouver's public transport. Powered by translink ;)

[molala]

haha...i did a bird eye view of my house and the pic shown was when it was still under constructions...

[DealDemon]

how come i cant click on the bird's eye view.
is not highlighted

[DealDemon]

nvm. i got it.

[rems]

this thing is pointing to the wrong house when I looked up my address

[john widow]

WOWOWOWOWOWO Im gonna have fun with this.
I can clearly make out my house and the cars as well as the neighbords.
google's map is less detailed, and takes longer to load.

[radeonboy]

haha thats nice! I can see my own home!

[wong8egg]

I see my car parked in front of my house. :D:D:D

[cmge]

very cool with rotate and birds eye view.. however it maps my place across the street from where i actually live.. :S

[Ben31]

That is maple leaf square and telus building, still under construction right now


They are constructing those buildings in front of the ACC?...won't that just make that area much more congested?...looks like I may take a stroll sometime this summer around the ACC area...:razz:. Too many buildings and/or condos in the downtown core of TO...not really liking that look...oh well.

[willyxjai]

nice find..killed 10mins of my break :lol:

[dragon_drift]

Neato.

Too bad i cant view some other countries. but this is pretty cool

[GateGuardian]

They are constructing those buildings in front of the ACC?...won't that just make that area much more congested?...looks like I may take a stroll sometime this summer around the ACC area...:razz:. Too many buildings and/or condos in the downtown core of TO...not really liking that look...oh well.

The building right next to the ACC that is under construction is something like a lounge or lobby area where people can hang out before the game starts.

[da1daonlyone]

Very nice. My area is atleast 2+ years old on google maps.

[evanx]

lol I found my car outside the house in bird's eye view.

[Kommander_KornFlakes]

google's map is less detailed, and takes longer to load.

Also we don't have to download anything with MS BirdsEye View as opposed to Google, how do they do it?

[manho]

i like the traffic thing... i'm surprised no one has mentioned it yet

[Pavel]

Probably because traffic doesn't work everywhere in Canada ;)

[nfnx]

pretty cool lol i see my car!!!

[go leafs]

They are constructing those buildings in front of the ACC?...won't that just make that area much more congested?...looks like I may take a stroll sometime this summer around the ACC area...:razz:. Too many buildings and/or condos in the downtown core of TO...not really liking that look...oh well.

that's just the NE and SE corners of York/Bremner... on the NW corner there will be a 26 storey building,
http://www.18york.com/CNTImages/1077/Picture%202.png

and on the southwest corner there will be three buildings ranging from 31 to 65 stories.


http://i455.photobucket.com/albums/qq279/fhm_225/RENDERINGS_03.jpg

[flyingdutchman]

wow...those look like amazing buildings!

When are they expected to finish completion?