Microsoft Beats Google!
Microsoft's Virtual Earth kicks Google Maps butt in the backcountry of the Sierras. They win my warm approval for this good move!
posted by Possum @ 25.7.05
5 comments
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7.25.2005
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5 Comments:
Out of curiosity.. why?
What is it that you like about Virtual Earth more than Google?
So far, I think that I concur on a broader level with your claim here. At least functionally it is nicer in some ways, i.e. the integration of a 'local.google' with 'maps.google', better direction finding features, scratch pad.
On Google's side, I still find the simplicity of maps.google more appealing. Plus, I don't know of any possibility for mash-ups with MSN VE, which doesn't mean much at this point.
What I'm still looking for is a Streets & Trips-esk mash-up or application. Haven't found anything yet, and I don't know enough to make one myself.
Maybe so, but they are 15 years out of date on some parts of California. http://apple.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=05/07/25/1856220&tid=133&tid=109&tid=1&tid=3
I guess it's just a beta, so the interface problems are to be expected. Still, can you say "over-designed"? The zoom feature is nauseous, and I'm still trying to figure out why on earth you would want a scratch pad built into a web site? Is notepad not good enough?
I just downloaded Google Earth, and it's totally cool. While they still don't do ANY justice to the Sierra Nevadas, they do a great job with the Grand Canyon. It's as if you are there!
The scratch pad's nice b/c it keeps your searches displayed on the map, which makes it easier to compare locations spatially.
I do agree with you on the sites general obfuscation. I think that the problem with Microsoft's design philosophy is that they seem to assume everyone has a Tx line. They think everyone can run the equivalent of one of their overblown products online.
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