A reminder from ESRI points out that the First annual Dev Summit is only 17 days away. Normally I would blast off to such an event but this year I’ve opted to hang out at home on March 17th for a change so I can celebrate my kids birthdays – ya that’s right.. 2 of them have St. Patrick’s Day birthdays on the 17th – as a result, a ski trip is on the horizon instead of the usual requisite March trip to an event (March is always the start of a busy travel season!). Speakers lined up to keynote the event include ESRI’s Scott Morehouse (ESRI Director of Research and Development), as well as reps from IBM and Microsoft. More info can be found at http://www.esri.com/events/devsummit/index.html
Archives for February 28, 2006
More on Microsoft Windows Live Local Technology Preview
Today, via the Internet, Windows Live Local is offering up a limited Technical Preview of ‘street-side’ a new feature that Microsoft is building for its Windows Live Local consumer local search and mapping site. Street-side provides three new street-level vantage points for Windows Live Local users wanting a sneak preview of desired destinations, and surrounding visual cues on how to get there. I just spent some time driving around Seattle and San Francisco using the technology. The 3 different viewer perspectives are quite cool, similar in concept to what you see at A9 if you’ve ever walked the streets using their fine mapping app. I wasn’t too big on the Race Car concept, although I’m sure some will find it quite cool! Walking the streets to get a feel for an area is very interesting and the imagery definitely make it simple and fun. you can see more from my tour at http://www.gisuser.com/content/view/8274/28/ or try the technology for yourself at http://preview.local.live.com. Of note, those interesting in hacking the service to create a mashup can forget about it… that’s not a supported feature at this time!
Windows Live Local consumer local search and mapping to expand with street-side – new functionality
Later Today Windows Live Local will preview some new functionality — the company will be showing yours truly (and others) a Technical Preview of ‘street-side’, a new feature Microsoft is building for its Windows Live Local consumer local search and mapping site. As its name implies, street-side provides three new street-level vantage points for Windows Live Local users wanting a sneak preview of desired destinations, and surrounding visual cues on how to get there. Some features:
– Street-side imagery will be available in a split screen navigation window. In the upper navigation pane, Windows Live Local users can view street-level imagery of their destinations. In the lower navigation pane, Windows Live Local users can switch between three navigation vehicles – race car, sports car, and walk-by… cool!
– The preview will focus on 2 cities – Seattle and San Francisco.
Stay tuned. More info available later today at local.live.com
ASK adds maps but you’ll likely ASK yourself why here and not at Google?
As if there isn’t already enough choices for online maps and directions, ASK.com (you know – that search portal that used to have that annoying Butler named Jeeves) has ditched Jeeves and has “relaunched” with a number of new features, including maps. Users can search by address and view a Street, aerial, or mixed view. The resulting images from GlobeXplorer and Navteq are very reminiscent of what you’d get from a search at Google Maps, including the balloon and information panel to go with it (ASK uses a sign instead of a balloon). Visiting http://www.ask.com results in a simple “searchenginish” looking doorway offering options of news, images, maps, shopping, yadayada. You can use ASK to search for “stuff” by I would have to ASK.. why would you use this instead of Google??
ASK adds maps but you’ll likely ASK yourself why here and not at Google?
As if there isn’t already enough choices for online maps and directions, ASK.com (you know – that search portal that used to have that annoying Butler named Jeeves) has ditched Jeeves and has “relaunched” with a number of new features, including maps. Users can search by address and view a Street, aerial, or mixed view. The resulting images from GlobeXplorer and Navteq are very reminiscent of what you’d get from a search at Google Maps, including the balloon and information panel to go with it (ASK uses a sign instead of a balloon). Visiting http://www.ask.com results in a simple “searchenginish” looking doorway offering options of news, images, maps, shopping, yadayada. You can use ASK to search for “stuff” by I would have to ASK.. why would you use this instead of Google??