Microsoft Launches Photorealistic 3D Map Service

Microsoft has unveiled an online three-dimensional mapping function that provides detailed views of major US cities in a challenge to Internet maps offered by rival Google. Microsoft’s Virtual Earth 3D map service is built into its Live Search page at http://live.com and provides bird’s eye three-dimensional model perspectives of locations.

The software giant said it used new technology to compile photographs of cities and terrain into "textured, photorealistic three-dimensional models with engineering level accuracy."

CDRInfo - Microsoft Targets Google With New Online ‘3-D’ City Maps

The company said its software is superior to Google Earth, a competing 3-D map technology, because Virtual Earth 3D displays realistic images of buildings instead of gray boxes. Microsoft’s maps can also be accessed through a Web browser and does not require a separate application.

Microsoft said it will offer advertisers the ability to display ads within the maps with virtual billboards above buildings or on the side of roads. The company also said it expects developers to pay fees to use the maps.

Reuters - Microsoft launches 3-D maps for Web search