MSN Virtual Earth – A brief look at MSN Virtual Earth services

MSN Virtual Earth looks to Compete with Google Earth

MSN Virtual Earth is a tool that has been developed by Microsoft in response to the word-of-mouth that has surrounded a similar software product produced by Internet technology juggernaut Google. Although MSN Virtual Earth doesn’t offer the same type of worldwide 3-D satellite imagery that the Google Earth service provides, it more than makes up for it in other ways.

MSN Virtual Earth Features

MSN Virtual Earth is still currently under development so the version you download for free now will only be a beta version. Even though the MSN Virtual Earth service has not yet been completed, it is already proving to be an invaluable tool for Web enthusiasts looking to plan their next trip or simply get directions to the nearest ATM in their area. Some of the many features associated with MSN Virtual Earth include:

• Although MSN Virtual Earth will eventually provide detailed information from around the globe, as of now, it functions more like a virtual map of the United States. As such, the MSN Virtual Earth software provides users with street-level (first person) maps of the United States along with points-of-interest information related to specific areas.
• MSN Virtual Earth allows users to zoom in on certain areas as well as pan to view 360 degrees of a given area.
• View a detailed list of compiled images relevant to various areas located throughout the United States allowing you to take a scenic drive through your favorite neighborhood.
• Working in combination with the powerful MSN search engine, the MSN Virtual Earth software service will eventually provide local search results for any location on the planet. (This type of service is already available through the Google Earth product.)

The MSN Virtual Earth software is expected to be incredibly detailed once complete, making it capable of competing with the Google Earth product as the default satellite imaging service providing detailed location information in addition to directions for Internet users across the globe.

MSN Virtual Earth vs. Google Earth

Google was the first to launch a beta version of this type of satellite imaging software and it has met with very positive results from the Internet community.  Services like MapQuest were the only products used for online directional services, but Google Earth and MSN Virtual Earth offer a more well-rounded service than simply providing directions. View detailed images of the area where you will be traveling, learn from points-of-interest notes about certain features associated with the area you will be traveling, and even get a practice run of the journey by taking a virtual trip based on the directions the service is suggesting you take.

With great services such as MSN Virtual Earth and Google Earth, you will be hard pressed to ever get lost behind the wheel again.