Shootout: Google Earth vs. Microsoft Virtual Earth 3D

[Markbnj]

Seeing as how it is a given that Microsoft must strive to compete with Google (primarily, I guess, because they have no competition for the things that they make money off of) I was interested to check out the latest beta release of their Virtual Earth 3D extension to Windows Live Search. I'm a frequent user of Google Earth, which I consider one of the coolest applications of all time, and so I downloaded and installed VE3D. It is pretty damn impressive. Much stronger than Google Earth in some ways, weaker in others.

I decided to write up a head to head comparison, with a bunch of screenshots of the same places in both programs. You can read it here if you're interested.

Let me know what you think. If you want to check out VE3D yourself you can grab it here.

 

[ManBearPig]

how do you like northwind by NASA?

 

[Markbnj]

I've never actually looked at that one, but I see "Image courtesy of NASA" in a lot of views in Virtual Earth 3D, if that says anything. One of the strengths of VE3D is its looks. It's really striking how there is absolutely none of the tiling of sources as in Google Earth, and the map information is handled very gracefully and stylishly. But it's sort of lightweight compared to the detailed info in Google Earth, and KML and the whole community around it.

 

[tuteja1986]

after Microsoft Update on its Virtual Earth 3d , its much better than google earth.

 

[Markbnj]

Originally posted by: tuteja1986
after Microsoft Update on its Virtual Earth 3d , its much better than google earth.

I don't know if I would say that flat-out, but it certainly is very good.