Bing Maps with Silverlight
By Mike Yoder, Chief Operating Officer of Advanced Information Systems
Maps have been a staple internet application for many years. With Google Maps, Google Earth, MapQuest, Yahoo! Maps, Bing Maps and more the field is pretty mature. So when I stumbled across Microsoft’s updated Bing Maps I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. I’ve been a steadfast Google Maps user for years, but after one visit to the new Silverlight version of Bing Maps I’ve switched from Google maps to Bing maps. Here are some of my favorite features:
Map Apps – Microsoft has added a library of applications which integrate with and enhance your maps experience. Here are 5 popular apps for Bing Maps.
- FourSquare – live updates from your foursquare friends, see where your friends last checked in .
- Twitter – Live tweets from users in your area
- Traffic Land – Watch live video from traffic video cameras located in your area.
- Current Traffic – See current traffic conditions
- Destination – Create your own custom map for your business or party
Automatic Map View – switches between a traditional map layout and aerial photos as you zoom in and Birds eye view which presents photo views from different angles for better views.
Mini Map – Click in the arrow in the top right hand corner of the map to pull up a mini map. Expand that to the size you can view both a close up map and a wider zoomed out map at the same time.
Image Quality – The image quality in Bing Maps as you zoom in ever closer on aerial shots is better than I’ve seen on any of the other map sites.
The new Bing Maps utilizes Microsoft Silverlight. Microsoft’s answer to Flash. This makes the interface crisp, clean and visually fun to use. To experience the new interface you’ll need to visit www.bing.com/maps/explore, or you can simply visit the old site and clink on the link to try the new Bing maps. If you don’t already have the Silverlight client installed, you’ll need to allow the browser to download it to experience the new version.
For developers Microsoft has released a SKD and Web Services for Silverlight maps which allows developers to use SOAP calls to tap into the features of the Silverlight maps interface. This has opened the door for software development companies to develop new applications which will quickly fill up the Map apps offerings.
So next time you’re pulling up maps on the internet, check out the new Bing maps. Just make sure you have time to spare, you may find yourself spending more time playing with this new interface than you expected.
