To avoid losing ground to Google Earth, Microsoft has already developed a similar solution.
Bill Gates himself has announced that starting from this summer MSN will offer its users a new service, called MSN Virtual Earth.
Just like Google Earth, MSN Virtual Earth wants to combine maps and satellite images with search results, allowing users to explore a certain region up to the smallest detail.
Initially, both Google Earth
and MSN Virtual Earth will be available only for American users and there is no date for a possible expansion of the service.
Unlike Google Earth, MSN Virtual Earth touts the possibility of visualizing a certain area under a 45 degree angle, which means that on the images offered by the service, building and other constructions will be easier to recognize.
This viewing mode, also known as eagle eye view, is the result of the partnership between Microsoft and Pictometry. Google Earth is also the result of the acquisition of Keyhole and while MSN Virtual Earth will offer free access, Google will initially launch the service only for Keyhole subscribers.
MSN Virtual Earth will work on Terra Server and will employ the Asynchronous JavaScript + XML technology, which means users won’t have to download supplementary software, like Keyhole.
Searchenginewatch.com already posted a series of impressive photos related to MSN Virtual Earth.
It seems that Amazon.com is also preparing a similar service for its A9 search engine.
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