14 DAY TRIAL // A map style update was introduced to Bing Maps this month, and Microsoft published a PDF document designed to let customers get insight into the changes it rolled out to its mapping, location and search platform. “A Guide to Bing Maps July 2011 Map Style Update” is available for download from the software giant free of charge, and as the label implies, the resource details the evolution of the map design for the service.
According to a member of the Bing Maps team, the map style update introduced this month is focused on enhancing the quality of the content and improving user experience. Essentially, the Redmond company worked to make it easier to see the information on Bing Maps content.
“Based on many phases of usability testing we’ve made dozens of changes to improve our base road map style. The result is a new style designed to communicate more important information at a glance. We have just finished rolling out our English version of this new style, and you will see French, Flemish, German, Italian, and Spanish rolling out over the next week or so,” the Bing Maps team representative added.
Microsoft even enumerated the main aspects of the Bing Maps map style evolution:
“- Primary roadways are denoted in a more distinct color
- One way streets are more clearly marked
- Road shields are more visible
- Text labels are easier to read
- Traffic overlays are clearer and more defined
- Lots of other details to improve map readability.”
Of course, “A Guide to Bing Maps July 2011 Map Style Update” provides an extremely interesting read, and customers should turn to this resource to get additional information on the enhancements now live in Bing Maps.
The documentation offered by the Redmond company does an excellent job when it comes down to detailing the style refresh Bing Maps users will be able to see starting with this month.