Italy online maps getting more sophisticated
Last January I posted a video demoing how you can explore Italy from the sky using Google Maps and Microsoft’s Live Search Maps. They are both excellent tools and you’ll not be disappointed either way.
Working myself at Microsoft though, I’ve done some extra research about the recent coverage improvements of the Italian territory using our services, and here is what I discovered.
New bird’s eye views
Live Search Maps now offers bird’s eye views for 70+ Italian cities. What it means is that you can enjoy aerial views at low altitude of several important cities in Italy and at different angles too!
Check out Udine, Milan, or Padua.
Here is a current unofficial list which will grow overtime.
To try yourself, go to Live Search Maps, enter one of the cities in the list, zoom a little closer until the Bird’s Eye label in the toolbar is enabled. Then click it and enjoy!
Photosynth technology meets maps
I already blogged about this cool technology which turns photo into 3D experiences. Photosynth is still an unreleased product incubated by Microsoft Research. What excites me are the integration possibilities with online mapping services.
For example, you can start from a satellite view of Rome and drill down to the details of St. Peter’s cathedral.
This video demos exactly this scenario.
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Name: Paolo and Francesca Tosolini
Location: Bellevue, Washington, United States
Paolo was born and raised in Italy for his first 30 years. He now lives in Seattle, WA (USA) where he works for Microsoft as a New Media Business Manager.
Francesca worked as a travel agent before choosing the career of full time mom of two beautiful kids.
Through this blog, Paolo and Francesca want to share an insider view of the Italian culture, and offer useful tips and information to make your trip to Italy the most enjoyable ever.
Suggest a new topic to blog!
Email: [email protected]
Cell: (425) 985-7886.
p.s. Of course, this blog reflects only my opinions and not my employer's.
Bravi ragazzi … però sotto sotto , in segreto dai capi.. perchè Paolo .. don't you get a Mac !?
in effetti…
Thanks for posting this comment about the maps. We are heading to Ascoli Piceno for a year with our three kids and it made a big difference to see our apartment with the bird's eye view. Google maps is still fuzzy! Thank you! Charles