Bing Maps Platform

Bing Maps Platform
Developer(s)	Microsoft
Initial release	2005
Stable release	6.2 / Fall 2008
Operating system	Windows
Type	Virtual globe
License	Proprietary
Website	www.microsoft.com/maps/

Bing Maps Platform (previously Microsoft Virtual Earth) is a geospatial mapping platform produced by Microsoft. It allows developers to create applications that layer location-relevant data on top of licensed map imagery. The imagery includes samples taken by satellite sensors, aerial cameras (including 45 degree oblique "bird's eye" aerial imagery licensed from Pictometry International), Streetside imagery, 3D city models and terrain.

Bing Maps Platform also provides a point-of-interest database including a search capability. Microsoft uses the Bing Maps Platform to power its Bing Maps and Azure Maps products.

Key features of the Bing Maps Platform include:

• Photo-based images with features such as Streetside and 45 degree oblique "bird’s eye" views (nominally including 4 views at 90 degree viewpoint increments) that present data in context while simplifying orientation and navigation.
• The ability to overlay standard or custom data points and layers with different themes.
• Building-level geocoding for more than 70 million addresses in the United States.
• Developer support options available.
• Set of APIs available upon which developers can build applications.

• Apple Maps – Apple's mapping service
• Bing Maps
• Esri – Esri ArcGIS
• FloodAlerts
• Google Maps – Google's mapping service
• MapQuest
• Microsoft Research Maps – public domain (older than five years) satellite imagery via Microsoft servers
• Nokia Maps – Nokia’s mapping service
• OpenStreetMap – OpenStreetMap
• Yahoo! Maps – Yahoo! Map Web Services

• Bing Maps Enterprise APIs
• Bing Maps Documentation
• Bing Maps Developer account
• Bing Maps V8 Interactive SDK
• Bing Maps Blog