While perusing the Internet the other day I happened across an article outlining Microsoft’s dive into the mapping world and their attempt at beating out Google on simple, fast and efficient online maps. I laughed. I haven’t seen a product from MS come out in a long time that beats the awesomeness that is Google. But I may have been mistaken. Take a look at the two different images below and after the jump I’ll tell you my thoughts.
When it comes to simplicity, Google Maps has owned the arena for a while now. I search all of my directions, view all of my Philly street views and “spy” on my neighbors using their easy interface. But along comes Microsoft boasting a few features that Google doesn’t have yet.
- Simple wording at the end of directions - If you see the last step in my directions it actually tells me, “the last intersection is Lincoln Dr ,” and “if you reach Cherokee St, you’ve gone too far.” How nice is that? I know many people that would miss my turn going to my place without this simple set of directions.
- Bird’s eye view - While Google Maps provides the ability to do satellite views as well as street views, there is something nice about viewing the playing field with a Bird’s eye view. You can rotate your view, zoom in and out and easily switch between that one as well as satellite and road views.
- Not your Grandma’s traffic - While other sites offer traffic views that show the major roadways, Microsoft’s latest announcement is the ability to avoid traffic jams even off the major highways. Clearflow will calculate and create driving directions with the idea in mind that traffic is not only on the large roadways but on the small on and off ramps and side streets that people take to avoid that horrible traffic jam. This is new to the web mapping industry as far as I know and it could become immensely helpful.
While Microsoft has a long way to go to catch up to some of Google’s other services, this one is definitely one I will keep my eye on. Now if they roll out with a Blackberry application with this traffic service included and GPS support I might just be switching my preferred route planner.
