Sign in Subscribe
Microsoft Corp.

Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft Unleash Web Mapping Services

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft are joining forces to develop online mapping services, enabling users to create customized maps and embed interactive maps on their websites. This collaborative effort marks a significant shift towards "Web 2.0," characterized by seamless integration of services, facilitating innovative applications and location-based advertising revenue.

Key Takeaways:

  • In 1991, David Gelernter proposed using software to create a computer simulation of the physical world, laying the groundwork for Web mapping services.
  • Google and Yahoo have published documentation, making it easier for programmers to link Internet data to Web-based maps and satellite imagery.
  • Microsoft plans to introduce Virtual Earth, a competing service, with software that will be used by programmers to create innovative maps and applications.
  • The new services are expected to become a focal point in Internet advertising, particularly contextual advertisements tied to specific locations.
  • Companies are taking different strategic approaches to map services, with Google encouraging experimentation and Microsoft focusing on professional software developers.
  • A Silicon Valley programmer, Paul Rademacher, has created a mash-up site, housingmaps.com, using Google Maps and Craigslist data, attracting over 500,000 viewers.

Statistics:

  • Over 500,000 viewers visited housingmaps.com, a site created using Google Maps and Craigslist data.
  • The site receives over 10,000 visits per day, primarily due to word-of-mouth publicity.
  • Google's mapping software makes it possible to embed interactive maps on websites and use personal or others' data.
  • Microsoft plans to make use of satellite data, but its interface will be based on a Web browser, not separately downloaded software like Google Earth.
  • The new programming tools make mapping accessible to just about any Web page designer, unlike previous G.I.S. systems.

Sources:

  • "A Step Towards Reality" by David Gelernter (1991)
  • Google's documentation for linkable maps and satellite imagery
  • Yahoo's documentation for linkable maps and digital maps
  • Microsoft's plans for Virtual Earth and MapPoint
  • Interview with Chris Churchill, chief executive of Fathom Online
  • Interview with Tim O'Reilly, chief executive of O'Reilly Media
  • Interview with Paul Rademacher, creator of housingmaps.com
  • "Web's New Math: Geography" chart by Google and Yahoo

Read more