I discovered today Microsoft's version of online mapping, Live Local, which competes directly with Google Maps and here in NZ SMaps (aka Zoomin). They all use the same AJAX whizzy UI components, but there are a few things which set it apart from the rest of the crowd.

Here in NZ, we often end up at the bottom of the list for updating country specific features. Take Google Maps for example, which does not have the geocoding facilities to find anything but the main centres. This is where SMaps (Zoomin) have done a great job in taking the same mapping style, but adding the street level geocoding we need.

What I like about Local Live is that it now not only has the geocoding for NZ, but the driving directions too, which are not possible in any of the other products. It works great too and from what I've seen so far, it's pretty accurate. Of course it works slightly better in IE than in other browsers, but really (be honest!) is that really a problem for anyone? I also like how on the first page load, it knows roughly where you are in the world, so it can centre the map. Give it your IP address or use a plugin, it can locate your computer too.