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.