Microsoft Virtual Earth
Microsoft's Virtual Earth is a new initiative that Microsoft are heavily publicising at the moment. Many of the computer chattering classes have dismissed it as Microsoft's attempt to copy Google Maps. However, Microsoft are making a good effort at publicising the programming interface (API) for their product, and allowing it to be used for commercial purposes. The Google terms and conditions currently prohibit the use of Google Maps for commercial purposes. In contrast, Virtual Earth's terms and conditions allow commercial use in return for advertising or a subscription fee.
As for the actual user experience, both Virtual Earth and Google Maps are being actively developed and are hence moving targets. Google Maps has good clear street maps which are chunky in appearance. Virtual Earth's street maps are less chunky but have smaller writing. Both use good, clear color combinations. At the moment, Virtual Earth's zoom functionality is better looking.
Both products have satellite images of uneven quality. My impression is that Google Maps currently has a greater coverage of high-resolution imagery.
We have a couple of articles about using Virtual Earth in a Vista Gadget: 1.) Programming Virtual Earth: Using Virtual Earth in a Vista Gadget, and 2.) Programming Virtual Earth: Writing a Vista Gadget that tracks the International Space Station.
Further Reading
Although Virtual Earth is new and experiencing active development, Chandu Thota devotes a chapter of his new book (Programming MapPoint in .NET) to it. His description is clear and to the point. The books also includes chapters about the desktop version of MapPoint, the Microsoft MapPoint Web Service, and the Microsoft MapPoint Location Server.
We are now able to supply Programming MapPoint in .NET through MP2KMag.com, at a substantial saving over both the retail and Amazon prices:
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With Global Priority Mail to Europe (EU) or Australia: US$63.00