http://www.bing.com/maps/
Bing Maps is a service of Microsoft that provides people the chance to view maps of the places they are trying to find. It was launched in 2005 and has since then been updated many times to include new features. Unlike the Google Maps, this map service is not available on mobile platforms like Android and iOS.
Features of Bing Maps
The Bing Maps are extremely feature filled and offer a number of exciting options to the users to play with.
- Number of Street Views
The best feature of Bing Maps is the number of views that you get when trying to find the exact location of a street. You get to choose from a set of five views to see a street. These views are classified as bird’s eye view, aerial view, road view, street side view and 3D view.
- Directional Information
Another of the great features of Bing Maps that sets them apart from others is the wealth of directional information they offer to the users. These maps provide detailed directions to you so that you can easily find your way to your target destination. Directions are available for three different modes of travel which are driving, walking and using the transit system.
- ClearFlow
ClearFlow is a useful little feature offered by Bing Maps that lets you avoid traffic jams with ease. By providing updates of traffic to the drivers, ClearFlow can help them in knowing which roads are open for traffic and which ones are facing congestion. This smart technology is available for 72 cities of the United States at the moment.
Recently Added Features to Bing Maps
Bing Maps have been updated from time to time to add new features. The following are some of the new options that have been added to the service not so long ago.
- Augmented Reality
This is a new feature that has been added by Microsoft to the map service which utilizes real photos of famous stores and businesses located on the streets you are searching for. These pictures create the effect of augmented reality and offer you a dynamic view of all the marquee shops that are present on your destination’s route.
- Traffic Incidents
This is another one of the new features to have been added to the map service by Microsoft. It keeps you informed about the latest happenings taking place on your route, thus, keeping you prepared for any unexpected event.
Advantages You can Gain by Using Bing Maps
There are a number of advantages and benefits that can be availed through the use of Bing Maps.
- You get the chance to find the streets you have not travelled to before with ease.
- You will have a number of views to play with when trying to find the exact whereabouts of a particular street.
- You will have access to detailed information regarding the driving and walking routes of many locations in many cities of the United States.
- With these maps, you get the chance to avoid losing time in traffic jams as they offer you real time updates about the traffic conditions on the roads.