Virtual Earth: Seeing in a New Way

All governments have information they want to share with the public. But do citizens understand what governments are trying to say? Sending a message is pointless if the receiver doesn't comprehend it. To convey information effectively, many public agencies are turning to online maps. They're integrating data they already have with the innovative mapping features of Microsoft Virtual Earth. And the public is responding.

Much of the information that government collects and maintains is related to a location. And people know their way around a map. Presenting information through a Virtual Earth mapping application allows citizens to quickly find the information they need by viewing that data within the context of its location and surroundings. High-resolution aerial imagery and highly accurate geo-coding bring greater clarity with Virtual Earth maps, and provide a better understanding of the information provided through citizen-services Web sites. It's often simply a better way to present government data.

"It allows you to take your business intelligence data, to plot it on a map, to help you better visualize that data, to gain clarity and insight on that data," said Jerry Skaw, public sector marketing manager for Virtual Earth.

Both private- and public-sector entities have built applications using the Virtual Earth platform. Virtual Earth can be integrated with nearly any data source, providing unlimited opportunities for customization. Presenting government data through the Virtual Earth mapping platform can improve internal data sharing and provide information in a manner that makes the data more easily understood, increasing Web site traffic.

Virtual Earth provides several views for users, including 2-D maps and 3-D images. Satellite photography is complemented by high-resolution aerial imagery. Users can easily zoom in and out, and pan the maps or images in any direction. It's a highly visual and immersive Web experience.

Governments already use Virtual Earth maps in a wide variety of ways. For example, fire and police departments track incidents, personnel and vehicles. It's a great way for emergency response leaders to maintain situational awareness during an incident. "Anytime you have multiple users looking at the same data on a Virtual Earth map, it enables the sharing of data and collaboration," said Skaw.

Also, citizens can find polling places, parks and traffic information. They can learn the condition of the bridges they will cross. The number of uses for Virtual Earth grows constantly as government finds new ways to share information via maps.

Virtual Earth fits into Microsoft's Software + Services strategy, a new approach that provides government organizations maximum freedom and flexibility to meet their technology needs. "We're no longer telling you how you have to have your software delivered," Skaw said. "You can have it as a Web service model; you can have it as a desktop application; or you can have it as something that's hosted by your servers, or hosted offsite."

Developers find it easy to work with Virtual Earth's application program interfaces. The necessary tools are available online, and Virtual Earth readily integrates with an agency's own tools and data. For users, Virtual Earth delivers a powerful and intuitive gateway to the information they're looking for.

Better in Boston
Development projects around the city are easier to visualize with Virtual Earth.
The Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) manages the review process for the city's construction and development projects. Before projects are permitted, they need approval from the BRA. Being involved in land use planning, economic development and construction, the agency handles a lot of information.

In its quest to make that information available to more stakeholders in the process - including the public - the BRA recently launched a map-based Web site that gives a unique look at current and planned projects.

The site is built on Microsoft Virtual Earth. With various search