Bing Maps for Windows

Microsoft’s rival for global mapping

Google Earth continues to dominate as the go‑to global mapping tool, but Microsoft has put forward a capable alternative. Their mapping service (now branded Bing Maps, formerly Microsoft Virtual Earth) blends aerial imagery with local search and 3D map views as a free option for exploring locations.

Recommended choice: Bing Maps 3D (free)

Bing Maps 3D focuses on map and aerial presentation, offering a mix of satellite photos, labeled overlays and local search features. It’s not quite at Google Earth’s level of polish and depth, but it represents one of Microsoft’s stronger entries in online mapping.

Notable capabilities

• Interactive aerial and satellite imagery with smooth zooming and panning
• Overlays on photographs that include street labels, landmark names and arrows for one‑way streets
• A “what” and “where” style search form, modeled after MSN’s local search
• Floating text panes that display search results along the left side of the view
• The ability to preserve the current map view and results via a permalink (effectively saving the visible screen and context)
• A focus on map and aerial presentation rather than other content types
• Integration of local search with mapping and aerial photography in a single interface

Interface and controls

Bing Maps lets you zoom in and out of both maps and photos and drag the imagery freely across the viewing window. Search controls are straightforward: enter what you’re looking for and where, then review text results that appear in pop‑up panels. Labels are applied directly on aerial photos, so streets and notable points are visible on top of the imagery.

How it compares to Google Earth

While Bing Maps 3D doesn’t match Google Earth’s overall breadth and advanced visualization tools, it delivers a practical, easy‑to‑use map experience with decent imagery and useful search integration. For users who want quick local searches combined with aerial context, Microsoft’s offering is a solid alternative.

Recent update

• Microsoft added a Location Finder tool to the Microsoft Download Center, improving place discovery and access within the Bing Maps ecosystem.