The VE3D javascript makes possible a much more game-like approach to 3D environments than current virtual globes. (But refreshing data without writing code is another matter. An initial perusal of the code suggests that it is much easier to control the user’s view in VE3D than in Google Earth via the COM API or AppleScript. One unified Javascript API for both 2D and 3D maps: This is really neat you can always rely on Microsoft to cater to developers, making it as easy as possible for them with a view to having them adopt a Microsoft technology this in turn is meant to spur end-user adoption.And XBox controllers are cheaper than PSPs. XBox controller: Given that last week somebody programmed a PSP to control NASA World Wind, this is no longer as cool as it should have been, but still, it’s a nice touch.Look up above the horizon! Move up and down in addition to zooming in and out! Pan and rotate! Keyboard controls: VE3D has more keyboard controls.The ability to save a place and a view to a simple URL is a winner due to its conceptual clarity - and it can only help bring users to the application. You can of course bookmark a spot in Tagzania, which will make a KML file for you on the fly, but you still can’t save views. Google Maps lets you create s, Second Life lets you create s, but Google Earth doesn’t. Why is that better than making a placemark in Google Earth, adding a snapshot view, and sending or saving that? Because with Google Earth you still first have to download a KML file to your desktop, where it will sit superfluously until you trash it. s for places and views: In VE3D you can any view as a URL and then send it, save it, or bookmark it.(The Matterhorn is missing in Google Earth). ) Mountains in VE3D seem to benefit from a more detailed height mesh than Google Earth currently sports. The Matterhorn test: It’s there by default in VE3D! (VE3D.That’s nevertheless a good showing for a first iteration of a virtual globe. The skinny: it’s better in some regards than Google Earth, and worse in more important ways. I’ve now had some time to explore Microsoft’s new 3D version of Live Local, Virtual Earth 3D (VE3D), a browser plugin for Internet Explorer 6/7 in XP/Vista.
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