Windows Maps


Windows Maps, and its predecessor Maps, are web mapping client software for the Bing Maps service. The Maps app is included with Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, while Windows Maps is included with Windows 10 and is available for Xbox One.

Features

The mapping service was made by Microsoft and HERE maps. Its features include viewing classic style maps with roads and street names, and viewing cities in "3D". Bing Maps features are available, including viewing Streetside panoramas of roads. Users can synchronise favourites and directions with a Microsoft account. The Maps app can be downloaded and used offline. It is possible to submit updates to the Maps. app
The Maps app is a Metro-style app while Windows Maps is a Universal Windows Platform app.

History

The Maps app is based on existing Microsoft technologies such as Microsoft MapPoint and TerraServer that are already used in Bing Maps. It was first implemented on Windows Phone 7.5 and was updated with new features in Windows Phone 8.1 where the Maps app took on a Purple paper map-looking logo and had features like the Windows 10 Mobile. Windows Maps then changed the layout of the Maps app, including the logo. Since coming out of preview, there has been three different layout changes, including the introduction of tabs, the ability for users to sketch using ink, a switch for choosing between a light and dark interface for the app shell, and a switch for choosing between a light and dark map.
After HERE Maps announced it was discontinuing its Windows 10 Mobile app, Windows Maps announced support for migrating up to 300 favorites from HERE Maps to Windows Maps.

Coverage

In July 2010, Microsoft and DigitalGlobe, a provider of high-resolution earth imagery, announced the collection of the first imagery from the company's Advanced Ortho Aerial Program. Through a special agreement with Microsoft, the Advanced Ortho Aerial Program will provide wall-to-wall 30 cm aerial coverage of the contiguous United States and Western Europe that DigitalGlobe has the exclusive rights to distribute beyond Bing Maps. The program's first orthophoto mosaics are of Augusta, GA, San Diego, CA and Tampa, FL, and can be viewed on DigitalGlobe's website.

Americas

Africa

Europe

Asia and Oceania

Middle East