For those of you interested in mapping, here is a very good alternative to Google Maps.
1. Go to MS Windows Live Maps ->
http://maps.live.com/2. On the left hand side choose the link -> Maps in 3D! Install now.
Note: This will install the MS Live Maps ActiveX control to allow you to view maps in 3D.
3. Learn how to use the 3D map control.
Note: if you have trouble installing the ActiveX control, click on the Help link in the upper right hand corner and from the list of FAQs choose -> "No action when you click 3D on the view control" . Follow these instructions.
Here are the stated System Requirements from Microsoft for this 3D control:
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System requirements for Virtual Earth 3D (Beta)
Virtual Earth 3D (Beta) requires the following:
A computer that's running Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2, Microsoft Windows Server 2003, or Windows Vista
Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0
32-bit or 64-bit version of Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 or Windows Internet Explorer 7, Mozilla Firefox 1.5, or Mozilla Firefox 2.0
250 MB or more of hard disk space
A 1.0 GHz processor (2.8 GHz or faster recommended)
256 MB of system memory (1 GB recommended)
32 MB video card (256 MB recommended) that supports Microsoft DirectX 9, with 3D hardware acceleration enabled
A high speed or broadband Internet connection
Notes:
Virtual Earth 3D is currently supported in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and Australia. Check back later to see if Virtual Earth 3D has been released in your country or region.
If you have a multiple-monitor hardware configuration, we recommend that you view Virtual Earth 3D on your primary monitor to avoid possible performance issues.
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I have found this 3D control to work in many other parts of the Earth.
Cheers,
Aidan
