3D Geology Maps

3D Geology Maps using Virtual Earth

Geology Maps Available (US only)

Arizona Grand Canyon NP

Colorado (western half)

Utah (state level)

Washington State (state level)

http://www.3dgeomaps.com/ (3D-plugin required to view in 3D)

Future of Virtual Earth?

There is some impressive functions and new features coming to Virtual Earth very soon.

Microsoft is storing 15 PetaBytes of data that is used with Virtual Earth. (a lot)
The next VE release is April (due 10th April 2008)

• "Enhanced experiences with bird's eye view in 3D, and new bird's eye hybrid view..."
• Reverse geocoding for U.S. users.
• Walking directions for North America and European Union users.
• Traffic-based driving directions.
• New cross-browser support.
• Improved printing support for maps.

Sources:

http://www.nateirwin.net/VirtualEarth61BringsMoreFeatures.aspx

http://www.liveside.net/blogs/main/archive/2008/03/19/virtual-earth-at-mix08-with-silverlight-and-seadragon.aspx

Compatiablity with Virtual Earth + Silverlight
Virtual Earth + Silverlight + Seadragon
MS VE Silverlight 2.0 Beta SDK coming soon

New Version of Live Maps Launches

A new version of Live Maps Launches (Live Local, Virtual Earth, Microsoft)


In Summary

• Firefox support (officially supported) for 3D mapping (hooray)
• Ratings and Reviews of Business Listings and Details page enhancements (USA Only)
  
• Subscribe to a Collection via RSS.
• Area Calculations and Drawing Enhancements
• Traffic and Driving Directions Enhancements
  
• Address-Only Geocoding
• Live Search Maps for Outlook is Updated

• Twitter 3D map in Virtual Earth (see link)
  

In detail here