It’s Condolicious … !

For many years, Google Maps has been my go-to mapping destination.  It loaded quickly, had an easy to remember URL, user-friendly interface, and it gave me the results I was looking for.  All the other major players including Yahoo!, Microsoft and MapQuest were basically playing catch-up with Google.  I even used the Google Map API to mark For Sale listings on the map before the concept went mainstream in the Toronto market.  Although Google Maps wasn’t perfect, it did many things right.  It seemed like the site had gradually engraved into my subconscious so it was going to be challenging to pull me away from their service.

A year or so ago, Yahoo! launched a nifty upgrade to their mapping service.  The application and maps were aesthetically better and built using Flash.  However, the first time I used it has been my last so far.  Basically, it couldn’t locate my home address – a very simple request.  Nothing earth shattering but it just goes to show that you should not launch your service when it’s not ready!  Small mistakes will lead potential visitors to your competition.

Lately, I’ve been migrating to Microsoft Virtual Earth.  The URL (http://maps.live.ca) is somewhat hard to get use to but it definitely offers some benefits.  I enjoy using the Collections Stratchpad when planning my home showing route.  Also, a major one for me is updated map imagery.  It seems Google has relaxed on its throne for too long.  Users have sent requests stating that location ABC has the wrong image or location DEF images are outdated, but Google is slow to respond.

Below is an example of how outdated some of Google’s imagery is:

Google Maps: Infinity (30 Grand Trunk Cres.)

Do you recognize this area?  It’s York & Bremner.   Amenities include ACC, Union Station, Rogers Centre, CN Tower, and the lake to name a few.  Considering there are cranes up, I guestimate this image was taken in mid-2005.

Now here is Microsoft’s image:

Microsoft Virtual Earth: Infinity (30 Grand Trunk Cres.)

Both towers are complete!  Of course, two issues with this image.  There should be a parking lot to the immediate right of the building and, to the east of York Street, the Residences of Maple Leaf Square tower should be under construction.  Those sections of the image need some updating but definitely a big improvement over Google’s one.  Obviously this is a terrible sample size but I conducted several comparisons and overall Microsoft had newer imagery.  On top of that, Virtual Earth has a Bird’s Eye view feature with provides very good street-level detail of Toronto.  The Bird’s Eye view is taken at a 45 degree angle from four directions north, east, south and west.  The images are high-quality making it an excellent vehicle for potential home buyers to browse the neighbourhood.

Here’s a Bird’s eye view of The Residences of Maple Leaf Square (mentioned above):

Microsoft Virtual Earth: Bird's Eye View of Residences of Maple Leaf Square

If you have been in the area recently, you can tell that this image is very new.  Microsoft mapping division has done a good job so far and I’m happy to see that.  It’s made my real estate life easier!

Not to be outdone though, Google does have a “Street View” feature that has launched in selected cities.  Toronto is not one of them yet but there have been sightings of a Google Van with their large panoramic camera driving around the city.  Once Street View is available in Toronto, Google can rest on their throne again.