I am travelling tomorrow to New Jersey to pickup a present for my sons, Steven and Nicholas.  By now, everyone knows to use MapQuest to get directions...but for my trip tomorrow, I will use something new.

Microsoft is agressively entering the mapping business with Virtual Earth.  Recently, it has undergone a name change to Windows Live - Local.  It has some great features...directions, push-pins, aerial photos, and the ability to search for companies and people and then map them quickly.  Try it out!

Up Close and Personal

A real cool feature on Windows Live Local is their new Bird's Eye View.  This view is extra close photography that let's you get real cool closeups on certain areas of the country. 

Check out this map of one of the greatest places on Earth.  Any guesses about what it is?

According to Microsoft, only about 20% of the United States is available in Bird's Eye View.  They want to have 80% available with 2 years.