UK Site Yell.com Gives Google Maps A Run For Its Money

Bing Maps recently introduced “Street Side” photography in the US, to match Google’s Street View. But Bing Street Side doesn’t yet exist in Europe. However, Amsterdam-based directory publisher De Telefoongids offers street-level photography (with store interiors) and in France Pages Jaunes has had store-front photography for many years.

Now in the UK directory publisher Yell has introduced aerial 3D photography and street-level imagery (called “Streetcam”). Right now it exists in four UK cities: London, Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds. Here are some screen shots:

Each directory listing includes a link to take users directly to aerial 3D images and the street-level view of the business:

With Streetcam, users can “walk down the street” just as you do on Google Maps Street View by double-clicking the cursor. And in some ways it’s easier to navigate than Street View.

Overall it’s an impressive, very user-friendly experience.