Yahoo Adds Much More Imagery To Maps

Yahoo has largely opted out of the mapping arms race between Microsoft and Google that has seen both invest millions in their mapping platforms. While it was the early pioneer of dynamic mapping and use of maps as a local search tool, the company decided to focus on more “practical” tools and functionality rather than features such as street-level photography or 3D modeling. However, it has continued to do interesting things with maps in a more incremental fashion. But today the Yahoo Local & Maps Blog has details on a big new infusion of aerial and satellite imagery for the US market.

Yahoo characterizes it as the “the single biggest imagery update on maps.yahoo.com since the program inception.” Images are in higher resolution and allow for “two extra zoom levels.” Much of the new photography is comparable to the “Birds Eye” aerial images earlier introduced by Microsoft.

Here’s an example shot — Washington Monument, Washington, DC:

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About The Author

Greg Sterling

Greg Sterling is a Contributing Editor to Search Engine Land, a member of the programming team for SMX events and the VP, Market Insights at Uberall.