Comments on: EPA chooses Virtual Earth

By: Steve H

Steve H — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 13:38:34 +0000

“Before we selected Microsoft’s Web-based Virtual Earth, the EPA relied on more expensive and cumbersome desktop applications”— That almost sounds like a shot at Google Earth, but I don’t think it is. (Mickey)

I am pretty sure that this statement does not refer to GE being being a cumbersome desktop application nor is it a stab at GE. The comment is actually aimed at an entirely different software company, ESRI. ESRI’s ArcInfo was previously used and the EPA had/has a strong relationship with ESRI (who actually played a part in pairing the EPA with VE)

http://apb.directionsmag.com/archives/3354-ESRI-enables-EPAMicrosoft-Virtual-Earth-Deal.html

By: mickey

mickey — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:32:06 +0000

Joe – I agree that GE is a heavy desktop app, but VE is a rather heavy web app. Still, if you’re in a Windows-only environment, VE is probably an easier way to go. The biggest downside is that you can’t run 3D on Mac/Linux.

Steve – Also a good point about the browser. That’s a big shortcoming of GE/Gmaps – no 3D in the browser (without crazy plug-ins). VE does it out of the box.

You also make good points about support, licensing, etc. I’d be curious to know if that was a factor, and if so, how.

By: steve lombardi

steve lombardi — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 23:25:56 +0000

regardign why EPA chose to go with the VE paltform – I don’t know for sure, but as i said on my blog today (virtualearth.spaces.live.com) I suspect it might be due to having an API for 3D in a web browser. just a guess – each organization is different and considers a lot of factors when choosing their dev tools and platform – support options, licensing, languages supported, runtime environments etc…

By: joe

joe — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 22:39:39 +0000

The GIS world is gaga over Google Earth. Yes, it’s cool but most of the real world (business/government) don’t need a heavy desktop application to do simple mapping applications.

In my experience, google is not setup to do business. Tried contacting them and their people were unresponsive and didn’t know their product.

At least MS seems to have a business plan (pricing etc..).