How to Use Microsoft Virtual Earth

Have you ever wanted to travel the world to see places you only dreamed about? Well, you can actually do this if you know how to use Microsoft Virtual Earth. It is part of Microsoft's Windows Live services and was formerly known as Windows Live Local and Windows Live Maps. You can use Microsoft Virtual Earth to get traffic information, driving instructions, street maps, satellite imagery and area maps. You will be able to get a bird's-eye view of numerous places around the globe without ever leaving your computer. If you are ready for an adventure of a lifetime, read on to learn how to use Microsoft’s Virtual Earth in a few easy steps.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet Connection
• Microsoft Virtual Earth

Instructions

1. Open Microsoft Virtual Earth. Make sure you have an Internet connection and access your web browser. Go to one of the Microsoft websites listed in Resources below for Microsoft Virtual Earth. If you have not previously installed this application, you will be prompted to at the website.

2. Decide on your search. You have the option to search for people (by name), businesses (by category or name), locations (by partial or full addresses, neighborhood or landmark) or collections (by category or name). Click on the links provided for each.

3. Fill in the required information. You will have to type in the address, name of the person or business, specific locations or cities that you are interested in searching for. Fill in as much information that you can.

4. Get your Microsoft Virtual Earth search results. Click on the “Search Maps” button to view your findings. The area to the right will display your results.

5. Refine your search. Once you get your Microsoft Virtual Earth search results, you can either enlarge or narrow it by either zooming in or out. Click on the “Search Maps” button after you do.

6. Change the way you see things. There are several ways to view your findings on Microsoft Virtual Earth. Use the available options to change the way the map looks. You can view the maps in either 2D or 3D and Road or Aerial views. There is a “Bird's Eye” feature for many places that will take you in for greater details of the area. The traffic feature will give you updated traffic information to help you avoid traffic trouble, and the labels feature will display the names of the roads when selected. You can also use the options on the upper left side of the map to move directions, zoom in or out or to rotate the picture left or right.

Tips & Warnings

• To get step-by-step driving instructions, click on the “Get Directions” on the main Microsoft Virtual Earth map page.