GIS Development to felicitate Microsoft Virtual Earth
New Delhi, India, December 18, 2008 – Microsoft Virtual Earth will be awarded with a special honour by GIS Development on Popularizing Geospatial Content to Common Man Worldwide during the opening ceremony of Map World Forum on February 10, 2009 at Hyderabad, India. Dr. John C. Curlander, General Manager, Microsoft will accept the award on behalf of Microsoft. As a premier global geospatial media company, GIS Development recognises and honours mapping agencies, professional societies, companies, individuals and programmes for their visionary and outstanding contribution towards development and growth of geographic information tools, products, applications that in turn help in making geographic information a public commodity. These awards are presented once every two years during the biennial conference - Map World Forum. Previously in 2007, this award was conferred on Google Earth.
Microsoft Virtual Earth is a geospatial mapping platform produced by Microsoft. It allows developers to create applications that layer location-relevant data on top of the Virtual Earth map imagery. This includes imagery taken from satellite sensors, aerial cameras (including "Bird's Eye" aerial imagery taken at 45 degree angle view to show building façades and entrances) as well as 3D city models and terrain. The Virtual Earth platform also provides a comprehensive point-of-interest database and the capability to search by business, person and address. Microsoft uses the Virtual Earth platform to power its Live Search Maps platform.
Accepting the invitation for the award, Dr. Curlander said, “Microsoft is honored to have this prestigious award bestowed upon Virtual Earth for its contribution in raising awareness and popularizing the use of geospatial with the masses. Since Microsoft’s foray in geospatial during the 1990’s with MapPoint and the TerraServer-USA web site—one of the world's largest online databases providing free public access to a vast data store of maps and aerial photographs of the United States—Microsoft has steadfastly invested in web and desktop geospatial technologies to serve the general population. That commitment led to today’s Virtual Earth platform and the Live Search Maps web site it powers. We are pleased to be recognized for these efforts.”
Sanjay Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of GIS Development, the organizer of Map World Forum said, “Microsoft Virtual Earth, through its platform, has added immense value to the work flow and operations of its end users, which has led to increased effectiveness and efficiency for their clients. GIS Development, as a propagator and promoter of geospatial technologies is very pleased to see the spread of geospatial technologies to such an extent and we feel that such great efforts need to be acknowledged. I am pleased to have Dr. Curlander accept the award on behalf of Microsoft Virtual Earth and wish them my best wishes for their future endevour.”
About Map World Forum
Map World Forum is a global confluence of geospatial experts and technology users. This biennial conference is being organised by GIS Development on February 10 - 13, 2009 at Hyderabad International Convention Centre, Hyderabad, India. It is organized under the patronage of Department of Science and Technology, Government of India and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Major International Societies supporting Map World Forum include the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), Geospatial Information Technology Association (GITA), the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS), Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC), Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI) and International Cartographic Association (ICA). Map World Forum will also be promoted across the globe by the media partners Directions Media, GIM International, ASM Newsletter, Vector1 Media and GEOInformatics.
This year’s Map World Forum will include high-profile keynote remarks, guest lectures and plenary speeches addressing important issues and challenges facing the globe. The Technical programme of the Forum will include sub themes for 15 Plenary Addresses, 3 Vertical Theme Based Symposia, 8 Seminars, 4 Forums, a Summit on Navigation and Positioning technology, Technical Sessions, Panel Discussions, Technology Shows, User Meets, Social Programmes and state-of-the-art exhibition spread across an area of 3500 sq. mtrs.
www.mapworldforum.org
About Microsoft Virtual Earth
The Microsoft Virtual Earth platform is an integrated set of services that provides quality geospatial data, rich imagery, cutting-edge technology, and dependable performance that helps organizations visualize data and provide immersive end-user experiences. The Virtual Earth platform, now supported by both the Virtual Earth Map Control and the new Virtual Earth Web Services, offers new map detail, feature enhancements, and robust platform capabilities.
http://www.microsoft.com/virtualearth/
About GIS Development
GIS Development promotes and propagates the usage of Geographic Information Science, Technology
and Applications in various areas of development, worldwide and Asia in particular. It assists community
and government in developing their productivity, policies and management capabilities by facilitating
knowledge transfer in the domain of geographic information. It fosters the growing network of those
interested in geo-informatics and encourages the exchange of scientific know-how through its key
platforms: Magazines, Portal, Conferences and Training.
For media queries contact:
Megha Datta
Senior Manager - Marketing & Communications
GIS Development
Map World Forum Secretariat
A-145, Sector-63, Noida
U.P, India
Tel: +91 120 4260800 to 808
Fax: +91 120 4260823 & 824
Mobile: +91-9810009587
Email:
megha.datta@gisdevelopment.net
Websites:
http://www.GISdevelopment.net,
http://www.MapWorldForum.org