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The team here at LBi have been working with Multimap to make improvements to the site, and start the job of integrating with Microsoft’s Live Search product. It went live yesterday, and among the improvements are:

• 45-degree angle high resolution photography - aka ‘Bird’s Eye’
• we’ve tweaked the route planner so that it displays within the main panel of the interface rather than being cramped into a ‘palette’ on the left-hand side of the screen; additionally we’ve introduced more realistic signage to help users scan long lists of instructions
• you can now find a business through Multimap - putting them in the local search market; 

I’m currently finding the Bird’s Eye view photography works a treat with the Wikipedia overlay visible - it really does allow you to explore an area, and the content from Wikipedia brings the photography to life with a bit of backstory…

And now, Multimap are providing all mapping services for UK users of the MSN portal - a move that hasn’t gone uncriticised, but ultimately one that should allow the Multimap crew the resources and technology platform to push forward the boundaries of online mapping services.

The project was fun to work on - as always it’s great to be involved with the Multimappers - and despite a few teething issues which should be worked through during the next couple of weeks, the site has taken a step forward. Things have moved a long way since we started in 2006 with a blank sheet of paper, and a challenge to the Multimap leadership to throw away their ‘classic’ approach to interface design ;)