You know what is Bing Maps, but what is OpenStreetMap?
OpenStreetMap is a project (open source), for mapping the world. Enthusiasts are keeping the project alive, the map is constantly updated. The project relies on the people’s contribution. Microsoft informed that Bing Maps will display OpenStreetMap.
The main advantage of mapping project is that the map is editable. This is effective in low developed regions.
Microsoft decided to add OSM layers to its map.
What do you need to work with OSM layers?
At first place Microsoft Silverlight and a browser that support this technology. It doesn’t work good in Google Chrome (at least on the Mac), but IE8, Firefox and Safari had no problems. If the map uses Ajax controls to view Bing Maps (in place of Silverlight), then you won’t be capable to see the OpenStreetMaps layer, but Microsoft telling us that this is a thing that may make its way into the non-Silverlight version but it is not for sure.
The layers can be changed at the bottom.
How to add (OSM)OpenStreetMaps to Bing Maps? Navigate to the App Gallery, first step. Search for the new OpenStreetMaps app in the gallery. Click on it and your alternative OpenStreetMaps view should start within Bing Maps.
Clicking on the layer control you will be able to switch back to any view you want.
Microsoft is creating new features to Bing, generally on its Maps website. In June, Bing Maps introduced the possibility to browse parts of the world in 3D, and in half a year later, it demonstrated indoor panorama views and location-specific videos that are on the website within Bing’s street-side imagery.
But Bing Maps relies too much on the Microsoft technology “SliverLight. Other maps “Google” gives you the chance to use for example javascript. Why this is important? SilverLight is not allowed on mobile web browsers.
Adding OSM layer to Bing Maps is a big step to the community. Anyone can edit OpenStreetMap, this allow low covered areas to add data to them.
Thanks to the people contributing for example Haiti disaster, millions objects were added in no time. Tagging vital things like, hospitals, mailboxes, wheelchair ramps.