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Bing Maps

Bing Maps is a web mapping service provided by Microsoft that offers detailed geographical information and tools for route planning, location search, and satellite imagery.

URL

https://www.bing.com/maps/

Description

Bing Maps is a web mapping service provided by Microsoft. It offers users access to detailed maps and driving directions, the tool serves various purposes, from helping users navigate from point A to B efficiently, to planning trips, and conducting geographical research.

The imagery includes samples taken by satellite sensors, aerial cameras (including 45 degree oblique "bird's eye" aerial imagery licensed from Pictometry International), Streetside imagery, 3D city models and terrain.

Features:

  • Supports multiple languages.

  • Photo-based images with features such as Streetside and 45 degree oblique "bird’s eye" views (nominally including 4 views at 90 degree viewpoint increments) that present data in context while simplifying orientation and navigation.

  • The ability to overlay standard or custom data points and layers with different themes.

  • Building-level geocoding for more than 70 million addresses in the United States.

  • Developer support options available.

  • Set of APIs available upon which developers can build applications.

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Bing Maps is available in the following formats:

  • Web

  • Mobile

  • Developer API

Example search results for the term Amsterdam:

Screenshot of search results for Amsterdam.

Use Cases

Bing Maps can be a valuable tool for open source researchers in various ways, such as:

  • Geolocation Verification: Verifying the location of a photo or video shared on social media to confirm the authenticity of claims made online.

  • Investigative Reporting: Tracking and mapping out relevant locations to a story, thereby providing readers with a clearer understanding of the spatial relationships and geographical details of the investigation. One issue to remember is that Bing map imagery may not be up to date see How often are Bing satellite Maps updated? for more information.

  • Historical Analysis: Comparing current maps with historical data to highlight changes over time in areas of interest, which can add depth to stories on urban development, environmental changes, or socio-economic shift.

  • Infrastructure Analysis: Analyzing satellite images and 3D maps of critical infrastructure for changes or developments that might indicate political, military, or economic events.

  • Environmental Monitoring: Monitoring changes in landscapes, forest cover, water bodies, etc., to report on environmental issues or natural disasters.

  • Gathering Geopolitical Intelligence: Mapping conflict zones, territorial control changes, or military movements using updated satellite imagery to understand geopolitical dynamics.

Cost

Developer API may incur costs depending on usage (see: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/maps/bing-maps/licensing)..

Level of difficulty

Requirements

  • Web: any modern web browser

  • Mobile: iOS and Android

  • Developer Platform: Azure account with email address and a credit card.

Limitations

  • Licensing and Cost: Bing Maps API incurs costs for extensive usage beyond the provided free usage quotas, which might not be suitable for projects with limited budgets (see: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/maps/bing-maps/licensing).

  • Data Coverage: While comprehensive, Bing Maps has less detailed mapping data in certain remote or less-populated regions compared to other services such as Google Maps.

  • Developer API Limits: There are daily rate limits on API calls, which may impact large-scale applications or services requiring high numbers of requests (see: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/maps/bing-maps/product/).

  • Update Frequency: The frequency of map updates for certain areas may not be as regular as some users require, potentially affecting the accuracy of the maps. See How often are Bing satellite Maps ? for more information.

  • Feature Set: Although Bing Maps offers a wide range of functionalities, it lacks features found in other mapping services, such as the more advanced analytical tools and detailed terrain information found in Google Earth Pro.

Ethical Considerations

When open source researchers use Bing Maps, they should consider the following ethical aspects:

  • Privacy and Anonymity: Be cautious when reporting on sensitive areas or topics. Ensure individuals' locations or movements are not disclosed without consent, especially in contexts where revealing locations could endanger lives or privacy.

  • Data Accuracy and Misrepresentation: Verify the accuracy of the information provided by Bing Maps. Misrepresenting a location, either intentionally or accidentally due to outdated or incorrect map data, can lead to misinformation and harm reputations. For more information see Google Earth, Google satellite, and Bing aerial accuracy.

  • Impartiality and Bias: Understand the limitations of Bing Maps in representing disputed territories or areas of conflict. Be aware of how the depiction of these areas might convey a particular political stance or bias, affecting the impartiality of the reportage. Examples of this can be seen in border bias and local 'safety' bias.

Guide

To effectively use Bing Maps, especially for beginners or those looking to refine their skills, the following resources are highly recommended:

Official Wiki

Tutorials and Articles

Video Tutorials

Developer Resources

  • Getting Started: Familiarize yourself with Bing Maps by exploring the official Bing Maps documentation.

  • Developing with Bing Maps: Discover how to integrate Bing Maps into your applications with developer resources.

Community and Support

Tool provider

Microsoft https://www.microsoft.com - United States

Advertising Trackers

Page maintainer

Paul - Bellingcat Volunteer Community

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