Microsoft has decided to have a real dig at the Google group by launching its own 3D mapping system. The unique selling point thus far – they will be taking numerous precautionary measures to ensure that they don’t fall into the data privacy trap like Google did.

Bing, which is the Microsoft search engine equivalent of Google, will feature the mapping services here. It will operate in pretty much the same way as Google Maps but Bing are doing things a little differently.

Bing’s director in the UK, Dave Coplin, had the following to say:

We’re not setting out to record every street. We believe it is most valuable in urban centres where people want to find services.

Streetside will integrate location-based services and advertisements in a slightly different way to Google and will make use of this via its 3D views.

If they mapped Lion’s Head, it would look a little something like this.

So, if you’re sitting at your favourite coffee shop, and you log on to the service, you might actually scroll over an advert for a special at a restaurant down the road and choose to have a meal there.

Learning from Google’s mistakes and the fining Google got as a result of the public data collection in France, Microsoft is understandably cautious. A spokesperson explains:

At this time Bing will not be collecting Wi-Fi data. Bing plans to consult further with regulators and privacy groups before collecting any Wi-Fi information.

When Streetside comes to Germany, Microsoft will grant residents the option of requesting that their property be blurred before the photos are published.

You could say they’re aiming at a more corporate market with this one. But, take note of what the car looks like so you can plan something like this when it comes to your city.

[Source: HuffingtonPost]