Microsoft Virtual Earth and ESP

Microsoft Virtual Earth provides immersive imagery environments with very precise locational information,
enhanced, detailed 3D models of cities and an ability to integrate in multiple datasets to support business needs.  One of the most significant benefits of this technology over Google Earth is its metric accuracy, along all three geospatial axes (X, Y, and Z – meaning that it includes accurate height calculation and navigation). Another
advantage is the lightness of its 3D client; it does not require major client software to be downloaded to a computer.  The main system is 100% web based.  But it delivers its content via technologies that make it look like a full featured thick client application is being used.

The next technology I believe is critically  mportant to be fluent on is Microsoft ESP.   This is a simulation platform that descended from their old Flight Simulator.  It can still be used for consumer gaming, but it has advanced in quality so much that it can also be used for military mission rehearsal and many other real world simulations.   The platform is being opened up with an open SDK so other developers and programmers can built models that will run in this environment.   There are links between ESP and Microsoft Virtual Earth, but the two are NOT integrated yet.  Expect this to be done in future releases.   Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and SAIC are preparing to use ESP for simulations and mission planning capabilities.  Just a few years ago it took millions of dollars and very high end computers to be able to build immersive training/simulation environments like this. The world has changed once again.