Exploring MSN Virtual Earth from an Oblique Perspective

One of the key competitive advantages of the Microsoft–Pictometry partnership, which brought imagery into the MSN Virtual Earth map portal, is the availability of oblique aerial imagery. These “off-nadir” images provide a jet-passenger perspective, revealing building facades rather than just rooftops. In some cases, they even capture details close to ground level.

This perspective is especially compelling for users who find traditional vertical aerial photography or satellite imagery disorienting. Instead of looking straight down, users see the urban environment as they would experience it in real life—standing on the street or approaching an intersection.

Take, for example, an oblique image of local shops in downtown San Francisco. The building storefronts are clearly visible, offering a strong sense of scale, orientation, and architectural context. While the specific identities of individual businesses may still be difficult to determine at current resolution levels, the surrounding environment is immediately understandable.

Is this an advantage? Absolutely. While it may not yet replace detailed street-level signage, it is far more informative than a simple stick map. The oblique view also provides visual continuity across streets and buildings, effectively “leaping” over obstacles to deliver a more intuitive spatial understanding.

A second example highlights one of the strongest benefits of oblique imagery: identity recognition. In an image of the Concorde captured on the tarmac at JFK Airport by Pictometry aircraft, the Air France logo is clearly visible on the fuselage. This not only confirms the aircraft’s operator but also provides a compelling 2.5D perspective of the iconic supersonic jet.

Herein lies the true value of oblique imagery. Being able to see logos, signage, and recognizable visual markers transforms an image from a purely geographic reference into an informational and contextual asset. Whether it is an aircraft, a corporate building, or a retail storefront, identity matters.

If future higher-resolution imagery allows storefront signs and brand logos to be read clearly—as Pictometry has suggested—this capability could become a premium feature users might even be willing to pay for.

Why Oblique Views Matter

The practical benefits become clear in everyday navigation scenarios. Imagine staying in an unfamiliar city and searching for a café—say, an Au Bon Pain—on your way out of a hotel. Traditional maps can guide you to an intersection, but oblique imagery shows you what the destination actually looks like, which building it occupies, and how it fits into the streetscape.

That visual confirmation reduces uncertainty, improves wayfinding confidence, and bridges the gap between abstract maps and real-world experience.

Conclusion

Oblique aerial imagery represents a meaningful evolution in digital mapping. By combining spatial accuracy with recognizable visual context, MSN Virtual Earth—through its integration with Pictometry—demonstrates how maps can move beyond navigation into true spatial awareness. As resolution improves, the value of identity-rich, oblique perspectives will only grow.