Flash Earth is web front end that allows users to seamlessly navigate the earth using map data from multiple providers. Although Google’s maps provide the most detail (I was able to evaluate several potential honeymoon resorts based on their proximity to “civilizationâ€), data is also available from Microsoft, Yahoo, Ask.com, OpenLayers and NASA Terra.
Flash Earth’s interface is simple and seamless. Zooming is accomplished with the mouse wheel or an on-screen slider, while panning uses the click-and-drag interface. A search bar in the lower right corner of the screen provides adequate searches for nations and major cities, along with latitude/longitude coordinates and the ability to save URL’s for exact locations.
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Two features make this web application a winner
- No external client is required to use all of Flash Earth’s features. All you need is a Flash-equipped web browser (I was able to run the application successfully on Firefox 1.5, FireFox 2, and Internet Explorer 6 and Internet Explorer 7
- Maps fill the whole browser window. No more navigating tiny and awkward frames – combined with the smooth zooming effect, Flash Maps handles like a regular desktop application.
What’s missing? A labeled version of the Google Map data would be welcome (the Microsoft map data comes with labels, but as mentioned earlier does not provide as much detail). Other than that, no complaints.
Rating: 8/10
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