Reading Roars!

You’ve seen Google Maps (probably), now check out a cooler mapping service from the past Kings of Cool, Microsoft: Windows Live Local Search.

Live Local offers aerial images of the UK in stunning clarity. Like Google, you can zoom in and out, and see your chosen location in road, aerial or hybrid (an aerial pic with road names superimposed) views. But I immediately preferred Live for its sharper, more detailed imagery (and why not - we are all Big Brothers now, aren’t we?). Reading looks absolutely super.

You can also obtain driving directions. As a test, I used Kendrick Road as my starting point (that is, Kendrick Road, Reading, as I was then asked whether I meant Kendrick, Idaho instead) and Tilehurst Station was my destination. After hitting the Get directions button, a blue line appeared on the map, indicating the route, with certain reference points clearly marked. Estimated time: 14 minutes (a little optimistic, perhaps). You can then email, print or even reverse the directions.

Live Local can additionally be used to locate businesses. Let’s take taxi services as an example, as I griped about them recently and no one has come forward recommending a reputable firm to me. I asked Live Local where my nearest were located by inputting “taxi” and my postcode in the search boxes.

The results came up quickly: a list of 10 local taxi companies with addresses, phone numbers and distance to my postcode. But better still, I could actually see them marked on an aerial image of my local area, right up close. Very useful!

Live Local’s most exciting feature, Bird’s Eye View, is unfortunately not available for Reading - yet. In short, Bird’s Eye View displays a 45-degree view of a town, so that you can see the sides of buildings (it beats Google Earth for depth). I will let you know when Reading is included, adding an extra dimension to your experience!