Aerial Photographs from Bing

[SignalHillHiker]

I assume most of you are, like me, Google users. However, one thing I like about Bing (I'm sure it probably exists on Google too; I've not looked) is the Bird's Eye View option on its map program.

It provides aerial pictures as opposed to top-down satellite images or street views.

Here are a couple of screen captures for St. John's, for example:





If you haven't checked it out for your city, give it a shot! Don't forget to use the directional arrows to change your views. Bing has aerial photographs of most streets from four or more different angles.

[patm]

People actually use Bing?

[Dylan Leblanc]

sure, if only for their Birds Eye Views!

[jeremy_haak]

I know Google Maps also has the birds eye view in a few places, but not with the same coverage of Bing.

[patm]

Originally Posted by Dylan Leblanc

sure, if only for their Birds Eye Views!

Im not going to lie, they are pretty neat.

[Mister F]

Originally Posted by SignalHillHiker

I assume most of you are, like me, Google users. However, one thing I like about Bing (I'm sure it probably exists on Google too; I've not looked) is the Bird's Eye View option on its map program.

It provides aerial pictures as opposed to top-down satellite images or street views.

Here are a couple of screen captures for St. John's, for example:



If you haven't checked it out for your city, give it a shot! Don't forget to use the directional arrows to change your views. Bing has aerial photographs of most streets from four or more different angles.

I've never been to St. John's but I do recognize that cathedral as one of the city's best known landmarks. But I had no idea it had those hideous parking lots out front. The token green strip in between them is just sad. That spot would make a great park or square.

[SignalHillHiker]

Originally Posted by Mister F

I've never been to St. John's but I do recognize that cathedral as one of the city's best known landmarks. But I had no idea it had those hideous parking lots out front. The token green strip in between them is just sad. That spot would make a great park or square.

I like that idea! St. John's doesn't really have a proper public square so it would make a nice addition.

The token green strip is small but it does play one critical role. It ensures dead on views of the Basilica from the front look pretty. This is a screen shot from Google street view and, of course, I've cropped it severely to remove the parking lot so you can see what I mean:

[Mister F]

Originally Posted by SignalHillHiker

The token green strip is small but it does play one critical role. It ensures dead on views of the Basilica from the front look pretty.

Yeah, that's why I called it token. It's good for photos but does nothing for the front of the church as an urban space. A square might not work since it's on a hill, but an approach like the cathedral in Guelph would be way better.

[SignalHillHiker]

Originally Posted by Mister F

Yeah, that's why I called it token. It's good for photos but does nothing for the front of the church as an urban space. A square might not work since it's on a hill, but an approach like the cathedral in Guelph would be way better.

I had to Google it - the Church of Our Lady Immaculate? If so, I couldn't find a good photo of the landscaping but it seems to be terraced parkland. It looks great to me; definitely better than a parking lot.

[Rico Rommheim]

Hi all, so how does one post images from bing maps on here?

[SignalHillHiker]

You can download a screen capturing program such as ScreenHunter, but what I do is press the Print Screen button, which copies an image of my screen to the clipboard, and then paste it in Paint. I trim away what I don't want to save, then save what's left as a JPG.

[chrisallard5454]

Originally Posted by Mister F

Yeah, that's why I called it token. It's good for photos but does nothing for the front of the church as an urban space. A square might not work since it's on a hill, but an approach like the cathedral in Guelph would be way better.

Like this?

My own photo; Lived in Guelph for 8 months.

[chrisallard5454]

Our Lady Immaculate has a grand staircase leading up to it, with parkland surrounding the Church, Convent, and the New Museum that used to be a Convent (is that what they're called?). It is a gorgeous area. And definitely a key focal point. In fact the city has laws in place that prevent any building from being built higher than the church, so the focal point shall always remain.

[SignalHillHiker]

^ Exactly like that. Gorgeous! Yes, that would look great for us. Better than a sloppy parking lot, certainly.

I also like that it shots proper respect to the house of worship as well.