In October 2012, I was sent on a mission to get coverage for Korea in Bing Maps. And, let me tell you…it was not easy. When I started my mission, our maps looked a little something like this:
Having been to Seoul several times over the last few years, I can assure you there are more than the eight roads you see above. As such, I set out to find the best quality map data available and chose to partner with SK Planet as our maps provider. South Korea is a complex market with specific rules around the use of map data, so we had to get really creative in our implementation.
Over the last 18 months, we’ve slowly been deploying multiple facets of our Korean maps experience, but now I’m proud (and so excited!!!) to finally announce that our Korean map services integration into Bing Maps is complete.
While South Korea is a complex market with complex rules around the use of map data, we’ve implemented all of our map styles across Bing Maps to represent this rich, beautiful new data including road, hybrid aerial and high contrast. You’ll find these maps on both Bing Maps (.com), the Bing Maps app for Windows and the Bing Maps Preview (3D) app for Windows.
As you can see, Bing Maps today is significantly improved.
We’ve implemented all of our map styles across Bing Maps to represent this rich, beautiful new data including road, hybrid aerial and high contrast. You’ll find these maps on both Bing Maps (.com), the Bing Maps app for Windows and the Bing Maps Preview (3D) app for Windows.
And, we’ve integrated a full stack of services for our users, including address geocoding (both new and old address formats), business search, as well as directions and traffic. Notice the high level of detail within the maps. You can see just about every amenity within Korea including building footprints, landmarks on the map and even soccer fields!
And, having been the former Bing Maps Technical Evangelist, I have to keep my developer peeps in mind, so these beautiful Korean maps are available via the Bing Maps SDK in the v7 map control. If you’re using the v7 map control, you’re already using our Korean Maps.
It’s been quite the fun adventure getting this to market, so I hope you find it useful. We look forward to hearing your feedback!
Chris Pendleton
Principal Program Manager Lead
Bing Maps