Contact Microsoft to bring back the map server

[dgood71]

I found this email address on another group for a similar piece of software, apparently it's a contact at Microsoft folks are getting in touch with to petition for the return of MSRmaps/Terraserver.  Not sure how far we'll get but can't hurt to ask.  If they know the service is used maybe they'll reconsider.

dan.fay@microsoft.com

He's Director, Microsoft Research Connections Redmond

Please send an email, maybe it'll do some good.

[ScottMorris]

Can't hurt.  Thanks for the post!

[manumuskin]

Scott

I use the USA photomaps program and they use the same black and white aerials you had here and their site is still working.If you go here  http://download.cnet.com/USAPhotoMaps/3000-12940_4-10060586.html and download the program you can download all the 95 aerials you want.Perhaps you could figure out where their aerials are coming from and use them for Topofusion? they have topos somewhere on the program also but I have never used them and don't know where their located.I believe these are down though since a friend of mine uses this too and he doesn't have topos now.

[ScottMorris]

Interesting.  I will take a look at it, thanks for the note.

[ScottMorris]

Sure enough, USAPhotomaps still works for B/W aerials, which means TopoFusion almost assuredly does, too -- if you are using v4.41 or earlier.

[dgood71]

The USAPhotomaps Yahoo group was where I initially heard of the shutdown, and where I found the email address to write to.  USAPhotomaps uses ONLY the MSRmaps data, therefore if the server goes down the program is dead in the water. 

[manumuskin]

Is there anyway I can go back to 4.41? I really like the black and white aerials and if they are going to keep them open I'd like to go back to an earlier version to have them again.I do a lot of survey work where being able to see the features on the ground such as survey lines really helps and all the new imagery coming out is in color and of course taken in summer or spring when it's pretty.Pretty hides ground features thats why i prefer the black and whites taken in winter.
Al

[ScottMorris]

Email sent w/ v4.41.  I haven't tested it yet to see if topos and/or B/W aerials are working.  I am 90% sure B/W should work given that USAphotomaps still does.

[dgood71]

Email sent w/ v4.41.  I haven't tested it yet to see if topos and/or B/W aerials are working.  I am 90% sure B/W should work given that USAphotomaps still does.

I've verified both to be working in 4.41 as of this posting.

[dgood71]

I just received this email from a program manager at Microsoft , so there might still be hope for the return of MSRMaps: 


"Doug,

Thank you for your interest in MSRMaps. We have been planning for some time to discontinue the service since there are other so many other options out there. However, as a result of your mail and several others, we are investigating ways to continue the service with some disclaimers. We will keep you posted on our progress."

 
(name withheld for privacy)

Program Manager, Microsoft Research Connections

[ScottMorris]

Interesting.  Thanks for the update.  Hope they can pull something off.