Microsoft puts the pins back

Published: 01/02/2010 | Last Revision: 01/02/2010

The pins are back in MapPoint 2010, along with a new delete-by-area feature for removing them.

Microsoft has released MapPoint 2010, an updated version of its API-enabled mapping package. New features include better control of map features, a GPS API, drag-and-drop route modification and the re-introduction, by popular demand, of nearly 300 pushpins that were removed in the 2009 version. The package operates both as a desktop app, interoperable with Microsoft Office and others, and as a mapping service for .NET applications. On the desktop the most visible change is the ability to switch a range of labels and features on and off, including town and city names, roads and rivers. Users can also drag a pre-computed route onto a different road, creating an instant diversion. Almost all of MapPoint 2006’s 336 pushpins have now been restored (in slightly enlarged format), as has backward and forward map view functionality. Data can now be imported and exported in the GPX format used by handheld GPS devices. A series of API improvements includes control of the new feature/label visibility options and GPX import/export, plus the ability to send location information to a mobile phone via Outlook. A new GPS API has been exposed, although this doesn’t yet include the ability to query the current GPS location, only the current navigation mode. MapPoint 2010 European Maps edition is available now and includes street-level maps and address data for 16 European countries including the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and Scandinavia. Limited street-level coverage (but not addresses) is provided for a further 20.