Microsoft wants to map the world

Called SenseWeb, the big idea is that people will be able to look at online maps for information about local petrol prices, traffic flows, and restaurant waiting times, as well as find their way to the place they are going.

According to the Volesearcher working on the project, the system merges the collected data into Windows Live Local, Vole's online mapping platform.

The data is collected by people or automated sensor equipment and correlated on a searchable map.

If you are driving into town the map can show you where there is a parking building with a spare park, or a movie theatre which is not sold out, for example.

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