Microsoft

First look at the Windows 8 Metro Map app

By Mark W. Kaelin

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First look at the Windows 8 Metro Map app

May I locate you?

May I locate you?

ntThe Metro UI in Microsoft Windows 8 is designed for tablets and smartphones, so it has some nearly obligatory apps. One of those standard apps is Maps. The Windows 8 Map app is your basic functional map application with features like location finding, street and aerial overlays, directions, and traffic reports. As you can see in this screenshot gallery, while there is nothing groundbreaking, it does work well for your basic Map app.

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ntThe first question for any mapping app is to ask permission to find where you are currently located.

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ntImages by Mark W. Kaelin for TechRepublic

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First look at the Windows 8 Metro Map app

CBS Interactive offices in Louisville, KY

CBS Interactive offices in Louisville, KY

ntIt located my current location without the benefit of a GPS .

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ntImages by Mark W. Kaelin for TechRepublic

First look at the Windows 8 Metro Map app

A closer look at CBS Interactive offices

A closer look at CBS Interactive offices

ntCBS Interactive offices of TechRepublic are located in a suburban office part, complete with a pond and water fowl.

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ntImages by Mark W. Kaelin for TechRepublic

First look at the Windows 8 Metro Map app

Some of the Map options

Some of the Map options

ntAs you would expect, there are standard features like roads view or aerial view and directions, however, there is also a dynamic traffic flow feature.

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ntImages by Mark W. Kaelin for TechRepublic

First look at the Windows 8 Metro Map app

Aerial view

Aerial view

ntThe aerial view of the CBS Interactive office building.

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ntImages by Mark W. Kaelin for TechRepublic

First look at the Windows 8 Metro Map app

Getting directions

Getting directions

ntThe thing that makes a Map app useful is its ability to give you directions from point A to point B. In this case, I am asking for directions to one of Louisville’s most noteworth restaurants, Lynn’s Paradise Cafe.

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ntImages by Mark W. Kaelin for TechRepublic

First look at the Windows 8 Metro Map app

Those directions will work

Those directions will work

ntThe directions are correct, but as a Louisville native, I would take a route with less traffic. Map apps can’t beat local knowledge just yet.

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ntImages by Mark W. Kaelin for TechRepublic

First look at the Windows 8 Metro Map app

Traffic to avoid

Traffic to avoid

ntOne of the more interesting features Map apps have acquired recently is the ability to indicate traffic problems. It is the beginning of afternoon rush hour in Louisville and the usual traffic hotspots are heating up.

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ntImages by Mark W. Kaelin for TechRepublic

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By Mark W. Kaelin
Mark W. Kaelin has been writing and editing stories about the information technology industry, software, hardware, gaming, finance, accounting, and technology geekdom for more than 30 years.