MultiMap is moving to Bing

Check our Frequently Asked Questions section below

General Questions

• How will Multimap users benefit from the full migration?

• Designed with you in mind, Bing Maps is a more visual experience that makes your location based tasks easier. You’ll still benefit from your favourite Multimap features, but will also have access to Bing’s wider search capabilities, such as video, news, and shopping search. With Bing Maps’ wider information and tools, you’ll find exploring, discovering and deciding with Bing much easier.

• When does the migration begin and what will it mean for Multimap users?

• We have been migrating Multimap users gradually and have closely monitored your feedback. The migration process will continue throughout 2010, so if you access Multimap directly through your favourites or by visiting multimap.com via search engines or third party sites, you may be directed to Bing Maps.

• What tools are there for Multimap users to learn more about the migration?

• We will be notifying Multimap users via a range of channels including advertisements and direct mail newsletters about the change. To prepare people for the move we have set up user guides, tutorial videos and also have our customer care team on hand to help with any user queries.

• What improvements have you made to Bing Maps based on Multimap user feedback?

• We have made a number of improvements to Bing Maps based on your feedback, which include:

  i. Improved overall map data and imagery. Refreshed roads and a clearer map style (e.g. motorway junctions), plus new satellite imagery (Bird’s Eye and Aerial)

  ii. Updated UK coverage of the popular Ordnance Survey map style

  iii. More exposed, up-to-date restaurant and hotel information. Plus one click booking with Toptable and Booking.com

  iv. Flexible route planning, enabling users to avoid motorways, drag routes and save destination history

  v. Clear feature navigation and online help. FAQs and tutorial to guide users through the most popular features

• What is the future of Multimap?

• The goal is to merge the benefits of our two mapping services, Multimap and Bing Maps. By fully integrating the two, we will provide one increasingly advanced mapping service via Bing.com. We continue to work closely with our valued audience to gain feedback on design and features as we evolve Bing Maps.

• Why are things changing?

• Microsoft is constantly looking for ways to improve or create new user experiences across all our online properties. Multimap users will benefit from existing functionality but also enjoy an evolved experience that incorporates Bing’s wider search features and capabilities. We are continuously evolving Bing Maps and are excited about its potential to take mapping to the next level.

My Places

• What can I do with my saved Multimap places?

• You can use the MyPlaces feature to save and store your favourite places. You can save a location by clicking ‘Save’ in the result box after your search, and with a Windows LiveID you can store and manage all your locations into groups. You can access your MyPlaces groups via the star icon in the bottom left, which also allows you to show numerous saved locations on the same map (share them with the envelope icon).

  If you’d like a list of your current stored MyMultimap saved places, we can email you with a file upon request. Just email multimap@microsoft.com with the subject ‘MyMultimap’ and your login email and username.

• Can I use the Ordnance Survey map style?

• Yes, we’ve also refreshed the OS maps with more recent coverage. You can access all our map styles by using the map style selector (entitled ‘Road’) in the bar above the map. The OS style will appear highlighted if available at your zoom level, if it’s greyed out just zoom out until it becomes clickable.

• Where has the country search drop-down list gone?

• In Bing Maps we’ve removed the need for you to select the country each time you search. Therefore just search within the main search box for any location in the world, although if the place name is ambiguous it helps to include the country code also, I.E 'Birmingham, US’. In addition, the main search box can now also be used for search businesses such as ‘Argos Birmingham’.

• Can I set the location of my starting map each time?

• Yes. Although we often use your IP address location to determine where you are based, you can set your starting map location by clicking on the ‘preferences’ link in the top right hand corner. You can then specify your preferred location within the ‘Current Location’ box (hint: state both the town or city and country code for accuracy) and click Save.

Multimap Tools

• Will you still be supporting the Outlook mapping Add-in?

• Thank you to all the users who supported and downloaded this tool, however we are no longer going to be supporting or providing further updates for this tool. Existing users will be able to continue using the tool but it will no longer be available to download.

  If mapping your emails and appointments has become second nature to you, why not check out the latest version of Microsoft Office 2010, which includes mapping features powered by Bing as standard.

• What is happening with the IE8 Accelerator?

• This tool is going to be removed with immediate effect. Check out the Bing Maps accelerator here so you can continue using the great mapping features of IE.

• Can I still use the Toolbar Buttons?

• All of the Multimap toolbar buttons will continue to work throughout the migration process, and will seamlessly switch over mapping & directions provided by Bing Maps. This allows you to continue using the great features of these add-ins with little or no disruption to your service.