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India recently got its own version of Google Earth, courtesy Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Called Bhuvan, the Desi version of Google Earth goes a step ahead. The mapping application allows users to zoom far closer than the aerial view from a chopper.
Though dubbed as a Google Earth killer by many analysts, the application does have a few disappointments. Here’s looking into all that is missing in Bhuvan.
1.
While Google Earth works on a downloadable client, Bhuvan works within the browser (only supports Windows and IE 6 and above). Unlike Google Earth which is a desktop app, Bhuvan runs using a browser plug-in.
Users need to create an account and download a plug-in.
2.
The site was inaccessible for the better part of the last weekend (it was launched on 13th August) and even now, it gives up or hangs the browser every once in a while. When a layer (state, district, taluk, etc.) is turned on, it renders unevenly and sometimes fails to render at all. The navigation panel failed to load routinely and it felt like a rare sighting when we could actually use the panel.
3.
But these are relatively minor quibbles compared with the biggest disappointment. The promise of high resolution images has not been kept. While the service promises zoom upto 10 metres from the ground level (this is contrasted with apparently 200 metres for Google Earth), we didn’t encounter a single image with nearly as much detailing.
In fact, comparative results for a marquee location such as New Delhi’s Connaught Place, shows why we won’t be uninstalling out Google Earth software anytime soon.
4.
The navigation tools are similar to Google Earth. The search doesn’t work if a query returns multiple results. A pop up window is supposed to give the multiple results from which the user is supposed to be able to choose. During two days of sporadic testing, we found the result only once. The rest of the time, the window would pop up, but nothing would be displayed. When the search is accurate, the software ‘flies in’ to the exact location, the same way as Google Earth.
5.
Bhuvan packs a lot of data on weather, waterbodies and population details of various administrative units. We were unable to access weather data. On clicking the icon of administrative units, one could see basic information such as the population. For specialist users, Bhuvan might hold some attraction.
For instance, there is a drought map which can be used to compare drought situation across years and there is a flood map that shows Bihar during the Kosi flood and after. With Isro backing, Bhuvan would be able to provide such relevant data from time to time, but the application needs major improvements in terms of usability before it will be of interest to the ordinary user.
6.
Users can also not edit any data or tag locations. We hope Bhuvan is able to fix the bugs soon. But even then, to be a credible alternative to existing mapping services, and even to get new users to try it, it must provide much higher resolution images. User interest will be piqued only when they can see their house or school or local street in high resolution. With ISRO data, this is easily doable.
source: TOI
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Tags: bhuvan, Current Affairs, desi google earth, Interesting Facts, Tech and gadgets, tech news, technology news
August 23rd, 2009 at 7:20 pm
I don’t see the 1st point mentioned above as a disappointment. Agreed that Bhuvan is a web app but for most people in India who use older computers (I’d say, older than 2 years) it is actually a boon. Google Earth is a memory hog, thus slowing down the computer. Bhuvan being a web app will not end up being a big memory hog. I agree with the rest of your points though.
Bhuvan does have support for GEarth kml/kmz files that can be added as layers although I am yet to try that out. Also I feel that the minimum prescribed internet speed of 256kbps is too slow for this app. My view is that it needs a minimum of 2mbps in order to be fully functional on a client PC.
Overall my impression is that this application has a lot of potential, if only the ISRO technology and database is better implemented in Bhuvan.
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