MSN Virtual Earth Tours Katrina Damage

MSN is using its Virtual Earth client to provide 24-hour news channel MSNBC with a birds-eye views of the damage from Hurricane Katrina. Users can zoom down to street level to examine damage and flooding. The application will also let users compare views from before and after the storm.

The special feature, developed by Microsoft's Chandu Thota, marks the first time Virtual Earth has been used in a public setting, as the system is not scheduled for a public launch until the fall. MSN says that it is being done as both a public service and to assist government in assessing damage.