How to Use Microsoft VirtualEarth Map Downloader Microsoft VirtualEarth Map Downloader is a lightweight tool designed to download satellite imagery, aerial photography, and terrain maps from Bing Maps (formerly Virtual Earth). It automatically downloads small map tiles and pieces them together into one large, high-resolution image.
Whether you need offline maps for GIS software, navigation, or presentation layouts, this guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of using the software efficiently. Step 1: Define Your Target Coordinates
Before opening the software, you need to identify the exact geographic area you want to download. The tool requires bounding coordinates to isolate the region.
Open Google Maps, Bing Maps, or any mapping tool in your web browser. Locate your desired area.
Find and record the four boundary points: Left Longitude, Right Longitude, Top Latitude, and Bottom Latitude.
Write these down in decimal degree format (e.g., 40.7128, -74.0060). Step 2: Configure the Project Settings
Launch the Microsoft VirtualEarth Map Downloader application on your PC to set up your download project.
Task Name: Enter a unique name for your project in the text field.
Map Type: Select your preferred map style from the drop-down menu. Options typically include VirtualEarth Satellite Maps, VirtualEarth Road Maps, and VirtualEarth Hybrid Maps.
Output Path: Click the browse button to select a folder on your hard drive where the downloaded image tiles will be saved. Step 3: Input Coordinates and Zoom Level
This step determines the boundaries of your map and the overall clarity of the final image.
Input your recorded coordinates into the corresponding Left/Right Longitude and Top/Bottom Latitude fields.
Set the Zoom Level. Zoom levels typically range from 1 to 20.
Note: Higher zoom levels (like 18–20) offer extreme close-up details but result in significantly larger file sizes and longer download times. For city-wide maps, a zoom level between 15 and 17 is usually ideal. Step 4: Start the Download
With all parameters set, you are ready to fetch the data from the servers. Click the Start button at the bottom of the interface.
Monitor the progress bar. The log window will display the number of downloaded tiles versus total tiles.
Avoid closing the application or disconnecting your internet during this process. If the download fails mid-way, you can use the built-in “Retry” feature to fetch missed tiles. Step 5: Combine the Tiles into a Single Map
Once the download hits 100%, you will be left with hundreds of small image files. You must combine them to create a usable map. Navigate to the top menu bar and open the Tools menu. Select the Map Combiner option.
Locate your project file or the folder containing the downloaded tiles. Choose your output format (such as BMP, JPG, or TIF).
Click Combine to stitch the pieces together into one seamless, high-resolution image file. If you want, I can:
Provide instructions on how to convert the final image to a GeoTIFF for GIS software
Help you troubleshoot specific download errors or connection failures
Recommend alternative map downloading tools if you need maps from other providers
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