Microsoft VirtualEarth Map Downloader

Microsoft VirtualEarth Map Downloader is, indeed, a map downloader. It works with the Microsoft VirtualEarth mapping service.

It allows you to download the maps to your computer and then export them to an image file for offline use. The application has a map viewer that allows you to pan around and see the maps that you have downloaded. When you start a download job, you can save it and continue downloading maps to that file in future sessions.

Microsoft VirtualEarth Map Downloader forces you to type in the longitude and latitude of the area that you want to download manually. Personally, I don't like this, and I find it irritating to have to look up those values before each job. Other people who might employ this application for other uses might find that OK. When you select the area that you want to download, you can set a specific zoom level. The trial limits you to a zoom level of 13. Also, you can set several threads to use during your downloads, which will speed up the process considerably. The application also has proxy support.

All in all, this app does what it advertises pretty well. I found that after a successful download, this tool will automatically close, which is a bit annoying.