China sets mapping benchmark with new site

China has launched an official online mapping site that could act as a benchmark for mapping services across the country. The State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping (SBSM) launched the new service, called Map World. Still in its beta stages, the free online site appears to only offer maps for China, although it also provides satellite images across the globe. The site features two-dimensional maps in both satellite and virtual formats, as well as in three-dimensional images that appear to require the installation of a browser add-on to view.