Gov't Agency to Use Virtual Earth

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, a division of the Department of Defense, said Thursday that it will use Microsoft's Virtual Earth technology "to provide geospatial support for humanitarian, peacekeeping and national security efforts." Both sides are expected to benefit from the partnership, with Microsoft hoping to learn more on geodetics, which is the science of measuring various geographic aspects of the Earth's topography and other geological aspects.

While it is not immediately clear whether or not Virtual Earth would be used for military purposes, the NGA's mission may indicate it could see some military use. According to its Web site, the agency "provides timely, relevant, and accurate geospatial intelligence in support of national security objectives," and is a member of the Department of Defense's Combat Support Agency.