Quite a major upgrade has been released for Bhuvan, the Google-Earth-like satellite mapping tool from the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO): - Adds 2D Interface: Bhuvan has launched a 2D interface and allows switching between 2D and 3D modes. The 2D interface is available online to even those who don't install a Bhuvan plugin (which is still a pain to download and install; previous issues haven't been addressed). - Integrates Rediff Maps: The 2D interface has integrated a layer of Rediff Maps, from NASDAQ listed Rediff.com; other Indian map alternatives from MapMyIndia and SatNav are not available and/or integrated, though MapMyIndia has much more detail. To activate the Rediff Maps layer, users will have to enable navigation, and then choose "Rediffmaps" as an option. The problem with Bhuvan even in 2D is that it takes just too much time to load, and switching between elements is tedious - first enabling 'navigation', then Rediffmaps. (Below: Rediff Maps in Bhuvan 3D and 2D) - Community & Interactivity: Bhuvan has integrated a community tool within its 3D interface, allowing multiple users to collaborate, and chat. I didn't sign up, but according to Bhuvan's upgrade note, they have allowing users to chat, annotate the terrain with text labels and share free hand drawings, point using a virtual cursor, and synchronize their flight. Bhuvan also allows the user to lead, follow, and share in real-time, interactive fly-through sessions, chat with other users, mark up areas on the terrain, and toggle information layers for further analysis. Interestingly, Skype…
