Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal unveiled the research prototype. MSR India and the Department of Science and Technology began collaboration on this research project in 2005.

Microsoft collaborated with the Survey of India, part of the department of science & technology, on development of the prototype, which also includes an online map of Bangalore in languages of English, Hindi, Kannada and Tamil.

A special feature enables users to add information relevant to their own communities tagged to specific locations on the map, MSRI officials said, adding, the project explores innovative ways to create and disseminate geo-spatial data. Senior vice-president of Microsoft Research, Rick Rashid said MSRI has utilised Microsoft's 'Virtual Earth' technology in the project.

The Web-based interactive digital maps use this technology, which also powers the 'Windows Live Local mapping service,' so users do not need to download and install any software to use the maps, MSRI officials said.

Geographic data from the Survey of India were used to create the India wide map as well as the detailed street-level digital map of Bangalore. MSRI said it also plans to add greater detail and more languages to the maps.

The prototype enables the addition of information such as the location of polling booths, it was stated.