What kind of softwares used for Google Map, Mapquest? Is there any similar open source project ?

Answer 1

http://navteq.com/
google
Yahoo
MSN
I don't think there is an open source.

When you see the old maps it comes from this company
http://terraserver.microsoft.com/



Where does Microsoft get its map data?
Microsoft works with the top data providers to aggregate the most accurate and up-to-date information possible. Map data is provided by Geographic Data Technology (GDT) Inc. and NAVTEQ. Business listings and points of interest are provided by Axiom Corp., GDT, NAVTEQ and Woodalls.

http://download.microsoft.com/download/a/8/a/a8a27519-1fc3-46df-ad81-0bc85745356e/MSNMapsDirectionsFAQ.doc

Answer 2

With Google Earth you can explore the earth from above!

Want to know more about a specific location? Dive right in -- Google Earth combines satellite imagery, maps and the power of Google Search to put the world's geographic information at your fingertips.

Google Earth puts a planet's worth of imagery and other geographic information right on your desktop. View exotic locales like Maui and Paris as well as points of interest such as local restaurants, hospitals, schools, and more.

use this link and you can download it now

http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/Google-Earth-Download-23512.html
and then click on
External Mirror 1 - Beta , version 4.0