Leaving all the issues, bugs and general grumbles aside I've discovered one rather useful application for FS2020...

As I'm also interested in train simming and still build the odd route, putting together a flight plan in Plan-G and then overflying the railway at low altitude gives a real feel for the terrain and scenery. You can't really get that from Google, even Streetview because building a route you are actually using the "God" view most of the time above the ground.

It is really a good tool for data visualization and I can see many uses outside of the simulation purpose.

I was reading this article. It's not perfect for academic purposes I guess, but still a fun tool now.

https://www.bellingcat.com/resources/case-studies/2020/08/24/cleared-for-takeoff-exploring-microsoft-flight-simulator-2020s-research-potential/

 

"Over the past few days, we’ve experimented with MFS2020 and visited cities big and small, conflict zones, and even areas of environmental concern to answer these questions. We found that while the game’s 3D models are not accurate enough to be reliable for geolocation, the way that the game renders topography, along with its dynamic lighting and weather capabilities, could help with background research by giving investigators a “feel” for the places which they are exploring."

Definitely, I’ve flown a few train sim classic routes like the kicking horse pass, yellowhead pass and Marias pass.  It sure provides an interesting perspective on the routes.

I also saw this great video linked elsewhere.

 

Also for this kind of thing the Drone Cam will be so handy.

On another note imagine if MS made a train, boat  & driving sim all within the same Virtual Earth of MSFS. In the far future Im sure this will happen. If not with MS then another dev. How cool it would be to buzz over your friend in the train and then hover over your other buddies in a yacht in multiplayer. 

+1 for Trains 😛 nothing meaning here just a +1

4 hours ago, ammark said:

I was reading this article. It's not perfect for academic purposes I guess, but still a fun tool now.

https://www.bellingcat.com/resources/case-studies/2020/08/24/cleared-for-takeoff-exploring-microsoft-flight-simulator-2020s-research-potential/

 

Easily the most fascinating article I have read so far on a non-sim use of MSFS. Very well written. The part about how the sim faithfully renders detention centers, conflict zones and damaged environments makes for uncomfortable reading and makes one think of how we have treated this planet..and fellow humans. 

2 hours ago, ThrottleUp said:

.The part about how the sim faithfully renders detention centers, conflict zones and damaged environments makes for uncomfortable reading ....

We should learn from history - it should not be deleted, lest it gets repeated... 

2 hours ago, ThrottleUp said:

Easily the most fascinating article I have read so far on a non-sim use of MSFS. Very well written. The part about how the sim faithfully renders detention centers, conflict zones and damaged environments makes for uncomfortable reading and makes one think of how we have treated this planet..and fellow humans. 

Certainly for the latter part it offers an opportunity for anyone to visit these places in-game to help learn from the many mistakes made. That can only be a good thing.