[Satellite TODAY 03-27-12] High-resolution earth imagery provider DigitalGlobe has signed two licensing agreements with Microsoft, the company confirmed March 26.

   The first agreement more than doubles the volume of high-resolution imagery DigitalGlobe delivers to Microsoft for use in its Bing Maps service. The imagery will be delivered on a quarterly basis to provide refreshed content covering millions of square kilometers of the Earth’s surface.

   The second agreement enables Microsoft Studios to extensively feature DigitalGlobe imagery in its recently launched Forza Motorsport 4 racing game for the Xbox 360. Both agreements took effect in the fourth quarter of 2011.

   “We’ve chosen to expand the use of DigitalGlobe satellite imagery to provide broader global coverage in Bing Maps,” Microsoft General Manager Steve Stanzel said in a statement. “With this increase and our continued work with DigitalGlobe for the collection of high-definition aerial imagery, we are improving our maps worldwide to offer a more comprehensive, consistent and functional mapping experience.”

   Financial details of the agreements were not disclosed.