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February 10, 2005
Google Maps Go Beta!
It's about time. Google has long shown maps from Mapquest and Yahoo! (a competitor) in order to offer searchers integration that includes maps and directions. It's quite a sacrifice to send users to a competitor's page just to keep them happy--but's that Google for you.
Now Google has its own Maps technology, and like everything Google has done recently, it looks great. The maps, provided by NAVTEQ and TeleAtlas, are the clearest available online yet. I especially like the whole pseudo-3d, shadow effect stuff.
Google does do things differently, though. Because the maps are meant to integrated into the search bar (eventually--Google is still using Yahoo and MapQuest now), Google provides one line to enter a full address, instead of separate spots for address, city, state and zip code. That means even for driving directions, you will have to enter "200 west 60th st, 10023 to orlando, florida" to get directions.
Also: Google has integrated the maps with local search, which means you can expect to soon see ads there. It also makes map search smart--powered by Google's local search index. Which means a search for "feldblum, ny" finds Did-it.com. Impressive, no?
I'm hoping to see Google integrate this with Keyhole, the sattelite imaging company they purchased. Not because it would be so helpful, just because it would be cool. And Google is a company that understands the value of cool.
It's in beta so there are still some kinks. Some boxes (the map is divided in sections) don't show in Firefox. And it can't find Google headquarters in NY...
EDIT: Looks like the look/feel came from Map24
Posted by eli at February 10, 2005 06:11 PM
I can see many positive things happening in the local search space with this. Local listings on the map pages,etc. Thanks for the tio on this. DD
Posted by: DD at February 13, 2005 08:40 PM
Well, at the very least, Google Maps saves you a step. If you know that there is a Sharper Image on the upper west side, but don't know where it is exactly, you can search from Google Maps for "Sharper Image, 10023" or "Sharper Image, upper west side, ny, ny."
Then you'll find out where the store is, and how to get there, instead of first finding the address with Google local and then getting a map. And when Google adds advertising, a Sharper Image search ad might convinve to buy an ionic breeze while you're there.
Posted by: Eli at February 14, 2005 08:29 PM
Posted by: DD at February 15, 2005 02:23 AM
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