Google launches online mapping service

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Maps, Mapping, Google

NEWS

In its latest play in the ongoing search wars, Google on Tuesday quietly launched a beta site for a new map service.

Google Maps offers maps, driving directions and the ability to search for local businesses, but currently only for some of the Americas. The search giant appears to be working with TeleAtlas for the mapping products. Neither Google nor TeleAtlas could be reached for comment.

The service offers a few tweaks to standard mapping products. Someone using the service can click and drag the maps, instead of having to click and reload, for example, and magnified views of specific spots pop up in bubbles. The new map service supports Internet Explorer and Mozilla browsers. It covers the United States, Puerto Rico and parts of Canada.

The ongoing search battles between Google and companies like Yahoo and Microsoft have led to new features and enhancements coming out almost weekly. Localisation and mapping products have been a particular focus because they're popular with advertisers.

Even Amazon.com has gotten into the game, offering a service through its A9.com search unit that shows digital photos of storefronts in its US business listings.

Google had already been experimenting with mapping products. It recently bought satellite imaging company Keyhole, which makes software that lets Internet users view geographic images collected from satellites and aeroplanes.

Talkback

"Drag the map with your mouse, or double-click to center"

Great, just what every American ever thought.

America is the world.

Where exactly is the rest of the globe, and how come its always the same country that gets looked at first.

via Facebook 8 February, 2005 21:57
Reply

Is there any change of having the ability to customize and print maps!

via Facebook 12 April, 2005 19:06
Reply

Have just come across Google's new UK mapping service. The ability to drag and zoom and to get driving directions is something that should be of value to many. A very welcome addition to the Google range of services.

via Facebook 26 July, 2005 13:02
Reply

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