June 30, 2008

Google Maps Inks 5 Year Deal with Tele Atlas

Google Maps has signed a five year agreement with Netherlands-based digital mapping company, Tele Atlas. Google will now have access to Tele Atlas' content for over 200 countries for current and future projects, including Google Earth and mobile applications.

"Google's innovation and leadership is undisputed, and we are proud to have the opportunity to be the map foundation for one of the world's most progressive web companies," said Bill Henry, CEO of Tele Atlas. "This agreement is important too because it gives us access to input from a significant online community of map users, whose feedback can help us keep our maps fresh and accurate."

"Geospatial data enhances global search significantly by organizing data and delivering results based on location," said John Hanke, director of Google Earth and Google Maps. "Tele Atlas' map quality and the company's innovative approach to business were the key drivers for our decision."

Related Reading: Google Maps Adds Richer Data to Search Google Launches Google Map Maker Google Opens Location-Aware Application to 3rd Party Developers Google Maps for Mobile Adds Public Transportation Directions Google Launches Google Earth API and Browser Plug-in

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

June 26, 2008

Google Maps Easter Egg Discovered

Google Maps features a very funny Google Easter Egg: If you ask for directions from an address in Australia to an address in the USA the ever helpful "Get directions" tool gives some great tips on how to cross the Pacific Ocean.

Easter eggs are hidden surprises created by programmers.

Tip of the hat to Michael Smith of Technocrat.net for uncovering the Google Maps egg.

Now at least I know how Aussiewebmaster made his way to the USA.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 1:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 24, 2008

Google Launches Google Map Maker

How many maps would a mapmaker make if a mapmaker could make maps online?

Google will soon have the answer. Today Google launched Google Map Maker, a new product that enables users to contribute and edit Maps data for regions around the world.

Building a map is a complex process that's made easier by a worldwide geo-wiki.

Google Map Maker promises to be an easy-to-use tool to build high quality maps of neighborhoods, cities and countries. Map Maker allows people to add, edit and moderate most features on maps including roads, lakes, parks, points of interest, businesses, cities and localities. People will be able to trace many of these features using satellite images; as users trace, maps are immediately updated.

Currently it's possible to build maps in Cyprus, Iceland, Pakistan, Vietnam and the Caribbean nations of: Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Grenada, Jamaica, Netherlands Antilles, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago. The existing mapping data for these countries would benefit tremendously from local knowledge and expertise that users and other map makers possess.

This product is a labor of love by many engineers based in Bangalore who have a desire to see the world mapped. Google has showcased before and after images from the Mapplet created to support relief efforts in Myanmar that was created with Map Maker.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 4:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

June 10, 2008

Google Maps Adds Richer Data to Search

Adding richer data to search results is a bit of a trend, and now Google Maps is jumping on the bandwagon. The Google LatLong blog has announced the addition of richer data to its search results. The data includes photos, reviews and a "more info" link that opens an "info window" that features more data.

Below is a screenshot of a search for pizza in Raleigh, NC. If you have a local business, you'll want to add your company to the Google Maps Local Business Center in order to show up in the results.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 10:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 29, 2008

Google Maps Spotcrime.com Mashup

No, this isn't the latest update of Google Maps Guide to Grand Theft Auto IV.

This is the real deal: Manhattan crime committed in New York, NY and depicted over a two month period from April 2008 to the end of May, 2008.

Spotcrime.com claims it's the most comprehensive online source of crime information. The site is probably right. They offer local maps, crime reports, crime classifications, and real-time interactive maps.

Soon you'll be able to find the exact location of the Manhasset High School lockdown as reported by News 12 Long Island, where two students were found at the Manhasset high school carrying firearms.

Spotcrime.com is a Google Maps mashup. Sure Google I/O and 3D apps have drawn all the media attention lately. We thought it would be worthwhile to keep our readers safe in this dangerous world.

You have your choice of crime alerts if you're interested in a particular illegal act, or if you need to brush up on definitions of illegal acts, Crimespot.com offers a handy index of crimes:

SpotCrime.com Crime Classifications

* Theft - The act in which property belonging to another is taken without that person's consent.

* Burglary - The criminal offense of breaking and entering a building illegally for the purpose of committing a crime in that building.

* Robbery - Using force or intimidation to take property away from another person in the presence of that person.

* Assault - A physical attempt or threat to use violence with the intent to do harm to another.

* Arson - The crime of intentionally setting fire to a building or property of another or the burning of one's own property to collect insurance.

* Shooting - The act of firing a weapon in order to hit, wound, or kill someone or something.

* Vandalism - The intentional destruction of or damage to the property of another.

* Arrest - The seizure of an alleged or suspected offender to answer for a crime.

Plus, you can drill down to see the details of the crime. Oh look, here's one that occurred uptown just from last week:

Shooting - 126th St and Lenox Ave, New York, NY 2008-05-26

EMS command is reporting 10 people shot in total. During this situation multiple foot pursuits, random gunfire, and a RMP MVA took place. Several large pockets of crowds are within the confines this large scene. Ems command has given a general summarization describing the victims as either yellow or green tag patients.

Of course, if you're a criminal it doesn't hurt to know what neighborhoods have been overfished by your fellow criminal element. It's all here for you at Crimespot.com, with new service available on the iPhone.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 2:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 9, 2008

Google Maps Grand Theft Auto 4 (GTA 4): Your Google Guide to Liberty City

Grand Theft Auto 4 sales topped half a billion dollars during its first week of release, earning about 5 times as much as the blockbuster movie, Iron Man. GTA 4 takes place in Liberty City, a parallel universe of New York, NY. More realistic than ever, many buildings and landmarks in the game are spot-on. The soundtrack rocks.

So how are GTA 4 fans navigating the game? Google Maps is powering the Grand Theft Auto Big Map, a wiki-style map where gamers can update places they've found in Liberty City.

The Google map has proven so popular with the GTA 4 community, moderators have posted the following message:

Note: Due to the sheer amount of submissions from all you pimps, the review process is taking longer than expected. Please do not submit the same marker twice out of fear your submission didn't go through.

Here's an example showing "Missions" and "Services" identified on the Google Map:

There's a helpful outline of the basic controls of the Liberty City Interactive Map system at GTA 'Hood. Yo'u'll also find a detailed guide to help you add new marker location points within the Liberty City Interactive Map.

If you want to explore Liberty City online, you have lots of categories to choose from in addition to "Missions" and "Services." Here's what's currently listed: Clubs, Bars, Cabaret Clubs, Strip Club, Comedy Club, Emergency Services, Police Station, Hospital, Fire Department, Missions, Start, End, Primary Objective, Secondary Objective, NPC, Steps 1-10, Most Wanted, Items, Body Armor, Health Pack, Weapons, Vehicles, Secrets, Hidden Package, Easter Egg, Funny Signs, Multiplayer: Extraction Point, NPCs, Contact Person, Pervert, Pigeon.

How detailed is the Liberty CIty Interactive Map? Here's a screenshot showing all markers:

Of course there are always GTA 4 cheats available, like this one from Playstation Insider, if you want to find the flying rats, weapon locations and half-naked zombies faster.

After the jump, a quick lesson on how to use Google Maps to add your own markers.

How to Add a Marker on Google Maps: Grand Theft Auto Big Map

1) Find the location on the map, hover your mouse pointed over the spot and right click the map. You'll see an "Add Marker" menu pop up. 2) Navigate through the menu popup and select the appropriate maker (Note: if you can't find one that fits your needs, you can contact the GTA 'Hood directly with your suggestion). For example, if you know where a truck is, choose: Add Maker > Vehicles -> Vehicle.

3) A pop up box will appear once you select the marker type. Fill in the name and description of the location.

4) Now you can move the marker around with your mouse to make sure it's in the right place. 5) Once you're happy with your new location, click the Save button.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 8:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 6, 2008

Google, Baidu, Sohu Search Engines Spanked by People's Republic of China

The Chinese government claims search engines are spying on the People's Republic via online mapping. Communist Chinese officials are worried satellite maps will reveal state secrets and damage the so-called integrity of borders, according to The People's Daily, a Chinese government-controlled newspaper.

Google, Baidu and Sohu have all been warned not to use satellite images to show sensitive regions of the People's Republic of China. With the Beijing Olympics scheduled for August, there's no desire to showcase the communist state's military power or disputed borders.

Nor does the Chinese government welcome any further attention on the crisis in Tibet.

The UK Inquirer reported today that the vice head of the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping, Min Yiren, said authorities were trying to eliminate all Internet maps which 'wrongly' depicted China’s borders, or show locations of military bases and army presence.

Last month Chinese state media said the government would crack down on sites showing roughly 10,000 unapproved maps. Taiwan for example should not be shown as an independent nation since it's a disputed territory.

The People's Daily called out Internet search engine giant Google, along with China's own Sohu and Baidu for illegal mapping.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 10:13 AM | Permalink

April 22, 2008

GreenDimes & Google Earth Gang Green: Sic Google Transit Gloria Mundi

Happy Google Earth-A-Palooza Day! As the search engine with the biggest carbon footprint on the planet, Google celebrates Earth Day with more green than a Green Day concert.

But first, GreenDimes of Palo Alto, CA, will help you stop junk mail and earn cold hard cash: $1.00 USD.

Go to GreenDimes, the largest full-service company that removes you from catalog mailing lists and gets rid of junk mail. Fill out the online form, save trees, and earn a dollar. It's that easy. To date, GreenDimes has stopped 3.5 million pounds of waste paper. (Shhhh, don't tell the DMA.)

Google Transit is now available in 9 new cities: San Francisco, CA; Denver, CO; Millwaukee, WI; Ann Arbor and Holland, MI; Kansas City, MO; Framingham and Cape Cod, MA; and the entire state of Rhode Island (RI).

Google Transit in Google Maps allows users to find info on public transportation. Public transit directions appear as an alternative to driving directions. Bus stop, subway and train station icons will do the Googlescape. Google Transist currently provides data for more than 50 agencies in 9 countries, including nearly 40 in the United States.

Web 2.0 start-up Hop-Stop just hit the 1.5 million monthly visitor mark.

To celebrate Earth Day: The Energy Saver gadget for Google Desktop. This gadget enables and optimizes power management settings on PCs, euthanizing them when not in use:

Google SketchUp has launched a new Web site for green design professionals, with a case study from Michelle Kaufmann Designs.

Google for Educators offers recommendations for teachers who want to use Google Earth and Maps to teach about environmental issues in the classroom.

Google's Green Energy Czar, Bill Weihl, rallies the troops and helps others go green on Google's blog. We like to think of Bill as the leader of Google Gang Green.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 3:34 PM | Permalink

April 15, 2008

YouTube Videos Now Part of Google Maps Search Mix

If you’ve been wondering if your local business should utilize online video, wonder no more. Google Maps is adding embedded YouTube videos in the maps. The videos can viewed under the “Photos and Videos� tab.

On the Google LatLong blog, an example of a bakery in San Francisco is given. The video showcases the amazing artistry of the cakes at I Dream of Cake.

Here’s what you need to know in order to get your video embedded with Google Maps.

1. Upload the video to YouTube. Make sure the “embed� option is selected. 2. Then use Google’s Local Business Center to associate your video with your business listing.

Since the Photos and Videos tab lies right along with the Reviews tab, an online video is also great online reputation management strategy.

Related Reading: YouTube video appears in Google News Google Launches YouTube Insight - Google Analytics Lite YouTube New Features - A Marketer's Perspective Google Tests New Local Ads On Maps

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 9:45 AM | Permalink

February 26, 2008

Google Maps User Reviews to Neighborhoods: Google Rat Pack!

Google Lat Long Blog announced Google Maps and Google Earth teaming up to provide User Reviews and refinement by Neighborhood in local search results.

Move over Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr!

Start spreadin' the news. There's a new Google Rat Pack in town.

That's right. As Bubby's restaurant will soon find out local search lives and dies by user reviews. It's not all about the stars, bubby. Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares USA, Rocco Dispirito, and Anthony Bourdain never had to deal with the wrath of Googlers.

Ratz n the Hood. It's enough to make Iron Chefs yelp.

Yup - Yelp reviews can be found in Google Maps along with Zagat, CitySearch and UGC so restaurant owners: Start bribing your favorite Yelpers, Zagatics, CitySearchers, Gothamists and Gawkers.

From the search results for Pinkberry in New York, all traces of rat infestation have been removed from the Google Maps local search results. (Not so in the Google SERPs - keyword "pinkberry rats" - where the popular yogurt shop's rat infestation will live in infamy.)

Kudos to Pinkberry for their stellar online reputation management - or for just being lucky.

SEOs of the World unite in thanking Google for unearthing a gold mine of online reputation management opportunities.

Posted by Kevin Heisler at 5:53 PM | Permalink

February 8, 2008

Google Map Business Categories, Unraveling the Black Box

Nearly all things "search" blend known algorithmic ranking attributes with mysterious black box elements. Much like the Federal reserve, even a stray comment from the kingmakers sends legions of search marketing minions scurrying for cover. Best-practices surrounding Google Map business category optimization, are amongst the most annoying partially unknowns. The local SEO answer to "how the heck do we optimize for that" has always been "gee, we just don't really know for sure."

Landing your business in the appropriate Google Maps business category has always been something of a mystery for SEM professionals and small business owner alike.. Most marketing professionals have asked the question in annoyance: "Why can't I be in the same category as my competitor?"

Respected local search guru Mike Blumenthal in his blog, "Understanding Google Maps & Yahoo Local Search," has been researching the map category matter for a couple of years. In previous articles, which deserve attention in themselves, research indicates that "Google is pulling categories from SuperPages.The categories are not available in Local Business Center and small business owners are frustrated to see only their competitors shown in hotly contested niches.

Now, in what could be a gem of functional street wisdom, Blumenthal has published research which seems to offer a solution to help garner placement in coveted Google Maps business categories.

The recommended strategy is to remove all category information from your Google LBC listing and optimize the business title and description to include SuperPage categories. It can take 6-8 weeks for Google to plow through and update your record. Findings strongly support the theory that, that by following this method, your business listing will display for the desired category in applicable searches.

Posted by Marty Weintraub at 3:15 PM | Permalink

November 28, 2007

Google Maps Add Collaboration Features, Terrain Maps

Google Maps has gained some more features from Google Earth this week, including the ability for a group to collaborate on map updates, and the addition of a terrain maps feature, according to the Google Lat Long Blog.

The collaborative map-making option lets multiple people edit the same My Map by clicking on the 'Collaborate' link and enter the email addresses of the people you want to invite. Users need to be signed into a Google Account that's associated with that email address. Users can also allow anyone to edit a map.

Terrain maps focus on physical features such as mountains, valleys, and vegetation, with labels for even very small mountains and trails. They are enhanced with subtle shading that can often give a better sense of elevation changes than a satellite image alone, according to Google

As Duncan Riley notes on TechCrunch, these two features were among the remaining differences between Google Maps and Google Earth. Google has been moving more and more features into Google Maps since it acquired Keyhole Software in 2004 for its satellite imagery technology.

Posted by Kevin Newcomb at 8:42 AM | Permalink

November 19, 2007

User-Edited Locations on Google Maps

Google Maps users now have the ability to edit locations on Google Maps for all users to see. It's starting with the ability to move a place marker to the correct location, and will later include the ability to edit more details about the location, Seth LaForge, software engineer for Google Maps, writes on the Lat Long Blog

The changes will be reviewed by Google before they are made available to others, at least at first. There will also be the option to view the original location offered by Google. If a business listing has been claimed by its owner, edits will require the owner's approval. All edits require a Google account, and that user's account will be identified as the author of the edit.

The service should help Google keep its local data fresh, and give users and business owners more control over their listings.

Posted by Kevin Newcomb at 10:49 AM | Permalink

November 8, 2007

Local Search at the Pump

Google has struck a deal with gas pump kiosk maker Gilbarco Veeder-Root to implement Google Maps on the company's Applause media system. The touch screens on the pumps offer a live Internet connection, so customers will be able to look up local businesses by category or name, and print out driving directions or coupons.

At the Google Lat-Long Blog, Karen Roter Davis compares this implementation to the in-flight maps Google offers on JetBlue and Virgin America flights.

This is an interesting way to bring Google Maps to the average consumer, especially those who are not early mobile device adopters. The couponing element is interesting too, especially if Google eventually offers targeting to these kinds of kiosks specifically.

Posted by Kevin Newcomb at 8:21 AM | Permalink

August 21, 2007

Google Maps can now be integrated using HTML

Google announced today that they have simplified the method for integrating Google Maps on to your web site. The new method allows Google Maps to be integrated using simple HTML. As a result, integrating Google Maps no longer requires a knowledge of Java Script, and you no longer need an API key to do it.

This should enable smaller site owners without programming expertise to leverage Google Maps. For example, a business could integrate dricing directions onto their site. The process now consists of 3 steps:

1. Pull up the Google Map you want
2. Click on the "Link to this page" link
3. Copy and paste the resulting HTML into their site

I don't think that this is an announcement that will impact users of Google Maps that have already mastered the Java Script and Google API Key challenges, but it should enable a lot of new sites with less programming expertise to take advantage of Google Maps.

Posted by Eric Enge at 11:10 AM | Permalink

August 7, 2007

Google Hiring Independents To Collect Business Info For Maps

The Google Local Business Referral Program is an initiative to gather contact, business hours and other information on businesses for listings in Google Maps - where Google is using independent contractors to gather their information. Basically they are paying $10 a confirmed listing.

The information gathering job requires people to sign up for it through their Google accounts and to have access to a digital camera to take a photograph of the business. At $10 an entry organized people could be making $30 plus dollars an hour - great salary for people in lower cost of living communities.

Posted by Frank Watson at 10:56 AM | Permalink

July 30, 2007

Large Scale Bulk Spam Uploaded to Google Maps

Mike Blumenthal has uncovered a case where a computer repair company is using mass uploads to Google Maps to generate national business. While the methodology can be seen as spam, the company is offering national repair services - though it is questionable if they have offices or employees everywhere.

It is difficult to reach the company directly - their phones are manned by a service at all times, the contact info when you do a domain lookup is buffered by Domains By Proxy - who incidentally proclaim they are protectors from spammers.

As is pointed out in the Google Groups covering Google Maps the local nature of this app seems to be diverted. The listing of an 800 number and a post office box address should be two things Google blocks in the Map API.

This is starting to get some press and should be interesting to see what happens.

Posted by Frank Watson at 11:41 AM | Permalink

July 12, 2007

Google Maps Mashups Now Easier to Find and Create

Google has introduced the term Mapplets to describe what it's calling the next generation of user-created data overlays commonly known as "mashups." In the LatLong Blog, product manager describes the new platform in Google Maps Mashups 2.0. Mapplets are intended to be mashups that allow developers use dynamic data, such as live weather information, or events from Zvents, as an overlay on a map.

Mapplets are available on Google's MyMaps tab, along with a drag-and-drop editor that allows users to add placemarks to a map, which was released in April.

In addition, users can add existing Mapplets to their MyMaps page from the Google Maps Directory.

Posted by Kevin Newcomb at 10:02 AM | Permalink

June 29, 2007

Google Maps Gets Click-and-Drag Functionality

Users of Google Maps have been able to click and drag a map to move about the area, but now they can also change their destination and route by clicking and dragging as well. According to Google's Lat Long Blog, the new feature allows users to pick a destination on a map by right-clicking, and move that destination by clicking on it and dragging it to a new location. For driving directions, users can specify that the route includes a certain bridge or highway by clicking on the route and dragging it to a new path.

Posted by Kevin Newcomb at 10:00 AM | Permalink

June 5, 2007

Google Adds Transit Data to Maps

Google has been showing locations of train, bus or subway stops on its maps, but now those locations will link directly to more detailed information about a specific station, route, or schedule, according to the Google LatLong blog. An example shows data for the NYC subway at 59th St - Columbus Circle Station, New York.

Transit info is gathered from a city's transit agency, geographic data companies, or other sources. A city transit organization can submit their data to Google for inclusion via a text file feed.

Posted by Kevin Newcomb at 12:34 PM | Permalink

May 30, 2007

Google Picks Up Geo-locating Photo Service

Google announced today that it will acquire Panoramio, a Spanish community site that links photos with the geographic location at which they were taken, viewable in Google Earth and Google Maps. Other users can also add metadata to photos posted to the site. Google has been using Panoramio data in a default layer in Google Earth since the beginning of the year, and will continue to do so. It will also incorporate the technology into its other mapping products.

Posted by Kevin Newcomb at 11:41 PM | Permalink

Google Map Directions Have Sense of Humor

Friend of mine came across this. When you do a New York City to London request the results tell you to swim the Atlantic.

Guess the same jokesters that would prompt you with the question "Do you mean French war defeats" when searching for "French war victories" are playing here.

Posted by Frank Watson at 12:17 PM | Permalink

May 24, 2007

Google Patent Details Mobile Search Plans

A new patent application published today may reveal some of Google's plans for mobile search, according to ZDNet blogger Russell Shaw.

The application, Local Search and Mapping for Mobile Devices, describes a method that geo-targets a local search based on user-submitted text info, a location currently being displayed on a map, or using the location of user detected via GPS.

The application also goes into detail on some possible page navigation methods, with stored query histories, visual hints of which direction on the map has more results to a query, and click-to-dial functionality.

Posted by Kevin Newcomb at 2:10 PM | Permalink

May 21, 2007

Google Adds Neighborhood Search

Google has added a neighborhood search capability for 50 U.S. cities, so a user can search for things like bagels upper east side new york or restaurants, over the rhine, cincinnati on Google Maps.

As Greg Sterling points out, in this case Google is playing catch-up with sites like Ask.com (which launched this in December with its AskCity local search tool, as well as Trulia and Yelp. Yahoo has defined neighborhoods in large cities for some time as well.

Posted by Kevin Newcomb at 11:33 AM | Permalink

May 10, 2007

Google Launches New "Geo" Blog

Google has started a new blog focusing on Google Earth, Maps, Local and APIs. Lat Long Blog will chronicle Google's efforts to build the "geoweb," according to John Hanke, director of Google Earth & Maps.

I don't think that there is agreement on what the geoweb is, but I think there is a lot of enthusiasm and energy across many fronts to make it happen. I expect the "it" will evolve substantially over the next few months and years as we (the geo ecosystem on the web) collectively figure out how "earth browsers," embedded maps, local search, geo-tagged photos, blogs, the traditional GIS world, wikis, and other user-generated geo content all interrelate.

Google's geo products and services include the My Maps custom mapping features of Google Maps, as well as geo searches, which surface user-created geographic information in local searches in Google Maps and Google Earth. The blog cites two examples of geo searches: windsurfing near San Francisco and Jerry Seinfeld in NY.

Posted by Kevin Newcomb at 12:29 AM | Permalink

April 26, 2007

The Simpsons on Search

A quirky item for your Thursday afternoon: This YouTube clip (hurry before it's gone) shows Marge Simpson in a variety of search related activities. It pokes fun at everything from online shopping, to Googling oneself, to banner ads, to Google Earth.

Now if Google Maps can only find Springfield and settle the longstanding debate over what state it's in (rumored to be settled in the upcoming Simpsons movie). My money is on Oregon, near Matt Groening's hometown of Portland.

Posted by Mike Boland at 6:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

April 5, 2007

Google Maps Now Mashable

Google has made it easier to create customized maps with a new MyMaps feature. Similar to features recently added by Ask.com in its AskCity offering, and by Microsoft in its "collections" for Windows Live Local.

Google employees tested out the service with a contest, creating mashups for the Googleplex, and a red state/blue state breakdown of the 2004 Presidential election, for example.

MyMaps also supports Google Earth features, as maps can be saved in that application's KML format, according to Google Earth Blog.

Perhaps more useful for SEW readers this week is one that Search Engine Land's Greg Sterling made using the service, "Bars and Sushi Near SES Hotel."

Posted by Kevin Newcomb at 10:32 AM | Permalink

March 9, 2007

More on Google's Local Business Center: Solving the "Last Block Problem"

After thinking more about the enhancements to Google's Local Business Center, I realized a benefit that was overlooked in one of the less glamorous feature developments amongst the set.

As reported in a post earlier this week, one of the developments to Local Business Center is the ability for businesses to change or edit their location on a Google map if it is incorrect or outdated.

At first I thought this will find a marginal amount of utility for businesses and Google alike. Then I remembered something about local online mapping; the last block problem. This occurs when a mapping engine places a business or residence on a map based on its address; but the best it can do with that address is extrapolate its position within a given block.

For example, if your address is 1550 Lombard Street in San Francisco, an online map will put you right in the middle of the 1500 block, on the north side of the street. This is probably where you live, but in some cases this can be off the mark, and can have varying degrees of error depending on the length or density of your block (think rural areas). So this new feature for the first time lets businesses literally move their address marker to the right spot.

This falls in line with one of the reasons for the rest of the enhancements to Local Business Center; to improve the quality of Google's data. Google currently gets its data from a number of sources including commercial database vendors. The additional info from businesses themselves is hoped to sharpen this data with defined categories, custom attributes, etc.

The location feature in particular, interestingly works on a problem that has gotten very little attention. It's not a huge problem and this isn't a groundbreaking solution, but it's a step in the right direction to improve data quality. It's also in line with many of the user generated content initiatives (business generated content in this case) that are springing up all over the local search space in order to deepen content and improve SEO.

We'll have more analysis of Google's Local Business Center and the strategies behind it in a SearchDay article next week.

Posted by Mike Boland at 6:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

December 26, 2006

Google Maps Offers Speech-Friendly Alternatives

Over at the Google blog, Googler T.V. Raman shares useful tips as a technologist who is visually impaired.

For blind searchers and others who use spoken outputs, screenreaders or a Braille display, the visual display that is returned from a Google Maps or Google Local search is often translated poorly in such readers.

So Google has added a simple, alternative view into Google Maps for visually impaired users, with the Textual Maps UI. It's also extremely useful for any searcher using a non-graphical display and can quickly look up a location by typing a simple English query of the form of a start address to end address.

Posted by Elisabeth Osmeloski at 2:31 PM | Permalink

November 20, 2006

Google Testing Map Quick Link Under Search Results

Threadwatch screen captured Google testing out placing a link to Google maps results directly below the search result's description and above the url of that result. It is a limited test, and I am not able to reproduce it, but Matt Cutts of Google has confirmed this as a real test. As long as it is useful to the query and the searcher, I am happy with it also.

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 8:57 AM | Permalink

November 13, 2006

Google Ranks Google Video Questioning Iran's Authority Over Tabriz

Via Valleywag and The Guardian, Iran is upset with Google over ranking a Google Video too high in the Google results. The video titled Tabriz - Azerbaijan describes that the ancient city Tabriz is located in Southern Azerbaijan, suggestion it shouldn't be part of Iran. A Google search on [tabriz azerbaijan] shows the Google Video as (currently) number one with a snippet that reads; "This video shows Tabriz, a city in Southern Azerbaijan, currently in the territory of Iran." A search for [tabriz] shows this result at the bottom of the first page or top of second page. Iran is upset with Google over this and feels that it is a US centric method of undermining Iran.

Postscript From Danny: To be really clear about how absurd this is, it's not Google directly suggesting that Tabriz is not somehow part of Iran. It's a description in a video that someone uploaded to Google Video. Where does Google itself think Tabriz is located at? According to Google Maps -- which Google runs directly -- firmly within the boundaries of the country of Iran.

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 8:25 AM | Permalink

November 9, 2006

Google, Microsoft And The '3-D Web'

When Microsoft launched its Live Local/Virtual Earth 3-D platform earlier this week, the memorable quote from Virtual Earth GM Stephen Lawler was, "It's the beginning of the 3-D Web." As a factual matter that statement may not be entirely accurate, but symbolically it is.

Numerous companies, such as Planet 9 Studios, have been working on 3-D modeling for a long time. Then, of course, there's Second Life and MTV's Virtual Laguna Beach. Now comes 3B, which allows users to create their own personalized 3-D "villages." There's also the world of avatars, which is growing.

In the larger context of online trends, we're seeing the rise of more imagery and visual information initially exemplified by Flickr and more recently by online video and YouTube. Sharing and community are integral to these experiences. (Also, check out the provocative new demo of Microsoft's Photosynth. Here's a previous post on it.)

Microsoft acquired Vexcel for, among other things, the company's capacity to do automated 3-D rendering. Vexcel CEO John Curlander said that the company is rendering eight cities a month, moving quickly to 16. Accordingly, the Virtual Earth 3-D platform will have well over 100 cities by the end of Q2 next year. By contrast, Google is letting the community build 3-D models, which is proceeding steadily according to Google Earth GM John Hanke. Also, Google has a way to rate/rank the best and most detailed models, among duplicates, for maximum quality ("model complexity.")

You can bet that Google will be accelerating the development of these 3-D models for Earth.

All the coverage in the past week has been around the "red meat" competitive question of whether Microsoft has now surpassed Google Earth with Virtual Earth 3-D. The answer is both yes and no. Yes, in the sense that Microsoft has made 3-D cities broadly accessible by making them available in the browser (though there's still a plug-in to download). No, in that the experience of using Live Local 3-D in the browser is currently much slower than using comparable functionality on Google Earth 4.

Both products have APIs/developer tools that allow third parties to build on top of these "platforms." But let's forget about the "who will win?" issue. Let's look at the bigger picture, which is more interesting anyway.

The question of what's next in search is often posed and left unanswered, because it's very hard to image what might replace the ubiquitous text box. But, in my opinion, a partial answer is starting to emerge. It involves variables of place (local/geo-coding), rich media (images, video, 3-D) and community. I wrote some time ago on this blog about Google Earth as a "geobrowser" and alternative Web-search paradigm.

Almost anything that you can do in text/2-D can be done in a more fun and engaging way in 3-D and/or with video. With limited exceptions pictures are, in fact, worth more than a thousand words.

The Internet is rapidly becoming more "textured" and rich media and community are at the center of that trend. In one corner, social search is being seen by some as a successor to machine algorithms (or at least the future includes some hybrid). In another, "social networking" sites -- which might be now better labeled "social destinations" -- continue to gain more and more consumer traction. In addition, online video is growing fast both as consumer experience and as an online advertising vehicle.

There is much more to discuss in terms of how geo-location, rich media and community play out in search (or "discovery"), as well as the advertising opportunities that may lie on the other side for both large and small businesses. My point is only that the foundation is now being pretty clearly laid for new search and discovery tools and new user experiences that are much more complex and engaging than what exists today.

Posted by Greg Sterling at 4:07 PM | Permalink

November 2, 2006

GPS, Geotagging, Images and Maps

The NY Times has a long and relatively interesting article on geotagging images and mapping. It primarily discusses Flickr and, to a lesser degree, Google Earth and Picasa and other services such as TripTracker. The article also goes into the geocoding/tagging technology itself. Not discussed in the article is Microsoft's "Photosynth," which is an interesting hypothetical application and extension of all this technology.

Mapping, images (including video) and local/travel are rapidly coming together in very rich applications, as alternatives to pure text-based online navigation.

Posted by Greg Sterling at 2:01 PM | Permalink

October 25, 2006

Face Found On Google Maps

Philipp Lenssen spotted on Digg a link to Google Maps that shows a face outline in the earth. The coordinated for the Google Maps face is at 50° 0'38.20"N 110° 6'48.32"W. Pretty convincing, eh? It just amazes me how people find these things. This location is in Canada, near Calgary and Montana - so if you are not too far, drive up there, right off highway 1 (it appears) and let us know.

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 9:34 AM | Permalink

Google Maps Adds "More Info" Link & Expand/Collapse Result

Philipp Lenssen reports that Google Maps has added a "more info" link on the Google Maps results. If you do a search for my company, on the left hand side you will see a "more info" link. If you click that link, a window is overlaid over the map with more details on that business including address, phone, directions, overview, details and web pages related to the company. You can also then click on the windows-like collapse icon on the top right, near the close icon of that window to collapse the details and see more of the map.

Below is a screen capture just to document it:

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 9:19 AM | Permalink

October 24, 2006

President George Bush Uses Google Maps To Get Away

Justin Uberti of Google linked to a Think Progress video where President George Bush said he uses Google Maps. The transcript reads:

HOST: I’m curious, have you ever googled anybody? Do you use Google?

BUSH: Occasionally. One of the things I’ve used on the Google is to pull up maps. It's very interesting to see - I've forgot the name of the program - but you get the satellite, and you can - like, I kinda like to look at the ranch. It remind me of where I wanna be sometimes.

You can watch the video at Think Progress.

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 9:19 AM | Permalink

October 12, 2006

Google And Palm Launch Maps For Smartphones

I'll resist the "maps in the palm of your hand" jokes here. But Google and Palm announced the launch of Google Maps for Treo smartphones. The site indicates that currently the application supports the Treo 600, 650 and 700 models. But I've seen reports that also say the new 680 is being supported, and so I would assume is the forthcoming 750.

Maps on a smartphone makes much more sense than a tiny Google map on a tiny mobile screen. The Google Blog has more information.

Posted by Greg Sterling at 4:33 PM | Permalink

September 28, 2006

Beware: Giant Bug Found On Google Earth

Google Sightseeing reports a huge alien bug being found via Google Maps. Take a look at here or on Google Maps here and you will notice this huge bug about 200+ feet long on German land. Don't worry, it is not some alien from outer-space. It appears that a bug got stuck between the "glass plate and the film during the scanning process."

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 9:04 AM | Permalink

September 13, 2006

Intuit & Google Announce Major Local Search Marketing Partnership

In a development with potentially sweeping implications for local search and small business online marketing, Intuit has announced a partnership with Google that integrates AdWords campaign management and other Google-related features directly into the workflow of QuickBooks, the company's bestselling software package for small business. QuickBooks has 3.7 million active small business customers. A similar set of capabilities is contemplated for a future release of Intuit's other bestselling software program Quicken.

Simultaneously Intuit announced the acquisition of SME marketing firm StepUp. (Reuters is reporting that the acquisition price was $60 million.) StepUp has been doing for local retailers what local SEM/SEO firms like LocalLaunch, WebVisible and ReachLocal are doing (with partners) for local service businesses – helping them establish a web presence and pushing their listings and content out to consumer destinations where they could be found online. (I'll go into this aspect of the deal and its significance below.)

The Intuit-Google partnership and the QuickBooks implementation were quickly put together for the 2007 release of QuickBooks, which hits the shelves later this month. Both companies see their relationship as a long-term partnership with significant mutual benefits. Intuit CEO Steve Bennett and Google CEO Eric Schmidt are holding a conference call later today to explain the relationship in further detail.

Here are the details of the QuickBooks integration as I understand them:

AdWords Starter Edition Integration: Small businesses using QuickBooks will have the ability to sign up for AdWords and manage their campaigns directly within the QuickBooks workflow environment. They won't need to go to Google to do so; Google will receive a feed directly from within QuickBooks. As an incentive to advertise, new AdWords users will receive a $50 discount. Beyond FAQs and standard information about AdWords, right now there doesn't appear to be any "hand holding" or other special support. However I was told that additional features and support would come in future implementations. Intuit told me that they would be helping Google better understand and meet the needs of small business advertisers. One-Click Listing on Google Maps: SME data contained within QuickBooks will pre-populate a set of fields to help SMEs upload their contact information and other details, which they have the ability to edit, in what amounts to one click to Google Maps. They will be enticed to do so with a message along these lines: "Get your business listed on Google for free." Inventory/Product Feed to Google: StepUp has been working with Google to provide local retailer inventory information to Froogle. StepUp has about 5,000 small business customers. Being acquired by Intuit and integrated into QuickBooks will give the company overnight access to literally millions of small retailers and their inventory data. About half of QuickBooks' 3.7 million customers use the software for inventory management.

StepUp's application is similarly integrated into the new, 2007 version of QuickBooks. What this enables is a product/inventory data feed directly to Google/Froogle. As part of the install process of QuickBooks 2007 retailers will be given the option to list all their products on Google.

StepUp works with other distributors (e.g., SuperPages) and intends to continue doing so. "Our mission is to help retailers be found wherever consumers are," StepUp CEO Kendall Fargo told me in response to my question about whether the Intuit acquisition and Intuit-Google partnership would mean any changes in the company's roadmap or objectives. Beyond the additional reach this gives them, he said "no" and also expressed a desire to work with other partners (e.g., MSN, Yahoo!, etc.)

Google Desktop Integration: Finally the Google Desktop search application is being integrated into QuickBooks so that users can search their computers and the data in QuickBooks with the Google Desktop client.

Implications re Small Business Advertisers:

Google has been working directly and indirectly with channel partners to acquire small business advertisers. Many of those partners are yellow pages publishers. But consider that the U.S. yellow pages industry has approximately 3.2 million advertisers in total. As mentioned, QuickBooks has 3.7 million active users and Quicken another 3 million (not all of whom are small businesses obviously). But you get the idea: Instantly Google gets access – through a trusted third party (Intuit) -- to a huge installed base of potential advertisers.

The direct integration of AdWords into the QuickBooks workflow may not be as effective as a local sales rep. knocking on a door or making a phone call, but it gets close and it's considerably more efficient in many respects. And, as mentioned, Intuit will be helping Google to make AdWords more "SME friendly" going forward.

This is a privileged position with a massive SME aggregator that currently Google's competitors don't enjoy on a comparable scale.

Implications re the Consumer Experience:

The StepUp facilitated product inventory information, which will likely be more complete and accurate than almost anything else in the market, will make Froogle (or whatever it eventually becomes) a differentiated source of local product information ("Where can I buy it today?"). Intuit/StepUp has said it will work and hopes to work with others in providing this same information. So Froogle's competitors could potentially benefit from this feed if they build the required APIs.

The Google Maps integration will similarly provide (assuming that merchants opt for this) lots of accurate local content that otherwise wouldn't be available or might be outdated.

Of course it remains to be seen how all this plays out, but this is a major win for Google and a big value-add for Intuit in its relationship with small businesses.

Posted by Greg Sterling at 2:59 PM | Permalink

August 24, 2006

Google Maps Inline With Search Results

Philipp Lenssen spotted someone who captured Google inserting a plus sign in the search results, when you click on that plus sign, it opens up a Google Maps result. Earlier, we reported that Google displayed map results in the OneBox area. This application of the Google Maps product requires user action to click on the plus sign, which opens up the Maps result. I have tested this out on the query that generated this Google response but was unsuccessful in replicating its behavior on a Mac or PC (Firefox or IE).

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 9:34 AM | Permalink

August 22, 2006

Saving Addresses At Google & Yahoo Maps

Matt McGee posted an entry on a fairly new feature at Google Maps, that allows you to save locations for later use. He notes that Yahoo has had this feature for a while. In addition, the Google Blog has announced this feature earlier this month. I thought it would be useful to write a "how-to" save addresses at Google Maps and Yahoo Maps.

Saving Addresses on Google Maps: (1) Go to Google Maps (2) Sign in to Google, if you are already not signed in (link at the top right of the page) (3) On the left hand side you should see "Recent locations" and links to the most recent places you search on. You should also see a link to "See all saved locations" under the recent locations on the left and also a link at the top right of the page to "Saved Locations." (4) Clicking on the link will take you to a screen where you can manage your locations (add/edit/delete locations). (5) You can also "Enable auto-saving of locations," which I believe is on by default. (6) For more information on Google Maps Saved Locations see the help section.

Saving Addresses on Yahoo Maps: (1) Go to Yahoo Maps (I am taking you to the beta version) (2) Make sure you are logged in (3) Under the "Get Maps and Directions" field for "A", if you click on the arrow down in the input box, it should show you "recent locations." (4) To edit your recent location, in the same drop down, click on the link that says "Save/Edit Locations" (5) You can then either clear your recent locations or manage your other locations. You can add up to 10 saved locations to Yahoo Maps. (6) You can quickly save a location you searched on at Yahoo Maps by clicking on "Add to My Yahoo" (7) For more information on Yahoo Maps Locations see the help section (8) One Tip: Ten locations may not do it for you. I personally use Yahoo's MyWeb feature. I got to a specific location on Yahoo Local and click on the "Save to My Web" button. This way I can save Doctors, Restaurants, and Friends location easily. Of course, you can also add them to your Yahoo Address book.

Both Google and Yahoo have methods to send the data to your mobile phone.

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 9:13 AM | Permalink

August 18, 2006

More On Google's Warp Speed Run Into The Star Trek Convention

I wrote earlier about how Google was going to be hunting for engineers at the 5th Annual Official Star Trek Convention this week in Las Vegas. Now more news about that and more.

The company's put out a press release about taking part in the show and set up a special site for Star Trek fans. Don't get too excited. The site has little to do with Star Trek and a lot more to do with promoting how developers can now put geo-location files (KML) on mobile phones. Way down at the bottom of the page are links to plot sci-fi related locations on Google Maps (see them here) or Google Earth.

Much cooler is an AFP article, Google builds bridge at Star Trek cult convention, about how Google's booth will feature a mockup of the Enterprise bridge (TOS, probably, rather than TNG or STE. Don't know the acronyms? Then you don't care which bridge it is). The main viewer will access Google Earth, which sounds pretty cool.

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 8:12 AM | Permalink

August 15, 2006

Google Maps Gets Coupons

Hmm? How do you prove to local merchants who lack tracking software or even web sites that search converts? Coupons! That's right, the conversion tracking tool that requires no internet connection, cookies or software has come to Google Maps.

Google provides more information on how merchants can get going with coupons at its local business center here (for those logged in with a Google Account). They're available for free to anyone with a local business listing on Google Maps.

How do you get those free local listing? Easy. If you're logged into Google, provide your real-world location information here (for the US, UK, Canada, China & Japan). Then a letter will get sent to that location with a PIN to verify your listing. Once that's added, you can assign coupons to your locations.

To kick things off, Google's already seeded the maps with coupons through a partnership with Valpak, as described more in the press release below. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find any live and in the wild. It would have been nice if there was a feature added to Google Maps to search and indicate you want to see only businesses offering coupons. Heck, I don't even see consumer-facing help information about coupons offered yet at Google Maps.

Here are some details from press stories:

• Google to distribute discount coupons on mapping service: From the San Jose Mercury News, it provides a bit more detail about the Valpak partnership.  
• Google Maps offers discount coupons for US stores: From Reuters, some details on how this might challenge coupon rivals such as CoolSavings. I'd say it's not going to be much of a challenge unless a feature to easily find coupons at Google is offered. Hunt-and-hope browsing for them isn't going to cut it.  
• New at Google: Local Coupons: From the New York Times, has some quotes from Google on how this is intended to help small businesses who might lack web sites.

And here's the Google press release:

Print and Save – Coupons on Google Maps

Today, Google announced printable online coupons on Google Maps. When searching for local information, discount coupons from businesses are now displayed on Google Maps search results and business listing pages. These coupons can be printed out directly from a computer and redeemed at a physical store location of a neighborhood or local business. For users of Google Maps, coupons provide additional relevant business information and ultimately contribute to a better local search experience. For businesses, coupons provide another way to reach customers online.

Google has partnered with Valpak, one of the leading direct marketing companies in North America, to provide coupons from current Valpak advertisers on Google Maps. These coupons include savings from local businesses throughout the United States including dry cleaners, dentists, vets, pizza places, car washes, oil changes, handymen and home remodelers. New coupons from Valpak advertisers are added on a nightly basis to ensure the most recent offers are available immediately to consumers.

Coupons are available in Google Maps at no cost to businesses and consumers. Businesses simply need to log into the Local Business Center at Google Maps to enter in coupon information www.google.com/local/add. In addition, businesses can easily add or update their local business listings on Google Maps from the Local Business Center. Once coupon information is entered, the coupon is displayed on Google Maps within hours. Businesses do not need a web site to participate.

"We're very pleased to be the launch partner with Google to offer Valpak's print-at-home online coupons to more consumers and to give Valpak merchants valuable enhanced distribution tied to their existing listing on Google Maps." said Todd Leiser, Vice President and General Manager for Valpak.com, Valpak's online coupon portal. "Valpak's blue envelope has been a North American institution for nearly 40 years and has the type of real consumer value that is perfect to support Google's mission statement of organizing the world's information".

In addition, Google AdWords advertisers can use coupons through the Local Business Center. In the coming months, AdWords advertisers will be able to drive traffic to their coupons on Google Maps. By driving additional traffic to their coupons the advertiser can reach more customers.

To find a coupon for a business in your neighborhood please visit www.maps.google.com. For businesses who want to try coupons on Google Maps please visit www.google.com/local/add.

Postscript: Mike Buckley's gotten one of the ads going and describes the process over here. The coupons don't actually appear in the pop-up box on the map, as I thought. Instead, try this search. Look to the left-hand side, at the textual listings. See the word "Coupons >>" under each listing. Click on one like this, and you'll see how coupons are listed for display.

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 5:36 AM | Permalink

August 10, 2006

Custom Map Icons Added For Google Local Business Ads

The Google Blog announced a new feature for Google Local business ads, named "custom map icons." Basically, for the pinpoints found in Google Local/Maps, you can customize that pinpoint with a favicon like image. You can see an example of this implemented and more details on how it works at the Google Blog.

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 6:27 PM | Permalink

July 28, 2006

Trulia Distributing Its Maps To Local Realtors

As described on the Trulia Blog and The Future of Real Estate Marketing Blog, vertical real estate search site Trulia is making its maps with listings available for no cost to local brokers and realtors. The maps themselves are built on the Google Maps API and reflect local real estate listings drawn from broker feeds and crawling.

Here's what Trulia says about the new maps distribution:

"How does it work? Visit the Tools For Your Site section of Trulia and click on TruliaMap. Enter your website URL and we’ll quickly tell you whether we’ve indexed your listings. You can then customize a TruliaMap to make it your own. Options include size (narrow or wide), colors, and even an option to have the map automatically animate through your listings."

Local realtors thus get a customized map on their sites featuring their listings. This is a smart (and natural) move because it will provide off-site distribution and branding for Trulia and encourage other local realtors and brokers to get their listings onto the site. It also makes participating local realtor sites much richer for users (The Real Estate Marketing Blog also suggests they add the Zillow API for house valuations). Trulia has essentially shunned the MLS services in favor of dealing directly with local agents.

Trulia offers one of the most feature rich and user friendly real estate sites in the market today.

Google Maps API and Google Maps have been wildly popular so, by the same token, why shouldn't a useful application built on top of Google Maps? But I wonder how Google will feel about this "re-syndication"?

Posted by Greg Sterling at 5:46 PM | Permalink

July 27, 2006

French Court Preventing Greenpeace France From Displaying Crop Data On Google Maps

BoingBoing spotted an interesting case where a French court ordered Greenpeace France to remove a site using the Google Maps tool to display "locations of commercial, genetically engineered corn fields in France." Greenpeace France overlaid an X in the spot of those corn fields. They have removed the site, but plan on appealing the order. "Greenpeace argues the online maps should not be censored because an EU law requires the French government to make the crop site information public anyway," Xeni Jardin of BoingBoing writes.

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 11:36 AM | Permalink

July 25, 2006

Real-Time Traffic From Google Maps Mobile

Google Maps has rolled out a new mobile version offering real-time traffic information in 30 US cities. The service also offers directions designed for those who are walking, in addition to driving.

The mobile version is explained more here from Google. It requires downloading Java-based software which works with many mobile phones but certainly not all of them. Count me among the ones out of luck. It also won't work on Palm devices nor, from what I can tell, Windows Mobile/Pocket PCs. The FAQ explains more. All supported devices are here.

Google's also made a new version of its personalized home page for mobile devices, using this tool. Google Personalized Homepage on Mobile Phones from Google Blogoscoped and Google Beefs Up Mobile Home Page from Micro Persuasion cover more on how this works.

Very oddly, regular Google Maps hasn't gained either traffic information or pedestrian directions. That's too bad, because if they did, I could use the regular browser on my phone to get this type of information. Since Google fails to do this, here are alternatives from its competitors.

Yahoo rolled out real-time traffic information into Yahoo Maps well over a year ago. Our SearchDay article Yahoo Offers Real-Time Traffic Reports covers more about this, and help info from Yahoo is here.

Meanwhile, Windows Live Local from Microsoft added real-time traffic info about two months ago, as our past blog post Windows Live Local Adds Traffic and Sharing covers. Help info from Microsoft is here.

Mobile Access to Info: See The Traffic from us in the past has some tips on seeing real-time traffic via the TrafficLand web site, which has expanded since our original article to cover more cities.

Ask Maps doesn't have traffic info but it does provide an option to get directions both for those driving and for walking, something Google only gives you on your phone.

Nobody walks in LA -- or The OC -- for that matter. But if Ryan on The OC really was trying to walk between locations as the TV series would make you think (see my personal blog for more), here's a rough idea of how the three hour trip by foot gets turned into only minutes through the miracle of television. Oh -- and it also demonstrates how walking directions work on Ask.

And speaking of my personal blog, I couldn't resist doing a quick post about my new favorite way of getting traffic information, via my watch. See Real-Time Traffic Via My MSN Direct Spot Watch for more on that.

Postscript: Gary Price has listed some additional real time traffic resources here

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 10:07 AM | Permalink

July 17, 2006

Google Maps Added As OneBox Result

Rob over in our Search Engine Watch forums thread Google Maps + Reviews In Main Search Results and Philipp Lenssen reports that Google seems to have added a new Google Maps "OneBox" display for some results.

Philipp shows how a search on sf mortgage broker brings up a Google Maps like UI at the top of the results. In the past, it would have just brought up links to local results and not a full-fledged map.

I tested it out on my own company and it also brings up the Google Maps OneBox. You can see the difference between local results and Google Map results by comparing this query and this query.

The difference is huge for a search marketer because it displays only one result at the top, takes up a huge amount of screen real estate and it much more in your face the blue text links. Postscript By Danny: Brad Geddes has a very nice write-up also illustrating what a big impact this can be for a local merchant: Google adds Maps to Main Search Results.

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 9:47 AM | Permalink

July 11, 2006

Google Maps Adds Click To Zoom

Loren Baker at Search Engine Journal points out that Google Maps has added another way to zoom: double clicking. Of course you can still zoom with the mouse rollerball. Here's the official statement from the Google Maps API Blog.

Google Earth and Google Maps are now apparently running off the same platform, which should permit more integration of Earth features into Maps over time.

Posted by Greg Sterling at 4:05 PM | Permalink

May 29, 2006

WikiMapia: Google Maps and Wikipedia Mashup

Coming on the heels of the recently launched Microsoft MapCruncher, WikiMapia uses the Google Maps API and a Wiki interface. This enables users to enter or edit information with map hotspots. They ask that you refrain from adding anything that wouldn't be useful to everyone. Currently, the entries mainly consist of empty hotspots on buildings of interest, but a UK PacMan was also spotted. The search functionality only works searching tags applied to entries. There just aren't enough entries yet. I searched [cropcircle] from the main screen, and it limited the hotspots to the single entry with that tag. If WikiMapia gets populated, the search would obviously become more elaborate.

Posted by Detlev Johnson at 10:27 AM | Permalink

May 19, 2006

Google Maps Australia and New Zealand

Finally, Australia gets mapped by Google Maps. Not only did Australia get street level views, so did New Zealand. So if you are ever in Sydney, you should be able to find your way to Canterbury, New Zealand. Spotted via Philipp Lenssen, who also noted this past April that Google mapped in detail Europe.

Also, Gary Price lists some (none-Google) Interactive Maps for Six Cities in India including; Mumbai, Delhi, Gurgaon, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chandigarh.

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 8:47 AM | Permalink

May 11, 2006

Google Maps Marriage Proposal Or Not?

Nathan Weinberg reports that someone has proposed to his girlfriend via Google Maps. If you take a look at the this roof top in Google Maps, you will notice it reads, "Will U Marry Me." But the true question is, was this meant for a fly over via plane or helicopter or was it meant to be a proposal via Google Maps?

If the later, then, possibly, this guy topped my wedding proposal.

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 9:23 AM | Permalink

April 26, 2006

Google Adds Localized Domains For Google Maps

Philipp Lenssen reports that Google has added localized domain names for specific countries. The list Philipp has includes;

+ http://maps.google.de/ + http://maps.google.fr/ + http://maps.google.es/ + http://maps.google.it/

Other localized domain names that work, that I found include; + http://maps.google.co.uk/ + http://maps.google.ca/

and others...

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 8:00 AM | Permalink

April 25, 2006

Google Maps Europe Now With More Maps & Directions

Philipp Lenssen reports that Google Maps, the European version, now has detailed street outlines and driving directions. Reportedly, before today, you were not able to see a typical street level view, such as this view of London. I personally know nothing about driving around Europe, so this is the best entry I can do at this time.

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 7:48 AM | Permalink

April 21, 2006

Google Local Goes Back To Being Google Maps

Google gave us the heads-up about this earlier this week, that Google Local was going to be renamed Google Maps. Now it's happened. Either URL you use, http://local.google.com/ or http://maps.google.com/ comes back with the Google Maps name.

But wait a minute! Wasn't Google Maps just renamed Google Local a few months ago? Yep, back in October. Google explains briefly to News.com how they flip-flopped because people kept calling Google Local "Google Maps."

Hate to say it, but perhaps they should go back to two different sites. Local results can still be in Google Maps and vice-versa, but separately, they might be easier to maintain with more targeted front pages for what people probably expect. For example, compare Yahoo Local to Yahoo Maps.

Postscript: Google has more on the change on its blog.

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 7:37 AM | Permalink

April 18, 2006

TechCrunch Rates Yahoo Maps The Best Mapping Service

TechCrunch has an outstanding review of mapping services offered by Yahoo, Google, MapQuest, Ask.com and MSN. The review takes you through scoring on views, navigation, mapping routes, functional actions and services and pricing. Overall, Yahoo maps wins over the other mapping services.

Yahoo Maps was by far the best application tested. Its fast Flash interface, multipoint directions, live traffic information, and easy send-to-mobile feature make it the hands down winner. It also features the most robust API options.

Read the full review at TechCrunch. Oh, I have my own little and un-comprehensive review on mapping services based on driving to Toronto next week.

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 8:28 AM | Permalink

April 7, 2006

SDForum To Host GeoSearch & Mapping Session With Google, Yahoo, MSN, & Ask.com

Search SIG announces that Google, Yahoo, MSN and Ask.com will be on a panel named MapOFF! to take place at Yahoo headquarters on April 11th. The panel includes Jeremy Kreitler of Yahoo, Thai Tran of Google Maps, Alex Daley of Microsoft Virtual Earth and Andy Yang of Ask.com, moderated by Brady Forrest of Microsoft. More information on the event here.

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 8:54 AM | Permalink

Google Maps API Version 2 Released

Google announced earlier this week that the new version two of the Google Maps API is now available. There is now no daily API call limit to Google Maps and if they do put ads in the maps, they will notify you 90-days prior via the blog. Other features include;

- Much smaller JavaScript download. The new Maps API JavaScript file is about half the size of the old JavaScript file, which should improve user experience on your web site. - Two additional satellite zoom levels. Increased imagery resolution and coverage in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Japan, Europe, and almost every major city in the world. - Overview map. Our new GOverviewMapControl control displays an attractive and collapsible map in the corner of the screen. - Extensibility and a new GMap2 class. The GMap2 interface has been redesigned to allow API users to extend it. We now have documented ways of creating custom map controls, custom overlays, and even custom map types. - Fewer memory leaks. The API now includes a GUnload method that you can call in the unload event of your page to destroy most circular references, including those formed implicitly during event registration. On Google Maps, this has virtually eliminated memory leaks in IE. - Debugging log. A simple, floating debug window used internally by the Google Maps engineering team allows you to print debug information easily without blocking program execution or interfering with the UI. Just replace your alert() calls with GLog.write(). - Last but not least, a GLatLng class that is distinct from GPoint. You no longer need to reverse your latitude and longitude to construct a geographic point!

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 8:41 AM | Permalink

April 5, 2006

Getting More from Google Maps

Google Maps is fundamentally easy to use, but with a bit of extra effort you can create some really interesting, useful "mashups" combining maps with other types of information. For example, I wrote about Placeopedia, a site that lets you map places mentioned in Wikipedia. If you really want to plunge in to creative uses of Google Maps, you should check out Google Maps Hacks, a new book from O'Reilly. I've got a review of the book in today's SearchDay article, Hacking Google Maps.

Posted by Chris Sherman at 8:42 AM | Permalink

March 31, 2006

How To Add Your Local Business Ad In Google AdWords

I just posted about Google's New Local Business Ads, but this entry is going to take you step by step on how I added my icon and logo to my company's, RustyBrick, listing.

I logged into my Google AdWords Account, which was also linked to the Google account I used to update my local business listing. I was presented with a link to "Create New Local Business Ad", which looked like;

I clicked on that link and moved on to a page that asked to help identify my company. The page was a form prefilled with my company's information, so I clicked continue below the form. Here is a screen capture;

Google found one listed and asked me to confirm this listing before preceding, so I did, here is that screen;

The next screen asked me to create my ad, and it showed me a preview of the ad, as I create it, much like how normal ads work in AdWords. It looked like;

Part of this screen, they asked me to pick a map icon, here is the dhtml pop up of icon choices;

I then uploaded my logo and clicked save, which took me back to the ad preview page for both my listings (i.e. normal ad and geoad);

So I clicked on edit ad, under the geo ad, and was presented with the full view on the AdWords management screen;

Here is a view of my listing on Google Local Maps;

When I click on that windmill logo, it brings up my image ad portion;

No, I did not click on my ad, and I hope you guys don't either. That is the reason I did not link directly to the Google Local result. :)

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 8:29 AM | Permalink

Google's New Local Business Ads

Google has launched, as expected, Local Business Ads. The official overview page from Google can be found here. ClickZ has their write up here and News.com over here. I am sure you have questions, such as how do I get my logo in the local results? Well here are three useful answers for you...

First one; You can create a new local business ad at any time by following these steps: (1) Log in to your AdWords account at https://adwords.google.com. (2) Click the keyword-targeted campaign that contains the Ad Group you want to edit. (3) Click the appropriate Ad Group. (4) Click the Create New Local Business Ad link. (5) Identify the Google Local business listing you want to advertise. If you don't have a listing, learn how to add your business to our local listings. (6) Enter your description lines and URL. (The business name, address, and phone number of your business will be automatically taken from Google Local.) (7) Choose a business icon. The icon you choose will appear for all local business ads in the campaign. (8) Optional: Upload a business image to appear in the info window that expands from your map marker. (9) Click Save Ad.

Second one; Each local business ad can include an image. The image you upload for your local business ad will display in the info window that expands from the map marker associated with your ad.

Please follow these guidelines and requirements for local business ad images: - Dimensions: 125x125 pixels maximum - File size: 20k maximum - File types: JPG, GIF, PNG - Format limitations: All images must be static (no animation, flash or other rich formats) - Other restrictions: The image may be a logo or photo that relates to your business. All images will be - reviewed by an AdWords Specialist. Regardless of your business type, images must be appropriate for all audiences.

Third one; The map marker for each local business ads contains a business icon. You can choose an icon from a list provided during local business ad creation. The icon is set at the campaign level, so all ads within one campaign will display the same icon.

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 8:06 AM | Permalink

March 24, 2006

Google Tests New Image Ads In Google Local

Shimon Sandler found that Google Local is testing another form of PPC ads in Google Local. If you search on booksellers nyc at Google Local, and if you look at the map you will notice some results have little coffee icons. If you click on the coffee icon within the map, more info pops up. This pop up contains a header named "Sponsored Link" and with local information and a large Barnes and Noble logo.

PostScript: Shimon also says that this is named "GeoAds." Reportedly, it is available to all, if not most business segments. How do you sign up for your business? Well, I am not 100% sure. You can go to Google Base and do a bulk upload of your multiple business listings or add/edit your local business listing. I tried the local business listing, but was unsuccessful in adding a sponsored listing or logo to my result.

If you are a Mac user, like myself, you most likely won't see the coffee icon, in either Safari or even Firefox. But if you are a PC user, you should see the result on both IE and FireFox. Here are screen captures if you are like me.

Perspective Screen Capture:

Zoom In Screen Capture:

This is an alternative form of ads in Google Local. First time we noticed sponsored ads was when Google placed blue pins in the results.

Want to discuss? Join our forum thread named Google Tries Alternative to Blue Pins in Google Local Maps.

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 9:40 AM | Permalink

March 13, 2006

Google Mars Launches

Google launched Google Mars this morning and has posted it at Google Labs. Garett Rogers emailed me last night, when he first discovered Google Mars. He found Google Mars by some digging of his own last night. Google Mars allows you to view Mars three ways, by elevation, by "visible" and by infrared. Google has plotted points by Regions, Mountains, Plains Spacecraft, Canyons, Ridges, Stories, Dunes, and Craters. They have plans to add a Google Earth like desktop feature for Mars in the future. More information at About Google Mars.

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 8:26 AM | Permalink

February 21, 2006

Google Maps at Night

Peter Pesti created Google Maps at Nighttime. This map overlays both night, dusk and day versions of the standard Google Maps product. The site remarks, "The underlying 128 megapixel night imagery from NASA uses a map projection different from Google Maps'. The two are aligned near the NYC-Madrid-Tokyo axis only." I forgot exactly where I found it yesterday, but I thought it was worth a quick note.

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 10:42 AM | Permalink

February 16, 2006

HBO's "The Sopranos" Uses Google Maps & AdWords for Show Promotion

AdAge.com reports (free registration required) 'The Sopranos' Use Google Maps to Promote New Season. The article claims The Sopranos is "likely to be the first advertiser to have paid the search giant to use its map technology for promotional purposes." However, Danny did report that some companies might have used Google Maps to promote themselves, like Target, even though it may have been unintentional. The article says that HBO is developing a Google map of New Jersey "to remind viewers about some of the story lines." And they are reportedly buying keywords like “Sopranos Map” to direct traffic to the site.

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 10:06 AM | Permalink

February 10, 2006

FareCompare Adds Flight Costs to Google Maps

Every want to just go fly somewhere but didn't care where it was, as long as it wasn't too expensive? SYS-CON Media reports that FareCompare has integrated Google Maps to show you flight costs from your origin. For example, the closest major airport to my current location is Newark Airport, so if I do a search on EWR (Newark's airport code), it brings back Google Maps with flight cost information from my departing city (Newark in this case) to other cities in America.

Currently Cleveland is the cheapest place I can fly to, according to FareCompare, at $118. Now this is a smart way to use the Google Maps API and differentiate your site from the hundred other airfare search engines.

Before posting this story, I asked Gary Price if he wrote up anything like this before. And as you can imagine, Gary did. His post was named Getting the Airfare Buzz from Kayak.com which shows a similar use of Google Maps and airfares. Here is the same search on EWR but at Kayak.com Buzz.

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 1:28 PM | Permalink

Google Increases R