Google Launch Google Maps

Online search giant Google have launched a new, “in-house” designed, map tool for web searchers called Google Maps.

Google described their efforts as an attempt to make “maps can be useful and fun” in an attempt to “simplify how to get from point A to point B. Say you’re looking for “hotels near LAX.” With Google Maps you’ll see nearby hotels plotted right on a crisp new map (we use new rendering methods to make them easier to read). Click and drag the map to view the adjacent area dynamically – there’s no wait for a new image to download. Or get step-by-step directions to where you’re headed. If a particular intersection on the route looks tricky, click on that step in the directions to see a magnified view. Play with the keyboard shortcuts (arrow keys to pan or the +/- keys to zoom in and out) too.”

Currently, Google offer links to Mapquest or Yahoo Maps for a location based query like this. It is not known when the new tool will, if ever, replace this setup. As well as offering A to Z style maps, the service also offers directions and various other functionality (see here). Still in testing, the service is being offered to Internet Explorer and Firefox users; it lacks full support for Safari and Opera users at this time. Google Maps, like other popular Google services, makes use of clever JavaScript and DHTML tricks to make the site work efficiently and speedily.

The service is slightly quirky yet provides a good impression of how good it will be when finished. Like so many other Google offerings, its simple design and straight forward operation is a sure fire winner and provides more functionality to a search engine already at the top of the game. One can’t but ask, what will next week bring, and from which search engine?

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