November 23, 2009

Google Launches Mobile Coupons 4 Days Before Black Friday

Google is giving local businesses the ability to make their coupons available to mobile devices.

Accessing Coupons You can find coupons on the recently launched Place Pages, which are accessed by searching Google Maps.

Offering Coupons

If you already have a printable coupon available, you can simply select an option to make those coupons available on mobile devices. Printable coupons were added to the Google Local Business Center a few years back.

Happy deal-making.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 2:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

November 11, 2009

Google Adds Street View to Hawaii, Int'l Locations; Latitude Gets History and Location Alerts

The Google Earth and Maps Team has been hard at work unloading a bunch of updates. First up, Street View images for the state of Hawaii have been added. Now, all 50 states have Street View.

Additionally, Street View imagery has been added to 5 cities in Mexico, "huge swathes" of Spain, and 30 towns in the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, new updates have come to Latitude. You can now track the history of where you've been. This history is not made available to your friends.

But speaking of your friends, you can now get alerts when they're nearby (and using Latitude, of course). This will keep you from having to check Latitude constantly to see if anyone is nearby.

What do you think of these Google Maps updates? Let us know by leaving a comment.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 12:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 10, 2009

Yahoo! Announces Yodel Studio Finalists; Google LatLong Announces Trike Finalists

Last month, Yahoo! and Google launched a couple of contests (separately), and this week both are announcing the finalists.

First up, Yahoo! is looking for a new Yodel, and they received 21,000 entries. They've narrowed it down to three contestants each for the US, UK and India. Click on the links below to view the finalists' entries and cast your vote:

Tiffany Jo from Arizona Carlo from Arizona Christopher from Oklahoma

Katherine Hajar James

India

Nishant Ankitaa Ayesha

Meanwhile, Google launched a contest to see where the new Street View vehicle, Google Trike would go. They received 25,000 suggestions, 44% of which were college campuses. Below are the finalists for the various categories. You can cast your vote at Google.com/trike.

University Campuses Arizona State University Michigan State University Princeton University Rochester Intitute of Technology Stanford University

Parks & Trails Boulder Creek Bike Path, CO Capital Crescent Trail, MD/DC Centennial Trail, WA Schuylkill River Trail, PA Stevens Creek Trail, CA

Pedestrian Malls Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, MA Navy Pier, Chicago, IL Pier 39, San Francisco, CA

Landmarks Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, CA Central Park, NY Millenium Park, Chicago, IL Kennedy Space Center, FL National Mall, DC

Theme Parks & Zoos Bronx Zoo, NY Busch Gardens, VA Detroit Zoo, MI Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL San Diego Zoo, CA Universal Studios, FL

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 9:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Google Includes Place Pages Ad Info on Placement Performance Reports

In September, Google launched Place Pages, which aggregate content to give a fuller listing for local content in Google Maps.

Ads appear on those Place Pages and now AdWords users can see if their ads are appearing on them. The data is included on Placement Performance reports.

You can't currently bid for an ad to be placed on a Place Page, but Google says bidding higher will increase your chances of appearing on them.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 9:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 9, 2009

Google Maps Adds NYC Subway System Layer, Available for Some Mobile Phones Too

Google has added a new layer to their Maps: the New York City Subway System. This will be handy for those of you attending SES New York next spring.

To use it, view New York City in Google Maps and then click the "More" option and select Transit.

Zoom in and you'll see individual station icons. Click on an icon to get more information about that station.

Mobile devices that have access to layers on Google Maps will be able to access the subway maps. Those devices include BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, and Symbian S60.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 10:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 6, 2009

5 Google Updates for 11/6/09: News, Maps, Books, Music and Mobile

It's the end of another eventful week in search blogging, and once again there are several Google updates just piled up waiting to be written about. So, we're saving everyone some time and just compiling them into one post. Check them out:

Google News has a new sitemaps interface. You have six months to adopt the new sitemap.

Google Books now has a magazine search page.

Via Google Search's new music search, you can now access exclusive songs hosted by MySpace and Lala for artists such as Lady Gaga and Arctic Monkeys.

Google Maps has released imagery of Berlin from 1945 to 1953.

The Google Mobile App is now available at Best Buy (still free, which is the ultimate "best buy").

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 3:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 30, 2009

Google Tests Mortgage Comparison Ads, Updates Real Estate Search in Maps

Google is vamping up its real estate search offerings with two new announcements. First up, AdWords is testing comparison ads in the mortgage/refinance vertical. The idea behind comparison ads is to help searchers filter what they're really searching for when they type in something like "mortgage." Check out this screen shot of a comparison ad, per the Inside AdWords blog (click for a larger view):

When you click the ad, you get taken to a chart that lists various rates and lenders.

The second real estate announcement is for Google Maps. There are new ways to help searchers find real estate using the mapping service.

The first one involves the "More" menu that's directly on the map (not the one in the sidebar results). When you click on that, you'll see a real estate option. The second one is the ability to search rentals.

What do you think of Google's pursuit of real estate? Let us know by leaving a comment.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 1:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 28, 2009

Google Maps Launches Navigational Feature for Android 2.0

If you keep up with mobile tech news, you know that a bunch of Android devices are coming out soon. They'll soon be running Android 2.0 and with that will come a new feature: Google Maps Navigation.

Google Maps Navigation brings GPS navigation to Android. It will provide turn-by-turn directions, 3D views and automatic rerouting. It will also have, of course, powerful search features. Those search features include:

Search in plain English - This helps you when you don't know the exact address. You can search the name of a business, for example.

Search by voice - Hands-free is the safest way to search while driving.

Search along route - Find what you need along the route you're driving. Think food, coffee, gas, accommodations, etc.

Google Maps Navigation also provides some robust information including:

The most recent map and business data
Satellite view
Street View

What do you think of Google Maps Navigation? Leave a comment below and let us know.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 26, 2009

Google Maps Gets a Subtle Makeover

Have you ever noticed "something different" about someone but you couldn't quite put your finger on it? Usually, it turns out that the person got a slight haircut or was wearing a new shade of eyeshadow or something. It was subtle, and your brain registered the change, but it wasn't obvious.

Well, the same kind of change has come to Google Maps. They've updated fonts, street widths, colors, etc. The changes aren't very obvious, but they're there. Take a look at this before and after, supplied by the Google LatLong blog:

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 12:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 23, 2009

7 Google Updates: Custom Search, AdWords API, Maps, Search Appliance and More

Google had another busy week pushing out updates. That's really no surprise considering Apple released product refreshes and Microsoft released Windows 7. Google hasn't let any major update from any competitor go by without their own news and this week was no different.

We've already covered Google getting a deal with Twitter (similar to Bing's deal with Twitter) as well as a new social search experiment set up in Google Labs.

Here are 7 updates that are slightly minor but you'll still want to know about:

Custom Search is now available for mobile search experiences on smartphone and higher-end devices. Google will even host your mobile-optimized custom search pages for you, or you can host it on your mobile site.

AdWords API has a new version that includes asynchronous calls, keyword and placement ideas, and a location extensions preview.

Google Maps for Mobile has introduced layers for Blackberry users.

Google Search Appliance, an enterprise search server, released an update that includes a Self-Learning Scorer.

Google Friend Connect has a new Wordpress plugin.

Webmaster Central has new instructions for verifying a Blogger blog in Webmaster Tools.

Google Reader added Popular Items and Personalized Ranking features.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 12:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 16, 2009

Google Trike: Going Where No Street View Vehicle Has Gone Before

Google has added to their Street View transportation fleet: a tricycle. Dubbed "Google Trike," the pimped out pedaling three-wheel bike goes where cars just can't. Or shouldn't, anyway.

The idea was conceived by Dan Ratner, a mechanical engineer/mountain biking enthusiast at the Mountain View, CA search giant. Ratner has already photographed LEGOLAND and the Arastradero Open Preserve.

There's a lot of land to cover out there, and Google is taking nominations for the next place in the U.S. to be photographed with Google Trike. Simply go to http://www.google.com/trike to make your nomination for one of the following categories:

Parks & Trails
University Campuses
Pedestrian Malls (e.g., outdoor shopping areas, boardwalks)
Theme Parks & Zoos
Landmarks
Sports Venues (e.g., golf courses, racing tracks, stadium grounds)

Nominations are open until October 28. Google will select a winner in each category and then open the finalists up to voting by the public.

Oh, you wanted to see what the Google Trike looks like? Check out this vid:

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 3:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 7, 2009

6 Google Stories for Wednesday, October 7, 2009

There was a ton of news about Google today (in addition to the two [see here and here] we've already covered today), so let's dive right in:

Search Options was released on the mobile version of web search for Android, iPhone, and Palm WebOS. By the way, that's the second time in a week where a mobile update is for those three types of devices. Blackberry and Nokia phones are noticeably missing while omitting Windows Mobile is no real surprise.

Google Maps released a major update, with improved details for parks, bike paths, and college campuses.

The Google Webmaster Central team is proposing new standards for making AJAX sites crawlable.

PDFs in Google's search results are getting the "Quick View" treatment. Since July, Google has added the option, which is based on the same technology used in Google docs, to 50% of the PDFs in their index.

Google is testing Cloudboard, as pointed out by a great post over at Google Operating System. Cloudboard is an online clipboard that would enable copying between Google services including GMail and Google docs.

Google held a press conference today (a response to Microsoft Open House?) and mostly told reporters a bunch of stuff we all already know. Here are a couple of tidbits that stood out: They talked up the new Verizon agreement to sell Android mobile phones. They said the prices publishers set for their own content don't affect SERPs but that traffic could indicate which content is more relevant for searchers. Otherwise, it was your regular Google stuff - defending their book settlement (which they're re-negotiating), defending their luxurious culture in a recession, and how they're good not evil (like Microsoft is, don't ya know?!).

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 11:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

September 30, 2009

Chance Card: Design a 3D Building for Monopoly City Streets Using Google Sketchup

Hasbro, the makers of Monopoly, have launched a contest where you can design a 3D building for their new interactive version of the popular board game: Monopoly City Streets.

But you'll have to hurry. The deadline for the contest is next Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 11:59pm EST.

You'll need to use Google SketchUp to design your building and then upload it to the Google 3D Warehouse to enter. Learn more about the contest rules here.

Monopoly City Streets, which launched earlier this month, uses Google Maps for its interactive game.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 12:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

September 25, 2009

Google Finally Does the Local Content Thing with Place Pages

Google Maps has launched a new feature called Place Pages. It aggregates a bunch of content for a given search result and places it on a single page. So, if you do a search for a local establishment, you can see user reviews, a map and details about the business such as phone, address and hours.

Bing and Yahoo! already do the same thing with their local search results. Ask.com does something similar by incorporating Citysearch. Here's what Google's version looks like:

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 1:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

September 18, 2009

Google Says Apple Indeed Rejected Their Voice and Latitude Applications

In the ongoing saga that is why Google Voice doesn't have an app in the iTunes app store, Google's perspective has been published publicly on the FCC website (pdf). Originally, portions of the letter were to remain confidential, but after Freedom of Information Act filings, it has been made public.

With the publishing, we're learning that Google told the FCC that Apple did indeed reject the Google Voice and Google Latitude applications. Apple has maintained that they did not reject the apps.

The reason for the Google Voice app rejection was that the app duplicated core dialer functionality of the iPhone.

The Google Latitude app was rejected for three reasons

1. It could replace the preloaded Maps application on the iPhone 2. It would create confusion since Maps was a native app on the iPhone (isn't this like #1?) 3. It would offer new features not present on the Maps application (oh, the horror!)

Google said there was no communication with AT&T on the matter. There were a series of phone calls, in-person meetings and emails between Google Senior VP of Engineering and Research Alan Eustace and Apple Senior VP of World Product Marketing Phil Schiller.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 3:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Bulk Listing Verification Now Available for Google Maps Local Business Listings

Business owners have been able to bulk upload their local listings to Google Maps but have had to verify them individually. Until now. Google is now providing the opportunity to bulk verify bulk uploads.

Said bulk uploads must meet the following criteria:

Accurate and up-to-date data
Minimum of 10 bulk uploaded listings already in business owners' Local Business Center account
Full compliance with our Local Business Center Quality Guidelines
Submitted by the owner of all businesses listed
All businesses have only been submitted by a single user

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 12:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 25, 2009

Google Maps Adds Arterial Roads to Traffic Layer with Data from Your Phone

If you commute along a heavily-trafficked highway, you've probably often thought - and tried - alternate ways home. This is a trial-and-error method that can be quite frustrating. Many times, such as rainy days, when traffic is bad in one place - it feels bad everywhere.

But Google Maps is hoping to alleviate some of that frustration by adding arterial roads to its traffic layer. If you don't typically use the word "arterial" when considering your commute, just know that it means more roads are covered in the traffic layer.

Now, you can know if an alternate route is going to be better or if its suffering from the similar clogged conditions your regular route is suffering from.

Here's a screenshot of traffic conditions in the Metropolitan Washington, DC area, taken at around 3:30pm. Notice the calm before the rush hour storm. Go home now if you have flex hours!

Google says one of the reasons its able to provide this kind of data is because of crowdsourcing. If you're not familiar, crowdsourcing is based on the concept of the "wisdom of the crowds," where multiple people contribute to a project. In this case, you may have been contributing without even knowing it.

If you use Google Maps on a phone with GPS and turn on "My Location," your phone sends data to Google about your position and speed. Google uses that data to help develop its traffic reports.

If you want to opt-out, follow these instructions. Of course, you'll lose the ability to associate your location with Maps and mobile applications that use geolocation features.

Google says there are privacy protections added in, but excuse my skepticism as they were just court-ordered to hand over the name of an anonymous blogger in a libel suit. Plus, Google is in the process of combining all your accounts, so your AdWords and Google Portfolio can be attached to your location and speed info! Get excited.

I'm pretty sure the smart people of Google could figure out an opt-out option that would allow people to disallow information about the speed they are going and other private details, while still being able to use My Location. If they did so, I'm also pretty sure they would still have plenty of people willing to give them the data.

I guess I'm glad they're being transparent about it?

What say you? Leave a comment. That's an order.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 3:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

August 24, 2009

Swiss Official Calls for Google Street View to Be Shut Down

Hanspeter Thür, Switzerland's federal data protection commissioner, is not remaining neutral on the issue of Google Street View, according to the New York Times. Thür wants Street View to shut down because he says that faces and license plates haven't adequately been blurred out.

Google says that it would not shut down Street View, instead going the "meet with the public official" privately route, which is basically their M.O.

This is just the latest in many complaints Google has received over Street View, which uses vehicles to roam locations and take images. In March, we learned that Google was complying with takedown requests in the UK by blacking out images.

Google is also working with the EU over how long they should be able to keep the unblurred copies of the images they take.

Google won a lawsuit brought by a Pittsburgh couple who claimed their house was devalued as a result of Street View.

Meanwhile, US military bases are a different story. The Pentagon put the kibosh on imaging bases for what I hope would be obvious security reasons.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 4:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 18, 2009

Google Maps Adds Countries to Map Maker and Street View (Plus, View LEGO Land!)

Google Maps has made some updates that give them a more worldly view. First up, some European countries are gaining access to Map Maker. They are: Albania, Belarus, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, and Serbia. Also getting the update is Malaysia, which, of course is in South Asia.

Meanwhile, folks in Taiwan, Switzerland and Portugal now have access to Street View in Google Maps.

But that's not the only Street View update. Be a kid again by exploring Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca,Thunderhill Raceway Park, San Diego State University and LEGOLAND California, now available in Street View as well.

Want to have your business featured in Street View? Google is now accepting applications to the Street View Partner Program.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 2:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

August 5, 2009

Google Maps Adds Points of Interest, Needs Some Tweaking

Google Maps has added a feature I've been wanting for a long time: points of interest. When you're searching a particular area, you'll see restaurants, hotels, historical sites, etc. marked on the map. The more you zoom in, the more you see.

Check out this map of Charleston, South Carolina, a very historical city.

At a distance, the (in)famous Market Hall and Sheds is not marked, but when you zoom in, it is.

The new feature isn't perfect, however. If you look at the area near 10th ST NW and F St NW in Washington, DC, Ford's Theatre is noticeably missing. Additionally, the "House Where Lincoln Died" and "Petersen House" are shown on opposite sides of the street, despite the fact that Petersen House IS the house where Lincoln died.

I'm sure this will all get better with time. For now, take the points of interest with a grain of salt.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 4:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 27, 2009

Google Maps Provides Street View Zoom Via Panoramio Pics

When you're traipsing around the earth via Google Maps, you now have a new option to get a little closer. Google is incorporating photographs from Panoramio, a travel photo sharing site, to assist with Street View zoom.

Let's say, for example, that you're checking out the Eiffel Tower in Street View from Avenue de la Motte Picquet. To access the new feature, click the user photos box in the top right corner (yes, this was added back in February, hold your horses, I'm getting to the new stuff.)

Once you've done that, check out the shapes on the image of the Eiffel Tower. (Or click one of the images in the carousel.)

Mouseover one of the polygons to select an image to view. Then, double-click to actually view it.

The new image shows a zoomed in look at the area you selected:

Then you can select yet another polygon on the new image:

And see yet another image that's zoomed in a little more:

You can keep doing this until you're as zoomed in as Panoramio photos provide.

What do you think of this new Google Maps zoom feature? Let us know by zooming below to leave us your comment.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 12:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

July 9, 2009

Google Adds My Location to Desktop Version of Maps

Google Maps for Mobile users have had access to a feature called My Location that does exactly what you would think: marks your current location. Now, the desktop version of Google Maps has access to that feature.

You've got to be using a compatible browser. So, if you haven't upgraded to Firefox 3.5 or Chrome 2.0 (or any browser installed with the current version of Google Gears), then it's time to get your download on.

Then when you load Google Maps, look for a teeny tiny new box between the zoom in/out bar and the compass circle. Click that box and you'll be prompted to give permission to share your location.

My Location seemed to figure out that I was in the greater metropolitan area of Raleigh, NC, but there was no indication via the famous blue circle that the feature had worked to find my general location. It certainly couldn't pinpoint the location of the public library whose Wifi I'm currently schlepping. Google uses nearby Wifi points to determine location, but the LatLong blog did say it may not be able to provide one every time. Though, I'm always flabbergasted when new tech like this doesn't work in such a high-tech area as the Raleigh-Durham area.

Were you able to get a more precise location detection from Google Maps? Do tell in the comments.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 2:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 8, 2009

Google Goes After Real Estate, But Has a Long Way to Go

I don't know what's up with Google lately, but there have been a couple of big launches that aren't quite ready for prime time. Google Squared was released, pretty much as an answer to Wolfram Alpha, but it needs a ton of work.

Now, they've launched real estate search in Google Maps, but it's mostly a big dud. Realtor.com, Zillow.com, and Trulia.com are still way better and I absolutely wouldn't recommend ditching them to make Google your primary real estate search.

Of course, we can't discount Google either. They obviously rock the house on so many other products. But I guess because of this I expect a lot more from them.

I entered the search just the way they said you should: "homes for sale in Columbus, OH."

When the results come up, you have to click again to get the real estate search. That should come up right away. Kill the extra click.

Notice that when I refine my search, I see no searches from any of the top 5 real estate sites. According to Hitwise, they are:

Realtor.com
Zillow
Yahoo! Real Estate
Zip Realty
Trulia

Also, for Google's real estate search, I'd like to see the option of displaying more than 10 results before having to click to the next page of results. I think when it comes to real estate search, possibly more than other searches, users are going to be considering many more options because the investment is so large and the factors to consider in the purchase decision are so many.

But hey, that's just my opinion. Disagree? Think Google real estate search rocks? Leave a comment and tell me how it is.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 1:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 18, 2009

Privacy Roundup: Google Street View, French Law, and Congressional Hearings

Privacy concerns are ever-present, but the past week has generated significant buzz on the matter.

First up, Google has been asked by a the European Article 29 Working Party to keep "unblurred" photos for Street View for as little time as possible. The conundrum is this. Google sends its cars out to photograph countries. They use technology to blur things like license plates. However, sometimes the tech goes awry and blurs things that don't need blurring. When Google finds out about it, they use the original, unblurred photo to correct and then add it back into the system. Clearly, that raises a privacy issue. Google says it's working with the Article 29 Working Party to determine the amount of time they should keep the photos, but no solid timeframe has been given yet.

Speaking of Europe, France is putting the pressure on social networking sites like Facebook when it comes to privacy issues. The matter at hand is the trend towards being "open" so that third-party developers can build applications using APIs. French politicians are concerned about these third parties gaining access to private information. There are two things the politicians should consider. One is that most APIs are restrictive. In other words, you don't get access to all of a social network's functionality just because there's an API. Secondly, most of the networks provide an option for users to opt-out of their information being shared.

Last but not least, the United States Congress is having yet another round of hearings on web advertising and privacy. Yahoo! Vice President of Policy and Head of Privacy Anne Toth today testified at the House Energy & Commerce Committee subcommittee's "Behavioral Advertising: Industry Practices and Consumer Expectations." Toth explained the benefits of relevant advertising but also touted the Yahoo! Privacy Center.

Google Deputy General Counsel Nicole Wong also appeared at the hearing. Wong spoke about Google's recent launch of interest-based advertising. The benefits of relevancy of the ads was a talking point for Wong, as well.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 3:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 16, 2009

Google Maps for Android Gets Voice Search, Transit Directions, and Latitude Update

Google is releasing an update to their Maps product for Android phones. With the update comes new features: Voice Search, Transit Directions and Latitude Update.

Voice search is a great addition because typing is tedious on mobile devices. Plus, if you're walking, it's much easier to talk to your phone than to type (and walk into people, poles, etc.).

Meanwhile, if you're using public transportation or walking around an unfamiliar place, transit directions can help you navigate your route. Transit directions are available for over 250 cities.

Latitude has had some glitches fixed and a new experimental feature called Update allows you to update friends and family from your current location.

The update will not be released as an automatic push, so visit Android Market to download the latest version of Google Maps.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 3:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

June 2, 2009

Google Maps Launches New Local Business Center Dashboard

You know that online maps and local listings can drive searchers to your business, but they don't always visit your website. All the web analytics in the world can't track that.

Google Maps is making it easier by launching a new dashboard in their Local Business Center. The dashboard can help local businesses understand how users are interacting with their local listings in Google Maps.

Here's what to expect:

Impressions will tell users how many times the business listing appeared as a result in a search of Google.com search or Google Maps during a given period.
Actions will show the number of times searchers interacted with a listing. One example is the number of driving directions requests.
Top search queries shows which keywords drove searchers to a business listing.
Zip codes will be listed to show where driving directions were requested from.

Get a preview of the new dashboard by watching this video introduction from the Google Lat/Long Team.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 11:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 18, 2009

How Local Businesses Can Add Themselves To Google City Maps

Seems Google has added maps of local business locations to many of their search results and have pushed results for search results 4-10 below the fold - much to the annoyance of the companies listed there.

The only way to counter this is to get your company in the listings and do it better than your competitors. Google allows companies - in fact encourages them- to add pictures, links and other additional information that can help local business. The Google Local Business Center tells people to, "Stand out from your competitors by adding photos, videos and more."

So if you find yourself pushed below the fold, or just want to be the best listing in the group I suggest you make use of this valuable assistance.

Posted by Frank Watson at 6:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

April 15, 2009

Online Map Wars: Google Passes MapQuest Just Before Easter

Hitwise has release new dating showing Google Maps surpassing MapQuest the week ending in Easter weekend.

MapQuest visitors remain on the site longer at 10 minutes 51 seconds compared to Google Maps' 7 minutes 24 seconds. But could that mean Google Maps users are finding what they want faster? Or are people enjoying MapQuest's interactive features more?

Tell us what you think in the comments below.

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

April 10, 2009

Send a Geeky Easter Greeting with Help from Google Latitude

Google Latitude is now offering the ultimate in geek greetings. You can customize a video to make it look like you sent a bunch of people out with phones that have GPS into San Francisco in order to make a message on Google Maps.

Unfortunately, you can't embed the videos that you customize, which is a bummer because I created one that said "Thxfor Reading." (You don't get too many letters.)

Below is the original. Click here to customize a greeting.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 1:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 27, 2009

Google Maps Enables Search for Complete User-Generated Maps

Google Maps has a feature called "My Maps" where users can create custom maps marking points of interest. Users can set them as private or as public and share them. Until now, the complete maps didn't show up in the results.

That's changing, however, as Google rolls out the ability to view these complete maps by including them in the search results. Google made several suggestions of search terms to try as an example. When I click on the link from the Google LatLong blog, it works.

When I search the term on my own, I don't get the results. It's still relying too heavily on my current location.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 1:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 20, 2009

Google Complies with Street View Takedown Requests in the UK

Google has launched Street View in the UK and while many are happy to virtually explore, some are angered by the images that are now publicly available. Google is complying with the less-than-thrilled by blacking out images of the disappointed and their homes.

When an image is blacked out, a message stating "This image is not available" appears instead.

Still, Google continues to photograph the UK. They've already photographed 22,360 miles of streets in 25 UK cities.

Recently, Google won a lawsuit brought against them by an unhappy couple whose home had been photographed in the U.S.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 4:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 12, 2009

Google Maps Releases Instructional Video for Local Business Center

Google allows local businesses to provide content for their listing on Map search. Business owners can do so through the Local Business Center.

But like anything new, sometimes users need a little help. Google Maps has released an instructional video for the Local Business Center to help their users maximize their business listings.

Click here to watch it on YouTube or simply view the embedded video below:

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 9:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

March 11, 2009

Google Enables Driving Directions on Map Maker

Google Map Maker has gotten a few nice updates lately. 16 maps of countries developed through Map Maker were released to the official Google Maps. Then Map Maker was made available to 27 different languages and accessible through the Google Maps API.

Now, Google Map Maker is getting Driving Directions. It works the same, and if you get directions that are a little off, you can correct them in Map Maker, true to its nature.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 12:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 26, 2009

Google Adds Panoramio Picture Browsing to Street View

If you love to travel but the economy or your own budget have you staying home, traveling virtually can be a fun way to still see the sights. Street View on Google Maps tempts our wanderlust, and now they've enhanced that temptation by adding Panoramio picture browsing.

Panoramio, which was acquired by Google in 2007, is a photo-sharing site that focuses on photographs of locations and points of interest around the world.

To see the photos, when you're in Street View on Google Maps, click on the box in the top right corner labeled "User Photos." That will launch a visual menu of photos that streams across the top.

The more popular the place you're looking at in Street View (think Leaning Tower of Pisa or the Coliseum), the more likely you are to browse a lot of photos from Panoramio.

Here's a video by the Google LatLong team showing how to use the new feature:

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 10:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 20, 2009

Google Map Maker Maps Now Available in 27 Languages and Via Maps API

Google Map Maker allows people around the world to create maps in their own language. The tool is now available in 27 different languages.

Also, Google is making those maps available to their Maps API. As a result, web developers can add these maps to their sites. By switching a parameter in the API, developers can have their sites access the latest edition of the maps. Maps are available for 164 different countries.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Google Maps Adds More Cities to Transit Layer and Full Schedule

Google Maps has added more cities to its Transit feature. Transit helps people find public transportation schedules.

New full-schedule areas include:

Calgary
Hamilton
Edmonton
York Region in Canada
East Midlands (UK)
Houston (TX)
21 agencies in the state of Virginia
China - connecting all provinces with 3100 train lines, covering 2700 stations and all major cities

Added to the Transit Layer are:

Adelaide
Atlanta
Bonn
Calgary
Davis, California
Hamilton, Canada
Pilsen
Sacramento
Torino
Toronto
York region

Updates have been added in the Transit Layer for:

Cape Town
Johannesburg
Pretoria

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 10:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 18, 2009

Google Wins Privacy Suit Regarding Street View

Last year a Pittsburgh couple sued Google because they deemed Street View of their house a violation of their privacy. Now, the judge in the case disagrees with the couple.

As many have pointed out, their case has actually brought more attention to their home. Also, the couple says Street View devalued their home, a claim that would be hard to prove. In the past year, many have seen their home's value decline, but it's due to the economy and mortgage crisis, not Google Street View. Related Reading: Google Street View Aids Cops in Finding Missing Child Street View and Walking Directions Added to Google Maps for Mobile Google Releases Updates to Google Earth; Includes Street View

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 2:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Google Maps Now Shows More Than 10 Results

Oh, happy day! Have you ever searched for a local business on Google Maps and wished you got more than 10 results at a time? Well, now the Google genie has granted your wish.

Conduct a search now and see a bunch of tiny red dots all showing where results related to your search are located. I love this feature because it shows me all of the possibilities for what I'm searching for - in the location I'm searching for.

Before, if I did a search, it might show results scattered all around town, and I would have to click through tens or hundreds of results to see what's available in a specific area of town.

Right now, this is only available for maps.google.com, but expect it to roll out to other mapping products in the future (Mobile please!!!)

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 8:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 4, 2009

Google Adds Location-Aware Social App to Google Maps

With the launch of Google Latitude, Google Maps for Mobile users can now opt into a service that allows users to see where their friends are on a map.

The Latitude service is available now on Blackberry, S60, and Windows Mobile, and is expected to be available on Android in the next few days. Plans for an iPhone version, through Google Mobile App, are in the works now. It's also available for your desktop as an iGoogle gadget.

Google has built in extensive privacy settings to protect users who don't want to be found. Users can set Latitude to show their exact location (as triangulated from cell towers, as in Google Maps for Mobile), or just the city. They can also permanently or temporarily hide from individual users or all users. And unless you opt in, no one will be able to see your location.

Posted by Kevin Newcomb at 10:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 23, 2009

Google Maps Updates Transit Site

Google Maps has announced a new update to the Transit site. When you visit, now you'll find a map with markers showing every city where full schedule routing is available.

It's been quite a couple of weeks for Google Maps and their transit features. Earlier this week, Google and New York City launched nycgo.com and opened a public Information Center in Manhattan. A week ago, Google launched a new Transit layer in their Maps feature.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 8:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 14, 2009

Google Maps Adds Features to Local Business Ads

Google Maps has updated features for local business ads. First up, the pop up box for a local business listing will now include interactive links for features on Google Maps. These links include "Get Directions," "Street View," and "Save to My Maps."

Secondly, there's a new reporting feature. Available through your account's Report Center, the report offers details on the number of users opening the info window for your business listing as well as how many clicked on the interactive link.

Writing on the Inside AdWords blog, Amanda Kelly said, "Often, Maps users are looking for different information than Search users. The new interactive links and the interaction reports should not only help customers connect with you faster but should also help you understand how to better target Maps users versus Search users. We'll post again on this blog when the new changes to the reporting capabilities take effect."

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 8:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 8, 2009

Google Street View Aids Cops in Finding Missing Child

We often hear about the bad stuff about Google's Street View on its mapping product. People are concerned about privacy and some have been photographed in a less than flattering light. Google's street view vehicles have also been banned from U.S. military bases.

But today Street View is getting some good press by way of a happy ending to a missing child case.

Nine year old Natalie Matlais was picked up from her legal guardian's house by her biological grandmother last Saturday. Some comments made by the grandmother alarmed her guardians and they notified police.

Cooperating with a cell phone company, they were able to track GPS coordinates. One smart officer plugged in the coordinates to Google Maps, and found a hotel near the given coordinates using Street View.

It was their best bet, and their hunch turned out to be right. You can read the entire story at the Worcester Telegram and Gazette. Related Reading: Street View and Walking Directions Added to Google Maps for Mobile Google Releases Updates to Google Earth; Includes Street View

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 8:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 7, 2009

Google Maps for Mobile Updates Servers for Easier Local Business Search

If you've ever typed in the name of a business into Google Maps for Mobile, you may have been a bit frustrated. Google would return results of street names that contained the search term you typed in instead of finding the business itself.

That all changes today. With a new update to their servers, Google Maps for Mobile is smarter. Type in Starbucks and find a local Starbucks store.

If you're using a smartphone such as a BlackBerry, Nokia S60, T-Mobile G1, or iPhone, you do NOT need to download anything new to see the change.

If you don't have Google Maps for Mobile downloaded on your phone but would like it, click here. Warning: it won't be available for all devices.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 1, 2009

Can Google Maps Find $3 Billion Treasure As Well As New Porsches

Add treasure hunting and new car previews to the list of benefits from using Google Maps.

A court case in Texas about access to a possible $3 billion treasure has included Google Maps as a source of the treasure hunters research. "Nathan Smith testified Tuesday that he not only used Google Earth to spot buried treasure in South Texas but he also checks updated images to monitor whether anyone else is snooping around the possible loot," the Houston Chronicle reported.

Another story, shows the Google satellites have been busy, in this case capturing pictures of the new porsches being road tested, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

In the past Google Earth has captured all sorts of bizarre pictures from people urinating on the side of the road to sunbathing naked. But using it for treasure hunting is one that may have others scanning through the Google results.

Posted by Frank Watson at 8:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

September 24, 2008

Google Maps Adds Comprehensive NYC Transit Directions

Riding the subway, hopping the ferry, and catching the train just got easier in the New York City metropolitan area. Google Maps has added comprehensive transit directions for the region, which includes data from:

Metropolitan Transit Agency (MTA)
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
New Jersey Transit
City of New York

To check out the new NYC info, click here.

Writing on the Official Google blog, Chris Harrelson, Tech Lead & Creator of Google Transit said, "Transit is a vital part of the infrastructure that makes cities run efficiently, and can help mitigate congestion, environmental concerns, and increasing energy costs. But until recently, access to that information has been more difficult than it needs to be. Even very prominent train and subway stations were often omitted entirely from maps in many cases. And as for bus lines, well, forget about it! This lead us to the fundamental goal of the Google Transit project: make public transit information as easy to find as any other geographic information."

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 10:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 18, 2008

Street View and Walking Directions Added to Google Maps for Mobile

Google has added Street View and walking directions to its mobile maps. This will be especially useful for those of you lucky enough to live in a walkable city.

To explain the usefulness of this update, Google made a video on just one of the many ways Street View and walking directions could come in handy. Take a look:

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 4, 2008

Google Adds Some Cities to Georgia Maps; Still Can't Find Abkhazia

Recently, I examined various online maps for their ability to provide data in the country of Georgia, a Caucasus state which was recently invaded by Russia.

Google left a lot to be desired, but today comes an announcement that more data has been added to their Georgia Maps. Notice in the screenshots below how more cities are visible upon a search for Tskhinvali today than a few weeks ago.

BEFORE TODAY Still, upon a search for Abkhazia, Google takes me to a business listing in for an institute dedicated to policy in the Georgian region.

What do you think of this update? Is Google still lagging behind on data for this region of the world? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 11:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 13, 2008

Microsoft's Live Maps Schools Google, Yahoo, Ask and AOL in Georgia Mapping

If you've been keeping up with the conflict in South Ossetia, perhaps you were curious about where the contentious events were occurring. I hope you ended up at Microsoft's Live Search Maps, because it is the only map of the top 5 search engines that could find both Tskhinvali, South Ossetia's self-declared capital, as well as Abkhazia, another separatist region where Russia has opened a second front.

Live Search Maps - Ts'khinvali

Live Search Maps - Abkhazia

Yahoo was the second best map. It found Tskhinvali after I typed in Microsoft's suggested spelling of Ts'khinvali. But the map was extremely zoomed in and you didn't have a sense of where you were until you zoomed out. It found Abkhazia with ease.

Yahoo Maps - Tskhinvali (can't find)

Yahoo Maps - Ts'khinvali (Microsoft's suggested spelling)

Yahoo Maps - Ts'khinvali zoomed out

Yahoo Maps - Abkhazia

Google found Ts'khinvali (even without the apostrophe), but an initial search for Abkhazia landed me in Glendale, California, at a business listing for an institute dedicated to policy in the Georgian region. Eventually, after searching for Ts'khinvali, a subsequent search for Abkhazia at least landed me in the correct region. But the problem was there were several results sprinkled across the troubled Georgia. Google has said it has had a hard time finding satisfying data for the region. They might want to try whatever Microsoft is having.

Google Maps - Ts'khinvali

Google Maps - Abkhazia, Glendale California

Google Maps - Abkhazia, Georgia

Ask.com's Maps and AOL's MapQuest couldn't find either city.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 1:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Google Adds Places Layer to Google Earth; Talks Mapping and Georgian Conflict

Google has added a "Places" Layer to Google Earth. Content from Wikipedia, Panaramio, YouTube and the Google Earth community have been wrapped up into a "single, multifaceted layer."

The Places layer is found in the Geographic Web layers section on Google Earth.

Meanwhile, Google is also addressing the difficulty of mapping in tumultuous regions of the earth, such as the countries along the southern Russian border that were previously states in the former Soviet Union.

Google says they haven't been confident in the data culled thus far, so they've been waiting until they have more comprehensive data for the region. While some have pondered whether or not that data was previously there and now removed as a result of the conflict in Georgia, Google assures users that the data was never there in the first place.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at 12:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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."

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.

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:

Pull up the Google Map you want
Click on the "Link to this page" link
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 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)

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)

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 Resolution of Torino in Google Earth and Local

The Google blog announced yesterday, in the spirit of the Olympics, they have "updated Google Earth and Google Local with high resolution imagery of the surrounding area." I was able to get as close as a 100 feet on Google Local Torino. If you have Google Earth installed, you can click here to zoom into Torino on your desktop. The Google Blog also links to Google Maps Mania Blog's Winter Olympics Google Maps Mashups with some cool uses of the Google Maps API and the Olympics.

Postscript: If you're looking for fast facts about the games and some cool databases, check Resource Shelf.

Posted by Barry Schwartz at 9:57 AM | Permalink

January 24, 2006

New and More Detailed Imagery Comes to Google Local and Google Earth

Via Google Blogoscoped and this post on the Google Blog, word that Google has added some new and improved imagery offering greater detail to Google Earth and Google Local users.

From the Google Blog post: Not only have we added extensive 6-inch imagery for many parts of the U.K., but we've updated the Google Local database to match the coverage we have in Google Earth, and (drum roll, please) ... we've added two more zoom levels in Google Local's Satellite mode! Now for many areas around the world you can see a lot more detail than you could before.

Posted by Gary Price at 7:30 PM | Permalink

January 18, 2006

Still Seeing "Blue Pins" on Some Google Maps; Google Now Testing Paid Links in Google Earth

Although some sites are reporting that the Google Maps "blue pin test" is no longer visible, I'm seeing the blue pins on some Google Maps results pages as of this morning.

The pins represent the location of the sponsored links that come above editorial listings to the left of the map. As we know, when Google tests something it might be visible with one search and a moment later, it's gone. Then, an two minutes or two hours later it's back but you're the only one who can see it. In fact, that's what happened today. Here's a screen cap of what I was occasionally seeing as of 11:20am today when searching for hotels NYC. RustyBrick told me he was also still seeing the blue pins

While we're on the topic of Google tests, a SEW Blog reader sent a note saying that he was seeing paid listings when running business searches with Google Earth (GE). I opened GE and spotted the same thing (in some situations) when clicking on the mapped location of a business. Here's a screen cap. I'm checking with Google to see if this is new, something old that we never noticed, or another test. Stay tuned.

Postscript: A Google spokesperson has just confirmed to SEW that they are testing (on a limited basis) paid links in Google Earth.

As part of our continuing effort to provide a positive advertising experience for users and advertisers, we are always exploring ways to improve the way we display ads. We are currently conducting a limited test of ads in Google Earth. We do not have any other specifics to share at this time.

Posted by Gary Price at 11:22 AM | Permalink

January 17, 2006

New Mashup Combines Public Library Location Info with Google and Yahoo Maps

If you live in the US or Canada you no longer can say you don't know where public libraries in your area or any area for that matter are located. Over on ResourceShelf we've posted about Libraries411.com a new mashup that combines public library location info (and more) for more than 20,000 libraries in the US and Canada and mashes the info with both Google Maps or Yahoo Maps. Cool!

Posted by Gary Price at 6:26 PM | Permalink

Logos On Rooftops Probably Not Aimed At Google Maps

Boing Boing points to Advertising with Google Maps, which suggest that merchants like Target and others are tapping into satellite views on Google Maps and Windows Live Local by painting logos on the top of their buildings. Paint me a bit dubious. I suspect these logos were painted in most cases to appeal to those flying over buildings by airplane. I'd further guess you'd see most of them along known flight paths.

I make these guesses based on years of looking out of airplane windows when landing. But I also did a bit of research. RoofAds is a company that will, well, paint your logo on your rooftop. Why? The about page at RoofAds says:

Each day, millions of commuters gaze out of their airplane windows upon takeoff and landing from airports around the world. These commuters see mountains, rivers, cities, and white rooftops of large buildings.

Here's a nice gallery of their work, along with stats on how many passengers per day will see your roof ad around various airports. Notice that one of the roof ads is for Yahoo Autos!

How many mentions of Google Maps on the RoofAds site? Zilch. In other words, here's a company that specializes in selling rooftop ads. However, seeing your ad in Google Maps is not yet a selling point or it. That more than makes me think people aren't painting ads for Google Maps.

FYI, I did find some other examples of rooftop ads. Here's an Agfa one at the Google Globetrotting site. Given how faded it is, fair to say it wasn't slapped up to take advantage of Google Maps, which launched with satellite views only last April.

The Target ad is best seen at Boing Boing, link above. But it came from Google Sightseeing on this page. The site is currently down, probably because of the Boing Boing attention. You might also try searching for "roof" or "rooftop" over at the Google Earth forums.

Certainly those with rooftop logos will get some gains as satellite view mapping services continue to gain in popularity. We'll even likely see some consider painting logos on rooftops for just this reason. But the phenomenon probably shouldn't be attributed to Google Maps.

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 9:19 AM | Permalink

January 12, 2006

Google Tests New Local Ads On Maps

Google Tests Local Ads on Maps at ClickZ covers David Galbraith spotting that Google now appears to be inserting paid ads into maps on Google Local. For a search on hotels new york, he's spotted "blue pins" that correspond to what may be new sponsored links that come above editorial listings to the left of the map.

On my end, I see the textual ads but not the blue pins. Neither does Gary. A search for pizza san francisco shows a text ad but no blue pins. A few other searches I did also showed sponsored ads but no pins.

As I said, the sponsored links seem new. I don't recall seeing them on Google Local before, but it could be they were there but less noticeable before Google Local and Google Maps merged. We're checking on this and tracking down the mystery blue pins!

Want to comment or discuss? Visit our SEW Forums thread, AdWords Balloons in Google Maps.

Postscript: Statement from Google, "As part of our continuing effort to provide a positive advertising experience for users and advertisers, we are always exploring ways to improve the way we display ads. We are currently conducting a limited test of ads on Google Local. We do not have any other specific details to share at this time." Also, text ads have been on Google Local since 2004.

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 11:56 AM | Permalink

January 11, 2006

National Stereotypes, Search Activity, Package Tracking & More All Mapped

Thanks to Philipp Lenssen and Nacho Hernandez for alerting us to few new uses of Google Maps and other mapped info. Track your packages, see how people are searching across the world in light and what people think about national stereotypes, all mapped.

+ PackageMapper.com. This is not your run of the mill package traking service but actually allows you to see the routing of your FedEx, UPS, or USPS package. Cool!

+ Google is offering a map that highlights various users of the Google Mini around the United States and Canada. You can view users by industry or all users. Click and you'll receive a pop-up with the name of the company, info on how the mini is used and a testimonial from a person at that company. An impressive use of Google Maps as a marketing tool.

+ The Prejudice Map is a service that Philipp Lenssen has created that combines Google Web Search with a Google Map. What does the map show? For each country, Lenssen has run the Google search, "xxx are known for *" (Examples, "Australians are known for *", "Canadians are known for *", and many other countries and then placed some of the terms he found on the map. No one can ever claim that Philipp doesn't find interesting uses for Google search results.

+ Finally, GB points to this fascinating animated visualization (via Information Aesthetics) that animates daily Google search query distribution across world in 2003." The data comes from Google Labs. I would love to see how this would compare with query distribution last year.

Posted by Gary Price at 11:40 AM | Permalink

January 6, 2006

Google Maps in 3D and Another Source for Interactive 3D Maps, Maps24.com

Via GB, a note about a demo from Japan that offers 3D views of Google Maps. Unfortunately, I had issues with it (I did use Firefox 1.5). Another service that offers a 3-D map views is Maps 24 from Germany.

They've offered the 3D option for some time. The problem is that it's not easy to find and use. Btw, as you'll notice on the Maps 24 homepage, maps are available for several countries (including all of Europe) and the interface in several languages. Let's see if I can give you a quick overview on how to access:

1) Make sure your Java is activate 2) Enter a street address and city, state, Zip or plan a route (driving directions). 3) Make sure the "interactive" option is selected (upper right corner. 4) Note the toolbar in the upper left corner (zoom-in, zoom out, measure distance between points, open in a separate window, etc.) and the 3-D viewing option in the lower right corner. 5) Note the pull-down to various locations to the map. For example, hospitals, theaters, etc. Note: It's also possible to use Maps24 and access driving directions. What's cool here is that you can "view" your route in motion, like a short film. They call it "Route Flight." 6) Need more help? Here's the FAQ.

+ Maps 24 Europe + Maps 24 North America + Maps 24 Brazil + Maps 24 Middle East

Perhaps an easier to use interface to begin searching with Maps24 is available via Yahoo Maps UK especially if you're looking for European info. However, the 3D and "Route Flight" tools are unavailable.

Posted by Gary Price at 11:40 AM | Permalink

December 27, 2005

Saturday Night Live Skit Mentions MapQuest, Yahoo Maps and Google Maps

The final edition of Saturday Night Live of 2005 about 10 days ago included a hilarious "digital video short" by cast members Chris Parnell and Andy Samberg as they walk the streets of NYC rapping about everything from The Chronicles of Narnia to map search tools (MapQuest, Yahoo Maps, and Google Maps).

When the video ended I wondered (more liked hoped) a high quality copy would be available on the web and available for downloading.

Today, Media News Daily reports that the SNL video is available on iTunes for free. If you have access to iTunes, go to the iTunes Music Store and select: + TV Shows for the genre box (left column) + Then NBC in the "Networks" section (left column). The video is titled "Lazy Sunday." Look for the text that says "free."

If you don't have access to the U.S. iTunes store or don't want your own copy, no worries, the video is also available (copyright emptor) Google Video and YouTube. The iTunes version looks better (not recorded off of tv) and does not have an NBC spider (the logo in the lower right corner).

So, what does this fun and funny music video have to say about the three map search tools?

They're rapping about where to see The Chronicles or Narnia Chris: Let's hit up Yahoo Maps to find the dopest route. (image of Yahoo Maps page visible)

Andy: I prefer MapQuest

Chris: That's a good one too.

Andy: Google Maps is the best.

Chris: Tru dat!

Andy and Chris: Double True!

The words "Double True" appear in Google colors.

Yes, the video is also another example of the power of how Google is able to reinforce its brand with little extra effort.

The complete transcript (unofficial) of the rap is also online.

If you feel like several big laughs and many smiles, this 2.5 minute video is more than worth a look and/or download.

Posted by Gary Price at 6:10 PM | Permalink

Google To Limit Photo Resolution Of Israeli Military Sites

We reported earlier about a great New York Times article looking at how various governments around the world have been made nervous by aerial images posted in Google Maps. Now via Google Blogoscoped, there's a report out of Israel that Google has agreed to limit the resolution of military installations in Israel, something the NYT article says is mandated by US law.

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 10:21 AM | Permalink

November 18, 2005

The Google Maps API Gets Its Own Blog

Via GB and dirson, word of yet another blog from Google devoted to a specific Google tool or service. This time it's the Google Maps API Blog! Other recent additions to the Google blog stable include Inside Google Desktop Search and the Google Video Blog.

Posted by Gary Price at 3:01 PM | Permalink

November 10, 2005

Mashups a Go-Go! New Mashups from MSN Virtual Earth and Yahoo Maps

It's good to see more map mashups coming from developers working with both MSN Virtual Earth and Yahoo Maps. Here's a look at just a couple of them. Remember, these are just released apps and bugs are bound to exist.

MSN Virtual Earth

Virtual Places Nice! All sorts of "overlays." Add in images Flickr, travel books about a specific location, weather, local blogs, and more. Coming soon will be a tagging, sharing, and publishing. Btw, Virtual Places says it works with Firefox. However, I had problems when using my Firefox browser. Might be my problem.
OSX Dashboard Widget for MSN Virtual Earth For the Mac folks out there.
Read All About It Combine MSN Virtual Earth with the Amazon.com book database. Enter a location and find books about the location or events that took place there.

Yahoo Maps

Local Events Browser This Ajax-based demo allows you to find events in and around San Francisco. Find events by date and tags. Add events directly to your Yahoo Calendar.
MashupUpcoming.org Impressive! Take Yahoo Maps and then add events from Upcoming.org's (a new Yahoo property) database. You can even add in local traffic, wi-fi hotspots, and ATM's.
Geocoding, Local Seach, Traffic API Mash-up with Yahoo Maps! Useful and easy to use. Enter an address, a local data (like a store name), and then decide to overlay traffic info. Select each button one at a time. Btw, you can use Zip Codes instead of city/town name.

Posted by Gary Price at 1:25 PM | Permalink

November 9, 2005

Warning! The World In Google Maps May Be Bigger Than You Think

Just because I'm feeling kind of punchy, does anyone else think it's odd that you can convince Google Maps that the world is three times larger than reality? I mean, look at this. I've zoomed out as far as you can go, treating me to a world where the continents are repeated three times. MSN Virtual Earth is smart enough not to do that. Shouldn't Google be able to do the same? I dunno, it just irks me for some reason. FYI, from what I can see, Yahoo Maps (at least in the US) only lets you zoom out to see all the continental US.

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 9:52 AM | Permalink

November 8, 2005

Google Print Is Google's Ninth Most Popular Service

With all the debate over what Google Print might do to publishers, I was wondering if anyone was even using the service? Surely it wouldn't even crack the top ten of the most used Google services. As it turns out, indeed it does.

I turned to Bill Tancer of competitive intelligence service Hitwise, who showed on his great blog recently how most traffic from Google Print flows "downstream" to online book sellers.

That's not surprising, given that Google provides links to booksellers as part of the pages it displays in Google Print. FYI, last time we checked, Google said it does not earn of off any book sales generated from visits that Google Print generates.

But how many people actually use Google Print at all? Bill said Hitwise couldn't generate audience estimates, but he did give me a percentage breakdown of traffic to all Google sites for a one week period ending Nov. 5. The summary is below (rounded to the nearest tenth of a percent for all visits, except those below a tenth of a percent):

Google Web Search: 79.9 percent
Google Image Search: 9.2 percent
Google Mail/Gmail: 5.6 percent
Google News: 1.6 percent
Google Maps: 0.8 percent
Froogle: 0.7 percent
Google Scholar: 0.6 percent
Google Groups/Groups 2 Beta: 0.5 percent
Google Print: 0.4 percent
Google Earth: 0.3 percent
Google Directory: 0.2 percent
Google Local: 0.1 percent
Google Answers: 0.1 percent
Google AdWords: 0.06 percent
Google Desktop Search: 0.04 percent
Google Talk: 0.02 percent

As you can see, Google Print doesn't have a ton of use compared to other Google services -- but it was still impressive to see it cracked the top ten.

Also notice how Google Local is below Google Maps. Google recently turned Google Maps into Google Local, and it's not hard to see why. If Google Maps was getting more traffic, the merging the two was an easy way to get more usage of local.

However, earlier this year Google said that Google Local was more popular than Froogle. It could be that Hitwise might not be counting the Google Maps/Google Local visits correctly due to the change. I'm checking with Bill on this and will postscript a follow up.

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 1:37 PM | Permalink

November 7, 2005

Google Local Goes Mobile

Adding to its various search services for mobile phones, Google has introduced Google Local for mobile, a stripped down version of its web-based local search, with heavy emphasis on maps and driving directions. It's a nice, but limited service, and only works on Java-enabled mobile phones at this point. More about the new service in today's SearchDay article, Google Launches Local for Mobile.

Posted by Chris Sherman at 12:00 AM | Permalink

November 3, 2005

Google Desktop 2 Leaves Beta

As Gary noted, Google Desktop 2 has left beta. In addition to several product enhancements, Desktop 2 also has new third-party panels and expanded plug-in development options.

Some of the new features include:

Personalized Maps Panel ? This new Sidebar panel rotates through maps you've pulled up using Google Maps and local.
Enhanced API ? New support for script based plug-ins makes developing panels for Sidebar much easier. Additional details on the updated Google Desktop API are available at desktop.google.com/developer.html.
New Third-Party Plug-ins ? Dozens of new Sidebar panels have been developed using the Google Desktop API, including panels for iTunes and Winamp and a dictionary.
Enterprise Features ? Google Desktop for Enterprise features new administration, integration and security features for business environments.

Google also launched a Google Desktop Blog. A new post today goes into more detail about the personalized maps and API features.

Posted by Chris Sherman at 6:26 PM | Permalink

October 21, 2005

China Says No To Wikipedia, Dislikes Taiwan Change On Google Maps & Chinese Activist Takes Yahoo's Yang To Task For Helping Maintain "Evil System"

Wikipedia is apparently no longer accessible to those in Shanghai and other parts of China, reports say, while Boing Boing reports a Chinese activist takes Yahoo cofounder Jerry Yang to task in an open letter for turning over information about a journalist, seeing that as "helping the Communist party maintain an evil system of control over freedom of information and speech." And now that Taiwan's happy not to be a Chinese province on Google Maps, China's disappointed a the move.

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 12:35 PM | Permalink

October 19, 2005

Google Looking To Do Real Estate Listings On Google Maps?

Good Morning Silicon Valley points to Google Earth digs deeper at the San Jose Mercury News which covers Google talking with CoStar, apparently the biggest commercial real estate data provider, to put real estate data on Google Maps. Kind of a no brainer that Google should do so on this one. After all, places like Oneonemap and HousingMaps are great for how they blend housing listings with maps. But most people don't know about them. They'd rightly expect that Google and gang ought to be offering such mashups themselves.

It also demonstrates what I told a journalist recently about APIs not perhaps being as altrustic as they seem. Give the world an API to your service, and it's a nice way to let everyone develop new ideas that you might later decide to do yourself, if they seem successful. It's like Google's 20 percent time on steroids, because non-Google developers still end up doing work for you.

Postscript from Gary: Yahoo Real Estate allows you to map apartment rentals onto Yahoo Maps. Simply click the "Map It" button.

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 2:46 AM | Permalink

October 13, 2005

Mashing Up Google Maps with Wikipedia Articles

Google Maps, now integrated with Google Local, offers a lot of information about local merchants, but these detailed results typically don't include "overview" information about locations. Wikipedia, by contrast, has great general-information articles about thousands of places throughout the world.

A new service called Placeopedia maps geographic locations in Wikipedia articles onto Google Maps. It's a great feature that bolsters both services. More in today's SearchDay article, Mapping Places in Wikipedia.

Posted by Chris Sherman at 10:00 AM | Permalink

October 12, 2005

Google Maps & Maps API Draw From Different Data

Google Maps and Their Data Providers over at O'Reilly Radar looks at how for Google Maps, data comes from NAVTEQ while the Google Maps API draws from TeleAtlas data. Why? The assumption is that Google can't get the agreement needed from NAVTEQ. Both Yahoo and MSN make use of NAVTEQ for in both web and API presentation of map data, and that might be tied into commercial products.

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 9:59 AM | Permalink

October 11, 2005

Google Says Taiwan is Now Taiwan Not Taiwan, Province of China

Via Inside Google word in a San Jose Mercury Story that Google is labelling Taiwan as Taiwan on Google Maps and no longer: Taiwan, Province of China. This story arose a few days ago when Google said calling Taiwan, Province of China is consistent with international naming conventions. Well, that less than a week ago and now Google spokesperson, Debbie Frost, says, "The recent Google change is broader than just a fix on the Taiwan map. It's an overall update of the service's "user interface,'' or what Web users see on-screen when they view any part of Google Maps." Now that's good timing.

Posted by Gary Price at 2:20 PM | Permalink

October 7, 2005

Google Says Taiwan Label Fits International Naming Conventions But Will Review

Google Blogoscoped points to an update on the Google Maps/Taiwan issue I wrote about earlier. From Google defends map service listing at the Taipei Time, Google responded to Taiwan's complaints to say that calling Taiwan a "province of China" is consistent with international naming conventions. Google is going to review the situation, however. The San Jose Mercury News raises an interesting point about people perhaps thinking they need to apply to China for permission to visit Taiwan. Taiwan is apparently still pressing for a change.

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 9:03 AM | Permalink

October 6, 2005

Google Merges Maps & Local, Brings North America Out of Beta

Google Local and Maps are now a single unified service, known as Google Local.

"Google maps has always integrated local listings, and I think this takes it to the level we always have seen it from the engineering level," said Brett Taylor, product manager of Google Local.

With the new integration, if you have a saved location in Google Local you will now see a map of that place when you start a search, rather than later in search results. You'll also be able to use the satellite imagery and hybrid map/satellite photo combination when viewing local search results.

Maps and Local have been unified in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Japan. Both the U.S. and Canada versions have also been moved out of beta and are now official Google services.

Google Maps will still be available at maps.google.com.

Posted by Chris Sherman at 12:00 AM | Permalink

October 4, 2005

Taiwan Not Happy With Being A Chinese "Province" In Google Maps

Via SEO Book, Taiwan tells Google it is not a China province from Reuters has Taiwan asking Google to stop calling it "Taiwan, Province Of China" on Google Maps, as you can see here. Out of curiosity, I went looking at a few other hot spots to see how Google was handling them.

Macedonia is labeled that way on the map but identified as "The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia," which I gather is the UN preferred name for the country. The country itself uses "The Republic Of Macedonia," which is recognized by several other countries, including the United States.

As for Cyprus, the Republic Of Cyprus is shown to occupy the entire island of Cyprus except for the two small UK-run Sovereign Base Areas. In reality, the Republic Of Cyprus occupies two-thirds of the southern half of the island, with the northern third occupied by the Turkish-backed Turkish Republic Of Northern Cyprus.

As I understand, the UN and all governments other than Turkey recognize that the Republic of Cyprus has sovereignty over the entire island, so perhaps Google might argue the label is correct. But the border between the two areas is very real, as anyone who has to cross it knows. The map simply doesn't reflect that physical reality.

How about MSN Virtual Earth? I'd say it escapes criticism in two of three cases, because it doesn't supplement the map labels with descriptions. In other words:

Taiwan is just labeled as Taiwan, with no mention of it being a province or not of China
Cyprus is just labeled as Cyprus, and while a dividing line is shown, no further labels are given to say what portion is part of the Republic of Cyprus.
Macedonia is called FYROM or FYRO Macedonia, so the choice there isn't open to interpretation. MSN is going with the UN-backed name, rather than the name the country prefers.

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 8:01 AM | Permalink

September 29, 2005

Google Partners With NASA For Expansion Space, Space Data & Supercomputing Talent

Google, NASA sign `a very big deal' from the San Jose Mercury News gives the rundown on the aforementioned plans by Google to expand onto NASA's Ames facility in Mountain View. It's not just getting more space. It's also about collaborating with NASA scientists and getting NASA data, as well. So literally, the sky's not the limit, for Google.

In particular, Google will get access to scientists behind to supercomputing technology that NASA has developed, the article says. Google also gets more access to NASA space data and images, additional fodder for Google Maps and Google Earth, no doubt.

"We already have Google Earth....We'd like to have Google Mars and Google Moon," Google's Peter Norvig is quoted as saying.

NASA Takes Google on Journey Into Space is the official press release from Google with more details, and the NASA version is here.

Postscript from Gary: Google already owns many of the domains that they might need for outer space exploration. See this collection of domains that Google registered a few months ago including GoogleMoon, GoogleMars, and GoogleNeptune.

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 7:14 AM | Permalink

September 8, 2005

Dig A Hole Through Earth Via Google Maps

Awesome! The next time one of my kids asks what would happen if they dug down through the earth -- at least where would they come up at -- I've got the answer. Spotted via Google Blogoscoped, If I dig a very deep hole, where I go to stop? lets you click anywhere on a world map via Google. A little note will pop-up saying "Dig Here." Click on the link, and you'll see where you come up.

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 9:22 AM | Permalink

August 4, 2005

UK Real Estate Listings+Google Maps=OnOneMap

Looking for property listings in the UK? A new service named OnOneMap takes listings of homes for sale in England, Scotland, and Wales and mashes them up with Google Maps and satellite imagery. The services claims to currently provide searchable access to about 50% of the homes for sale in the UK and hopes to reach 80% soon. More from Netimperative.

Posted by Gary Price at 2:17 PM | Permalink

July 29, 2005

View Google Maps & MSN Virtual Earth Side-By-Side

Spotted via Phil Bradley, Virtual Earth and Google Maps, side-by-side lets you see the same area's satellite view in Google Maps and MSN's Virtual Earth service. Slick!

Postscript (from Gary): I've found that copying and pasting a url works best. Otherwise, you'll need to be very specific when entering an address of a location. For example, entering only a city name doesn't appear to work. Also, this tool doesn't allow you to see how far you can zoom-in to a location. Althought this varies from address to address and from service to service, I've noticed that for many of the locations I've searched for, Virtual Earth offers a "closer" look.

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 9:21 AM | Permalink

July 23, 2005

New "Hybrid View" From Google Maps

News on the Google Blog about a new "view" available from Google Maps.

Now, along with "map" and "satellite" views, you'll find a "hybrid" view that overlays map data (street names for example) on top of satellite/aerial imagery. Hybrid view is available for the US, Canada, UK, and Japan.

Cool and very useful. However, it's far from a new idea on the web. TerraFly has been offering street names and other info overlayed on to satellite/aerial imagery (US only) for many years. As I point out in this post, TerraFly not only provides aerial imagery but also offers an amazing amount of local info by simply clicking on any image. It's also cool and very useful.

Posted by Gary Price at 1:56 PM | Permalink

July 21, 2005

Google Earth, Google Moon, and Beyond?

When Google released Google Moon yesterday I wondered if providing imagery of the Moon was just the first step. Does the Googleplex have plans to provide imagery for the entire solar system?

No official word yet BUT I have learned that Google just registered domain names for the entire solar system and beyond.

Of course, this might just be the Googleplex making sure others don't get the names but you never know. Google is so good at keeping people talking, guessing, and speculating (aka creating buzz).

Here's a list of the domain names Google registered on Tuesday:

Googlegalactic.om
Googleuniverse.com
Googlegalaxy.com
Googlesolarsytem.com
Googlesun.com
Googlemercury.com
Googlevenus.com
Googlearth.com
Googlemoon.com
Googlemars.com
Googlejupiter.com
Googlesaturn.com
Googleuranus.com
Googlenepture.com
Googlepluto.com

In case you're wondering, Google also registered variations on these names.

They also registered these domains for .org, .net., and info.

Postscript: When asked about if Google Solar System was in the works, a Google spokesperson had no comment.

Posted by Gary Price at 2:10 PM | Permalink

July 20, 2005

The Launch of Google Moon

It was 36 years ago today when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon while Michael Collins circled overhead. I remember it like it was just yesterday. This five year old was glued to his television in suburban Chicago watching history. To celebrate the historic event Google has not only put up a special logo on all of their home pages but they're also releasing Google Moon.

That's right space fans, you're now able to use the same technology that you'll find at Google Maps and Google Earth to wander around the Moon.

In many cases you're unable to zoom-in very close. This is due to NASA providing Google with a limited data set. If you do zoom-in and imagery isn't available, Google Moon does get a bit cheesy. (-:

Btw, the FAQ points out that on July 20, 2069, Google will be ready to integrate local listings into the Google Moon product. It will be interesting to watch and see if another search provider tries to launch a local search product for the moon before 2069.(-:

I wonder if MSN Virtual "Moon" or Yahoo "Solar System" is in the works?

On a related note...Want to learn more about the flight of Apollo 11? You'll find some great material (images, timelines, etc.) here and here. Video clips of the flight here.

Want to learn more about the astronauts? Ask Jeeves has Smart Search results available for Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins.

Posted by Gary Price at 9:36 AM | Permalink

July 14, 2005

Maps and Satellite Imagery Now Available on Google Japan

According to this Dow Jones report, both maps and satellite imagery are now available on Google Japan.

Posted by Gary Price at 8:53 AM | Permalink

July 11, 2005

Google Maps Mania For Centralized Look At Google Maps Projects

Spotted via Tara, Google Maps Mania is a much needed resource covering those making use of Google Maps in various ways. See the right-hand navigation at the blog for various mapping projects grouped by category. It would be nice to see Google itself offer this type of compilation, as well.

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 6:57 AM | Permalink

June 29, 2005

Google Maps API Now Available

Google has just announced that they've released an API for web developers who want to create applications with Google Maps.

I'm sure this will spawn even more resources like ChicagoCrime.org and Housingmaps.com.

A paragraph from Google's announcement also notes that Google is considering (no surprise) placing advertising onto Google Maps in the future.

The API is open to commercial and non-commercial websites that are free to consumers. Google will include the Google logo on the map, a link back to Google Maps and may show ads in the future on the maps.

Full Text of Google Maps API annnouncement.

Posted by Gary Price at 1:33 PM | Permalink

June 21, 2005

Google Maps Now Offering Satellite Imagery In Lots Of Places

OK, it looks like more than the US and UK now have satellite images in Google Maps. Here's detailed views of Rome, Athens and Barcelona. Here's a global view that shows the world at low detail. Here's a section of Italy with better detail, but still no resolution of things like streets. But other areas have greater detail. Clearly a rollout of better maps has happened and may continue to. And we're sure it's not in reaction to MSN releasing aerial coverage in its own mapping product for the US earlier today. Looking for high detail maps? Gary found it easier to search for cities to get them, rather than to zoom in.

And thanks to El Telendro for the tip.

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 1:21 PM | Permalink

Google Maps Now Offering Satellite Imagery for the United Kingdom

Google adds satellite images to UK maps from Netimperative covers the recent addition of satellite imagery to Google Maps UK. How far you can can zoom in? Like with US satellite imagery, it depends on the specific location. For example, here's the London Eye (I've zoomed-in as far as possible). However, this is the highest level of detail available for the Stonehenge area. Danny's house, about two miles away, can't be seen. Neither can the 20,000 people who celebrated the summer solstice there this morning. But that would have required real-time aerial coverage. 192.com also provides free access to aerial imagery for the UK.

Posted by Gary Price at 11:24 AM | Permalink

June 14, 2005

Google Already Has 3D City Maps

So is Google really working on a plan to create 3D maps of major cities, as rumored last week? Heck, it turns out the company already has these type of maps. They are available to those beta testing the latest version of Google's Keyhole software, AKA, Google Earth.

Check out the screenshots here and here for examples of the 3D renderings of nearly 40 cities. Is the data coming out of the rumored Google program. Nope. It comes from third parties, Google says.

OK, it could be that those third parties are working on behalf of Google. Or maybe Google is running its own 3D mapping program in addition to using third party data. In either case, Google said it won't comment on rumor or speculation.

The 3D mapping program is something different than the non-3D city block photographing project, which we know Google is involved with. After all, Google is credited on the home page of that project as funding it.

Any news of what will happen with that project, such as an attempt to rival A9's Block View feature? Google has no details to reveal, sending this statement:

Google supports many university research projects worldwide, but we have not made announcements related to the project you're referring to.

Back to 3D, Brad Hill dug up some nice research about a non-Google affiliated Berkeley project doing and a PDF research paper on the subject. None of this is specific to what Google may or may not have underway, but it should please those looking for more about such projects.

Postscript: SiliconValleyWatch, which originally reported news of a 3D project, has posted a picture of where the mapping truck is kept.

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 12:16 PM | Permalink

June 10, 2005

Google Funds Local Photo Mapping Project; 3D In The Works?

Scoop! Smile for the Google 3D mapping truck from SiliconValleyWatcher talks about how Google is funding the The Stanford CityBlock Project, a Stanford University project to photograph cities at the ground level. It sounds very similar to how Block View for the A9 Yellow Pages is created. More details on that service rolled out by Amazon in January is covered in our Amazon's A9 Launches Visual Yellow Pages article from SearchDay. SiliconValleyWatcher also reports that a related project to create 3D representations of city blocks is also in the works, though no one from Google or any sources are cited. I've asked Google for confirmation, but they've yet to respond.

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 12:33 PM | Permalink

June 9, 2005

A Collection Of "Forbidden" Satellite and Aerial Images

Remember, the story from a few weeks ago about someone spotting a stealth bomber in a Google satellite image? Well, if you're interested in other interesting things and locations seen from the sky, read on.

Long before Google was providing access to satellite and aerial images the Cryptome archive has been building a collection of satellite and aerial images that look at "interesting" locations using open-source imagery provided by various organizations including the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Direct access to the USGS database of aerial imagery is available here.

It's uncertain if the makers of UFOs visiting earth will be upset at this spotting from Google Maps, however.

Posted by Gary Price at 2:25 PM | Permalink

Gmerge, a Google Maps Hack is No More

At about the time that the AP published a story about how cool, useful and interesting some of the hacks using Google Maps/satellite images are, word that G had sent a takedown notice to the developers of one such service, gMerge, a service that created wallpaper from Google Maps.

It looks like that the Google developers "heard" what Google had to say and have removed the service from the web.

Of course, Google's satellite images and hacks are cool. However, they're not the only ones out there providing useful satellite tools. I've posted in the past about TerraFly (click on a satellite image, get local info) and World Wind, an open source tool that allows you to interact with satellite images from different repositories.

Posted by Gary Price at 1:32 PM | Permalink

May 23, 2005

MSN Virtual Earth To Take On Google Earth

Microsoft sends news today that founder Bill Gates has announced a MSN Virtual Earth service is to debut in the summer. The service is promised to provide:

Satellite images with 45-degree-angle views of buildings and neighborhoods
Satellite images with street map overlays
Ability to add local data layers, such as showing local businesses or restaurants

The service will allow users to choose from a number of different data types plus allow people to contribute their own information. The announcement came today at the D3 conference happening this week.

Here are some screenshots from the service to come. You can click on the first to make it larger:

Last week, Google announced that its Keyhole software allowing satellite views of the Earth will be renamed Google Earth. Better images will also be available to those getting satellite views via Google Maps. In addition, Google Maps has also been getting enhanced by others adding on data from other sources. More on this in is covered in our Google Factory Tour Recap post.

So, the planned Microsoft service will help MSN compete against some Google gains in this area, not to mention moves others like Yahoo have been making with maps. Some past reading you may find interesting on these topics:

Google Maps Not In Google Search; Comparing Services & How Do They Do That?
Satellite/Aerial Images Plus Local Info
Super Cool: Interact With Satellite and Aerial Images With NASA's World Wind Program

World Wind Central (a wiki)

Just Map It!

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 12:52 PM | Permalink

May 20, 2005

Google Factory Tour Recap

So Google's first Google Factory Tour has ended. Overall, I'd say it was a great success on the PR front -- at least if you weren't that familiar with Google. One reporter I corresponded with told me that seemed the case for plenty there, many of whom were overseas reporters. For them, Google trotted out real live people doing interesting things. While it was very stage managed, kudos for the plentiful Q&A periods that let some good questions (and sometimes answers) get out.

Gary and I watched and instant messaged each other throughout the night, offering each other commentary on what was being said. If the tour repeats (or when Yahoo and gang inevitably decide to do the same), we might do some live alternative commentary for everyone as a sort of Pop-Up Video or Mystery Science Theater 3000-type of thing.

Most of what was said was old ground for us -- and will be for many of our readers. But here are the highlights I found interesting. Before diving in, a reminder. A webcast of the event is here. You can also view all the slides at once here. Be aware it's a big page, not for the broadband challenged.

Schmidt & Brin Do Q&A: Near the end was a long period where Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Google cofounder Sergey Brin answered questions. Andy Beal of Search Engine Lowdown diligently blogged live coverage of some of the answers. I think it's worthwhile for anyone interested in Google to watch the webcast of this. I'm also hoping Google will make an actual transcript available.
Google: We Are French: I especially liked Eric Schmidt getting a little riled over the suggestion that France and all "continental Europe" are viewing Google as a dark force in the wake of print. He pushed back especially on Google supposedly favoring English language books, asking for proof Google said they would do this or are actually doing so. Sergey Brin scored the real goal, however, pointing out that about half the Google Print team is French.
Google Goes Portal: Yes, Google launched a personalized home page, essentially making it official that it is a portal. News from us on that here: Google Launches Personalized Home Page. Reaction from across the web here: Reactions To My Google Personalized Home Page.
Google's Master Plan: Google's come under accusations of not having some master plan, which in part it helps to perpetuate. Just see yesterday's post about Google engineers being encouraged to run "rampant" and "wander around," according to Google's Schmidt. Still, Google's been pushing back on the idea that it's not focused enough. One slide was used to illustrated Google's view that all this creative activity happens in the non-core stuff they do. The core search+ads effort still takes up apparently 70 percent of the engineering time. And more to the point, that's work all done according to some master plan, Google says. You see this push back again in today's post from Google on the launch of its new personal home page.
Does Google have a strategy, or are we just a bunch of mad computer scientists running around building whatever we want? Today this question gets an answer: we've launched our personalized homepage via Google Labs. It's part of a strategic initiative we refer to as 'fusion' to bring together Google functionality, and content from across the web, in useful ways.
Google & Endless Betas: John Battelle reports on Google repeating what they've been saying recently -- expect products to start coming out of beta and perhaps stop seeming to be endless. He also has Eric Schmidt commenting that the Google mission isn't just web search. It's about organizing information anywhere.
Lesson On Web Accelerator: Again from Andy, comments from Google on having learned products perhaps need to be more aggressively tested internally, before releases. However, Google also says that some things you don't find out, until they are released. Oh, and some site owners got blamed again for problems in not knowing how to set up their servers. I hope the fix isn't some idea that everyone will magically solve that problem. Not gonna happen.
Click Fraud: From Andy, Google saying it is pro-active in trying and stop click fraud and yes, we will look around to see if a refund given one advertiser means others are entitled to the same.
Google Employee Heroes: Frankly, this started off with Gary and I rolling our eyes, a slide on the amount of food eaten by engineers. Sort of funny, but who cares? And why just the engineers? Are they the only people of any import at Google? Do any of those ad people who earn all the money eat? If so, how much chicken? Fortunately from a PR angle, things picked up with a rundown on various people behind the scenes that create and improve Google products. Matt Cutts, who is known to readers for his many comments over the years on webmaster issues, got highlighted as one of the heroes. In the end, it served well to put a human face on an increasingly growing and dominant company. Andy's got a rundown on slides here.
Ads, Ads, Ads: A big chunk of time was spent on how wonderful it is that Google has devised a way to monetize the entire web. Seriously. And that organizes the world's information how? OK, I know -- it funds it. But the backslapping of how clever Google was figuring out how to make all the world is its billboard felt, I dunno, a little dirty to my ears. But it was honest, I suppose.
Google & Privacy: It was raised, addressed but this new News.com article on the subject also out the same day goes into more depth: Google CEO defends privacy policies. In short, Google doesn't reveal stuff not already public and wants to safeguard information. If I spot something more in depth detailing what else was said, I'll update.
Mash Ups With Google Maps: Everyone's mixing everything with Google Maps from crime stats to apartment rentals (hey, put both of those together!). Google said they want to make that easier, so people don't have to hack it. Ah, but what about those who license the maps to Google. Are they cool about that? There wasn't a clear answer -- Google just hopes it won't be an issue. SiliconBeat has comments on that.
Google Earth: We already knew earlier that Google's Keyhole software had been given upgrade maps. Soon, the software itself will be upgrade and gain a new name, Google Earth. And better maps will come to Google Maps, as well. Postscript: More from eWeek here.
Google Translations: Apparently the company has been greatly increasing its abilities in this area, including having just won what was said to be some important award in the area. Key takeaway was that if it really could do good automatic translations, it makes information even more accessible to everyone, given we all speak different languages. Postscript: Google Blogoscoped has more on this here.

Some Related Material:

CNET's Charles Cooper in Growing pains at Google? comes away finding the event a pure PR snowjob and thinks Google needs to open up even more to win the hearts and minds of journalists. Cooper also looks at Google's continued success and wonders when it will tumble, like every other tech company does. Oh, it will tumble -- but can we please, please stop having people call it a tech company? Geez, CNET even just had a story out with Schmidt himself saying they're an information company, not a tech company. Google's not a tech company, folks! What's the main product, the breadwinner? It's ads.
Google Hones Cutting Edge from The Street is a very nice read and balanced roundup of the day. But another story, A Walk Through the Google Search Factory, by the same author shows where Cooper is wrong about the PR impact. "Others outlined in relatively deeper detail how Google has leveraged its superior search algorithms in ways that are beginning to transform how advertisers connect with customers on the Internet," the story says. Actually, what was outlined was how Google has leveraged WHAT IT BELIEVES is its superior search algorithms. But have enough people tell you something as if it is a fact, rather than their opinion, and slips like this come through, from me, from other experienced journalists and even more likely from those newer to Google.
Ten Things I Didn't Know About Google from PC World has Harry McCracken commenting on what his eyes were opened to.

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 11:51 AM | Permalink

May 16, 2005

Apartment Rentals, Traffic -- Merging Other Data Into Google Maps

I've been collecting a variety of ways people have been creatively merging data from various places outside of Google into Google Maps for a round-up article. But Wired's Hey Google, Map This! article out today provides all that and more. So check it out and learn how craiglist apartment rentals or Yahoo's traffic alerts are being placed into Google Maps through grassroots efforts, rather than by Google directly.

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 11:59 AM | Permalink

April 19, 2005

Google UK Gets Local Listings & Maps

Google Local UK has now launched. Not listed? Some data is gathered in partnership with Yell.com. Want to search locally on your mobile? A Google Local SMS service is also offered (though doesn't appear fully implemented yet). It's supposed to be similar to what rolled out for the US last week. Texting instructions for Google Local UK are here.

Google Maps UK has also now launched. Yes, you can even drag your way across the Atlantic and over to the US, if you like. Satellite coverage as provided by Google Maps in the US is not yet online.

Can't wait? UK's 192.com Directory Database Relaunches; Aerial Images for Many UK Locations Available from Gary earlier this month explains another service you can try for those aerial views. You can also try TerraServer, World Wind (see Gary's review),

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 7:58 AM | Permalink

April 12, 2005

Search Google Local via Your Cell Phone

Google has introduced mobile phone access for its local search service, and has managed to squeeze just about all of the features of the desktop version into the form factor of a cell phone. It's slick and nicely done.

Today's SearchDay article, Google Debuts Local Mobile, describes the new service in depth.

Posted by Chris Sherman at 12:00 AM | Permalink

April 6, 2005

myGmaps Lets You Tag Google Maps

Want to tag and annotate Google Maps with your own information? myGmaps is a new service spotted via GoogleBlogoscoped that lets you do this. For example, here's a quick map I did for a good place for burgers in Newport Beach and the local Fry's Electronics, for after you are done eating. You can put whatever you want into the pop-up boxes. Just hover over the two points on the map, and you'll see examples of this.

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 8:42 AM | Permalink

April 4, 2005

I Can See Your House From Here: Google Satellite Images In Maps

Google has integrated the satellite imagery it acquired with its Keyhole acquisition into the maps it displays on Google Maps and Google Local. You can drag images around, zoom in or out, or even overlay driving directions using the same interface Google introduced with its new Google Maps service back in February.

Tomorrow's SearchDay article describes the new features integrated into Google Maps. Google Debuts Satellite Images is available to SEW blog readers now.

Posted by Chris Sherman at 9:50 PM | Permalink

March 31, 2005

New From Google Labs: Google Ride Finder

New from Google Labs is Google Ride Finder (GRF). This service uses GPS data to pinpoint and map (using Google Maps) the location of taxis, limos, and shuttle vehicles available for hire in 10 U.S. metro areas.

The 10 areas are: + Baltimore, MD + Chicago, IL + Cleveland, OH + Dallas, TX + Milwaukee, WI + New York, NY + Phoenix, AZ + San Jose, CA + St. Louis, MO + Washington, DC

For example, in the Baltimore/Washington Metro area Google is working with Super Shuttle (a company that takes people to and from the area airports) and just one taxi company in Alexandria, Virginia.

In San Jose, Google maps the whereabouts of taxis from Silicon Valley and Yellow Cab - San Jose and Checker Cab of Silicon Valley.

Remember, just because a taxi or shuttle van is only block or two away from your location doesn't guarantee they're going to come and pick you up but heck, this might help get the taxi/limo there sooner. More importantly, I think this is an interesting beta of location aware services that will soon become part of our daily lives. Google also provides a page where fleet owners can ask for more info about becoming part of the service.

Google also mentions that they're "working closely" with a variety of companies including Mobile Knowledge, Tranware, and Vettro. I wonder if they're also using some of the technology they got with the acquisition of ZipDash that Mike B. blogged about yesterday.

This service would also be useful to mobile web users. I'm guessing that the Google Mobile team has this on their "to do" list.

Google Ride Finder reminds me of another service called NextBus that does the same type of thing with bus and train location info for several U.S. metro locations. They even offer a web alert service.

It also reminds me of several air traffic info services that have been around for years. I'm not talking about the many sites that offer estimated arrival times of when a plane is due to arrive at an airport but the tools that also provide near real-time maps and other data (speed, direction, altitude) of all planes currently in an FAA database. You can see what I mean here and/or here (look for the quick track menu).

Posted by Gary Price at 11:55 PM | Permalink

February 26, 2005

Google Maps Takes a Safari and Sings at the Opera

A new item on the Google Blog points out that Google Maps now works with the Apple Safari and Opera web browsers.

Posted by Gary Price at 12:54 PM | Permalink

February 11, 2005

Google Maps Not In Google Search; Comparing Services & How Do They Do That?

Nice catch from Tara, finding in Google Maps Not Integrated into Google Search? that the new Google Maps service launched this week has yet to replace either Yahoo Maps or MapQuest in what comes up in Google web search results. C'mon -- make it an option :)

Meanwhile, nice story from the AP pitting Google Maps against MapQuest, Yahoo Maps and MSN Maps and finding those services aren't replaceable yet. MSN gets marks for going beyond North America and driving features. But Yahoo gets a "hands-down" win for ease of use and functionality. But Google is praised for looks-and-feel, plus the cool ease of dragging maps. For more, see Google's maps aesthetically appealing, but features need work.

Meanwhile, how does Google Maps work? Via Boing Boing, here's an explanation.

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 8:10 AM | Permalink

February 8, 2005

A Few Minutes With Google Maps

I've just spent a small amount of time "playing" with the new Google Maps service.

+ The Google Maps themselves look very nice on my computer screen and are easy to use. While the slider is useful to zoom in and out of a location, I would also like to be able to click on the map itself to do this.

+ You've probably already noticed that the Navteq supplies some of the map info to Google. Navteq also supplies map data to Yahoo Maps, MSN Maps, and MapQuest

+ MSN Maps offers the very useful "Paste An Address" feature. Using it, you can take an address from any web page and search it without having to fill-in the address and location boxes. Google and Yahoo should also offer something like it.

+ While Google Maps are a good size (vs. MSN and Yahoo) when first landing on the page, Yahoo and MSN maps can be made much larger. Look for the "Map Size" boxes on MSN Maps and the "Make Map Larger" link at Yahoo Maps.

+ In terms of mapping entries from Google Local onto Google Maps. It works well. That said, I still have issues with some of the quality/accuracy of the data that's now being mapped. I've been writing about these issues since Google Local launched last year. Yes, I understand that Google Local and Google Maps are beta but I'll still share a few examples.

Search for: Hotels near LAX (used as an example on the Google Maps home page). + The third result, Capistrano's is not a hotel but a restaurant. + I'm sure that other hotels and motels exist near LAX. What about a link to quickly show more locations?

On the Google Maps tour page, you'll find the example search: great sushi in New York. What makes these restaurants great? Does just having the word "great" close to a restaurants address/phone number make them great? I'm sure these NYC sushi establishments will not be happy to learn that they're "bad sushi restaurants" because a single person said they were bad on a message board. Why are these dentists listed as bad?

+ As I've pointed out in the past, the lack of a strong controlled vocabulary (to bring like things together) also causes problems. A search for lawyers 20901 returns different results than attorneys 20901. Yahoo results are identical for both terms.

+ A search for cell phones, Lawrence KS turns up a beauty salon in addition to returning different results than cellular phones. Car Dealers 20901 returns different results than Auto Dealers 20901. Why?

+ Finally, I searched and mapped, "Search Engine" in Mountain View, California. What did I learn? In addition to Google offering search technology: + Arinell Pizza (35 miles away) + The Roofers Joint Apprenticeship Training Program + Comfort Inn-Hayward are also search companies located in the Mountain View area. (-:

Almost forgot. When Google Local launched I had some fun showing that Osama Bin Laden could be found at various locations. Today, I learned and was able to map that Bin Laden could be hiding out at the Googleplex (note letter G). (-:

Posted by Gary Price at 1:23 PM | Permalink

New Google Maps Now Live

Google has released a new Google Maps service via its Google Labs site. Covering the United States, it allows you to drag maps around to find a new location, rather than the usual method of clicking to recenter and reload a page.

Once you've selected an area, you can then keyword search to make local information appear on the map. For pizza places on the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, it worked pretty well. For apartment rentals, the map suddenly zoomed out from a scale of about 1 mile to 50 miles. But zooming back helped to show places I knew should be listed.

To do the searches, I found the area I was interested in, then used the search box above the map. A Local Search link above the map can also be selected. Doing that will let you specifically say to search the map below or you can enter a new city and/or search location. A Directions link brings up two boxes allowing you to enter a starting and ending address to generate driving directions, in the map and with turn-by-turn guidance.

On the Google Maps home page, you'll also find boxes to generate directions on the right-hand side of the page, as well as boxes letting you locate a local business or zoom directly to a location.

Google Maps doesn't offer traffic information, as was recently added to Yahoo Maps. See Yahoo Offers Real-Time Traffic Reports for more about that. Yahoo Maps vs. MapQuest looks at an LA Times article on Yahoo's own work to further develop its own mapping system. And from Chris Sherman, Yahoo Enhances Local Search with Maps looks at how Yahoo Maps allows for local information to be added to Yahoo Maps.

For more, see the Google Maps FAQ and tour pages. Want to discuss or comment? Visit our forum thread, Google Maps: Fresh out of Google Labs.

Postscript: Also see Gary's A Few Minutes With Google Maps

Posted by Danny Sullivan at 6:17 AM | Permalink

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