Written by Google Maps is the #1 online mapping service, surpassing MapQuest and Yahoo Maps for supremacy. Not only can you get walking, biking, driving and public transit directions in your city, but you can also search local businesses, read user-generated reviews and create map “mashups” using the Google template.
What truly sets Google apart from the competition is the fine quality of detail in their satellite maps, the fun “create your own map” feature, the user-friendly map view options and the relevant local information provided by Google’s superior search engine.
Google Maps
Say hello to Mapping 2.0! The best elements of social networking have teamed up with Google Maps to give web users what they demand: consumer reviews, shared photos and videos and personalized, customizable maps they can share with friends and family!
For example, using Google Maps, you can save all your favorite destinations with your own markers, descriptions, photos and/or videos, creating your own map of “favorite local bars” or “favorite restaurants” for quick reference. You can also search for satelite maps that other people have created for your area.
As you may have noticed, Google Maps recently began incorporating content from www.wikipedia.org, a popular encyclopedia type site that includes user-contributed, verifiable content. On your Google map, you will see an icon for a landmark and as you scroll over that landmark, you will get a thumbnail-sized photo of that destination.
street maps
If you see a white square with a “W” in the middle, you’ll be able to scroll over the square to read some of the Wikipedia page about that location! Additionally, Google is working extensively with mobile media; notably the “G1,” the “iPhone” and phones using “Windows Mobile” or “Android” operating systems, to let users take their Google maps everywhere they go.
The Wikitude AR Travel Guide lets users hold their cell phone camera against a mountain range and see the names and heights of its peaks displayed as a map overlay. Additionally, they can read Wikipedia content to learn more about that mountain range as well. Similarly, the “Places of Interest” mashup shows you the bars, ATMs, eateries, churches and more along your route.
satellite maps
Google Maps will not stop until every last inch of the universe is plotted. New locations are being added to their world atlas all the time. You are likely to see more improvements in features like “Ride Finder” (which finds taxis and limousines), “Google Transit” (which plots public transit routes/schedules for you) and “Google Street.
Additionally, there is “Google Moon” and “Google Mars,” which take you on topographical journeys in space. “Google Sky” is the latest innovation being discussed, which could give us a bird’s eye view of things like air traffic and the stars. It is no surprise that Google is a leader in the world of online mapping.