Google takes on line maps for your web site to new and amazing levels

When you’re using web sites like Google or in this case Google Maps, do you ever wonder who designs all the technology and programming behind the scenes?

Well, let me tell you that this week in Sydney I met the Google Maps “nerds”, [which I mean in the most respectful manner, because I could never do what they do – pictured right, Adam Schuck, Ben Appleton and James Macgill] and not only did they turn out to be regular guys, but they are the amazing design and engineering team behind the Google Maps system worldwide.

This makes Google Maps Aussie designed and invented and when you read on, you will understand why I am so excited…….and why as a tourism business you cannot afford to ignore Google Maps!

Google Australia this week moved mapping on the internet to a new level showing a range of new gizmos on their excellent Goggle Maps and moving the bar way up for the competition to catch up with……..and not only that, they will be launching even more features in about a week!

Firstly if you are a YouTube devotee, you may know how to embed video in your blog, but now you can now do the same with maps and embed Google Maps in your website or emails.

The whole process will be as simple as cutting and pasting a piece of HTML code into your website, just like you do with a YouTube video.

The great thing is though that these embedded maps will have the full interactivity and functionality of Google Maps, as if they were on their site which they are, providing satellite views, map views or hybrid views and the users can click and drag the maps around as they want to.

This development will have a big on the world of the web and in particular for travel, because any travel business will now be able to embed a fully functional and interactive map of their location, or locations on their web site or emails.

Not only that, users going to their website will be able to get driving directions to that location in a couple of quick clicks.

In addition, there are all sorts of added extras including being able to look at petrol prices plotted on the Google Map, with this third party data provider plotting their data onto Google Maps using another gizmo called Mapplets, which can also combine a number of listings including restaurants, attractions, etc.

Google also revealed this week that it is now be accepting paid listings for maps, with businesses able to go to the Google “Local Business Centre” and bulk-upload all their locations in an Excel spreadsheet, with paid results appearing in mapping search and differentiated from non paid listings by a blue background, a different icon and a ‘sponsored links’ label, just like the Google web search, with the sponsored results appearing at the top of the list of map search results.

Google says it has already seen a very speedy and significant uptake of this kind of advertising.

They also announced that they are working on integrating Australian public transport information into Google Maps and that they are actively looking for data in Australia for their Google Transit facility which is a Google Labs product that provides public transport-based routing, adding, “We’re somewhat dependent on local government agencies”.

Now, just in case you felt that this was not enough, Google now allows users to add reviews to any business or location listed on Google Maps, but it did admit that that there have been challenge around defamation laws, with restaurants having been particularly litigious in this area, with the challenge with reviews being that it is hard for Google to know if the review is legitimate or from a competing business, although they have systems in place to stop this happening as much as they can.

And the next step is……….?? 

Google Australia says that BMW and Volkswagen are installing Google Maps and Google Earth into their cars, and Virgin America and JetBlue are also installing Google Maps onto their aircraft so that passengers can zoom in on the ground and see what they’re flying over!

Google also explained that their hi-res satellite imagery is coming back to Australia and its disappearance was not part of security issues related to the forthcoming APEC conference aimed at protecting the 21 world leaders, including US President George W. Bush, visiting Australia in September, but a simple commercial issue with one of their photography suppliers.

Google Australia’s Rob Shilkin, said, “We’re really hopeful of getting high-res imagery for Sydney and other cities in Australia back up as soon as possible.”  

“I hate to ruin a good conspiracy theory, but that’s the boring reality.”

You have to check out Google Maps at: www.maps.google.com.au and you will be amazed!

Report by The Mole