Google Maps

If you haven't already, be sure to check out Google Maps. It is a new tool from the search engine giant that was just released in beta. The interface, in classic Google style, is simple and clean, yet super effective. The mapping technology is second to none. The graphics are beautiful and the directions seem to be correct. I ran a few tests to and from places I normally travel and everything seemed exactly right.

Google has also integrated their local search results into the system. Going to Kansas City? Want to see all the local Italian restaurants? Zoom into KC, then do a local search (click the link up top) for Italian food. It pinpoints the locations of all the relevant restaurants. This feature will probably add a lot of value to local advertising coming through Google's Adwords program...already the main source of their massive revenues.

The thing I think I like most is the emphasis put on the map graphic when printing the directions out. The written directions are nice as well, but I'm a visual person and seeing the layout of the roads always helps me more than the written word.

LATimes.com: Google Trying to Put It All on the Map