I'll be out of town for the next week or so, on a trip (mixed business and pleasure) to the lovely town of San Francisco.
By following this link you get to see Google Maps page for Frisco. While I realize I'm slowly become a Google Spokesperson here, The new (beta) Google Maps site is absolutely outstanding. Here's my pitches for why its so cool.
1) Very handy (and fast) interface. Is the spot you want just off the side of the map? Try to guess exactly where to click so that the center will still allow you to see what you're looking for? Just click the map and drag it over. Too far zoomed out? Just click the slider and drag to your preferred range.
2) Looking for something specific? Type in "Pizza in Vancouver" into the search bar and you'll see all the locations and names. Click on the names in the right and you'll see a popup on the map with the address and phone number. Has the site scrolled off the edge of the page after you zoomed in? Click the name on the right again and it will recenter.
3) Need directions but aren't looking for something too specific? I have the problem all the time as I'd rather the directions just get me to the area and I can find my way from there. Type in "48215 to Nashville" in the search box. There you go. I'm also told when you print these it defaults to printing a big ass map on the first page and big font directions on the second. Like Chet said, its amazing that this is something someone needed to think of, but nonetheless, Google did it and did it right.
4) Want to get a general lay of the land? This is a another thing I tend to do. Rather than specific directions I just look at a map for 5 minutes or so to understand the general layout of the area. Then, even if I get off the directions I still know basically where I'm at. When you're at any map just click the "Satellite" button on the upper right and the view will switch to an overhead satellite view. This gives you a little more direct sense of the area.
5) The satellite feature is also just plain cool. My newest fun has been using the satellite feaure to brush up my "spaceship navigation" skills. Try it, can you find your way from Italy to Mexico City? I ended up in the Bering Strait. Another guy used it to locate Area 51 (allegedly).
Of course its still in beta and has some work to be done. Many of the street names aren't filled in, and the satellite pictures are missing at close detail in some areas. But already I prefer it to the other mapping services (especially the horrendous current standard MapQuest). I can't wait to see what happens next.
I'm also hoping Google does something really crappy soon so I'll have a chance to demonstrate my editorial independence. But so far they always seem to get it right.
I might update quick while in Frisco, otherwise I'll see ya'll in a few weeks.
Posted by ktismael at April 26, 2005 9:16 PM