Google Maps keeps getting cooler
Two new features for Google Maps.
Firstly is the ability to jump into the map and get yourself a 3D view of a location. It’s called Street Views and unfortunately is only available in San Jose and New York right now. But it’s pretty sweet and adds a whole dimension to online maps. I know they aren’t the first to integrate this feature, but GMaps has always been the map of choice for me, so I’m stoked. Can’t wait till they add Chicago.
Secondly, is called Google Mapplets, and basically it allows you to embed javascript and flash into the description field of a Google Map pushpin. Why would you want to do that? Think virtual tours and field trips. Imagine a map of Huckleberry Finn’s journeys, with audio players embedded at every stop that read a passage from the book. Or Frappr type map where everybody can introduce themselves using an avatar, like Voki. Or perhaps document your own vacation, with embeded photos from Flickr and videos from YouTube. The possibilities are truly endless!
Got any ideas to add to the list?
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Check out some cool sightings here:
http://www.laudontech.com/StreetView/streetview.html
Fred
5/30/2007
They’ve got Colorado, Miami, Las Vegas and San Francisco for street views as well. I’m might have missed San Jose.
I love what they’ve been doing lately for sure. It’s amazing what’s out there free from Google now.
Tom
5/30/2007
You missed the departure times for some public transit stops:
http://www.brandonkraft.com/weblog/archives/2007/05/google_maps_tra.php
I wonder why they didn’t make a bigger deal out of it. Less flashy, but highly useful.
Albert
5/30/2007
I defintely think this is useful. I hope they add more pictures if different cities soon
Anthony
5/31/2007