In case anyone hasn't seen it... Google is testing a street map system... http://maps.google.com/ I've always thought it was only a matter of time before Google does it. Now if they would follow through with what I'm hoping for here (ability to overlay satellite imaging). With the acquisition of Keyhole, hopefully it's not far off. They obviously use vector based drawings for the maps, so overlaying those maps over a satellite image wouldn't be a big jump. Also, NAVTEQ (the company that Google and most of the world gets their street map data from) also does traffic data as well (for example, if you have an XM Radio that supports navigation and XM Traffic data, you can get live traffic data overlayed on the navigation system map in your car). It would be cool to see Google incorporate live traffic data on their maps as well.
Doesn't make quite sense but yes, you can overlay vector on raster data but the accuracy of georeferencing might be an issue at the moment, especially if you want to do it at traffic/street level. If I hadn't 'opted out' of uni, I would have built a real time SVG based mapping system /GIS with live uni bus route info (vehicle tracking) based on radio triangulation and map data. Too bad I didn't get round to do it. PHP + SVG + PostGreSQL is a quite powerful OS mapping tool. Mapping of information is a logical next step for Google. I wonder whether (and how, if so) they'll keep indexes of 3d (time evolving) geographic data.
Does anyone think its strange that G is using Yahoo data and links you out to Yahoo local! <edit>Just noticed its not just Yahoo local - it depends what you're searching for as to where the data comes from</edit>
It's a neat little trick that you can click and drag the map around to get different views. Just noticed that.
It's really really cool stuff. Just typed in 'pizza the strip las vegas' and within a split second you get a dozen results with telephone numbers, directions if you want etc. etc. Too bad it's not on co.uk yet, can't wait for delivery from Vegas...
That map has lots of cool features, however it seems kinda slow today. I think it's all the extra traffic it's seeing. I especially love dragging it and zooming in. It just seems so much cleaner than mapquest or yahoo too.
They also own keyhole - which is pretty cool in and of itself, but it's a paid subscription. Great for checking out the location of a potential vacation spot.
small world...seems smaller every day. *DAMN YOU* G, you blew it up, you and your internet! the mystique, the majesty! gone! ...hey cool I can see Laurens Road. Almost died there.
Yea, I agree with DP that it's just a matter of time before the integrate the keyhole imagery into this - will be very, very cool ...
I love it! That is one fine option being provided by Google. Works in Canada already, which suprised me.
Wow. I really like the clarity of the map and the speed of the interface. They must be using svg graphics instead of bitmaps or something. This is the first map I've used that has the location of my house correct. Even my cars think I live five houses down the street, but Google pinpointed it correctly.
I'm in Canada too and it pointed right to my house. I'm very pleased with it, especially compared to what else it out there.
Did you see this? http://virtuelvis.com/archives/2005/02/google-maps-finds-weapons-of-mass-destruction Weapons of mass destruction are right there in the US Do a search for 'pornstar' and a Cancer support centre comes up... A search for 'prostitute las vegas' comes up with the local FBI office And Kansas definitely (according to Google) is 'the worst place to be'. The map also shows locations for 'Crap Restaurant', 'Disgusting Pizza', 'Traffic Jam', 'Cheap Houses' and other strange stuff.