Google launches Gmaps API

Even cooler than cool

[johnhh]

Rather than using the "unofficial" Gmaps hacks the API gets you an official ID on sign up and example code. Note: side panel is not "official" at this time - hope this is included soon.

Go to [google.com...]

[balam]

Sweeet...

Google Inc. is throwing the doors open on the technology used to power the search engine's mapping service, allowing developers to create Web sites and software applications that merge Google's mapping information with data elsewhere.

Google Shares Mapping Technology [news.yahoo.com] @ Yahoo!

As of early yesterday morning, Google went from more or less tolerating these services to actively promoting them.

Google points way to Maps' code [boston.com] @ The Boston Globe

But what about the competition?

Rivals Google Inc. and Yahoo Inc. on Wednesday said they are offering application-programming interfaces for developers who want to use the companies' street maps on their own websites. [...] The Google Maps API, which is available Wednesday [yesterday], lets developers embed the maps in their own web pages with JavaScript. [...] The Yahoo Maps API, which is scheduled for release Thursday [today], enables developers to create customized maps by overlaying content[...]

Google, Yahoo Offer Maps APIs [informationweek.com] @ Information Week

Want the API's?

Google Maps API [google.com]

Yahoo! Maps API [developer.yahoo.net]