Google Maps API

[vitaplease]

[google.com...]

The Google Maps API lets developers embed Google Maps in their own web pages with JavaScript. You can add overlays to the map (including markers and polylines) and display shadowed "info windows" just like Google Maps.

[figment88]

Wow!

I'm signed up. Was hoping to play some tennis this summer, but it looks like my development schedule just got a whole lot longer.

[figment88]

I'm really surprised the Google Maps API hasn't generated more excitement here at WebmasterWorld. IMHO this is one of the biggest things to hit the Internet - maybe not up to the level or search, email, or PPC, but still huge.

In the ~10 days since it has been out there have been thousands and thousands of post on the Google Group for the map API. There have been a lot of interesting (and mundane) sites released.

Here's some examples. None these sites are mine (my application of Google maps is far more pedestrian).

Location of crime in chicago
[chicagocrime.org...]

Simple Restaurant App
[rutgersfood.com...]

An existing site added in maps and went from interesting to very useful
[california.metrofreefi.com...]

Site making good use of custom markers
[tylercampbell.com...]

It has been only about 10 days, and htese sites are just scratching the surface of what can be done with this powerful tool.