A nice addition to Google Maps is the new Google Moon satellite imagery. Not quite as fancy as it could be, but the markers for lunar landings are nice to have, and most likely better detailed imagery will come with time. Be sure to zoom in for a close look.
Another incredible use of the recently released Google Maps API. Google Maps Transparencies uses a combination of the ‘map’ and ’satellite’ views to give you an even more useful look at a city. I think it can really make finding your way around very easy. You can adjust the transparency too, so you can essentially zero in on the satellite imagery of a given area and see the street names and local landmarks laid out as well. Brilliant!
It’s finally here! The one advantage Internet Explorer held over FireFox (in my mind of course) was the availability of the Google Toolbar. I primarily use the Google Toolbar for a quick check of Google’s Page Rank. I had to open Internet Explorer to do a quick Page Rank check before, but not any more! Now I will only be forced to use Internet Explorer for testing Websites that I am developing. Get the Google Toolbar for FireFox: http://toolbar.google.com/firefox/
For those of you not familiar, ‘Gmaps’ is a reference to the Google Maps service. As great as the Google Maps service is on its own, many people are more excited by the recent move by Google to make the Google Maps API available for use by anyone (almost anyone anyway). All you have to do is sign up for an API key, an easy process though it gives Google a chance to deny questionable Websites hoping to use the Maps API. This has lead to many interesting applications that take advantage of the Google Maps API.
The Gmaps Pedometer was put together by a runner from New Jersey who wanted to track training distances without relying on carrying a pedometer or other GPS tracking device. Very cool idea, especially if you have regular routes for walking or jogging. To use the Gmaps Pedometer you simply double click to create points on the map to track a route. The distance will then be calculated, thanks to latitude and longitude coordinates. Ideas like this really give you a glimpse of what is possible with some open technology in the hands of creative people.
If you haven’t seen it yet, Google Maps is a very cool, and very useful application. You can search for any address and zero in on its exact location. It’s a very quick and easy way to get directions. However, you can now do even more. Just look for the “Satellite” link in the upper right hand corner of the page. Click that and you can now get your maps in color. Not just in color though, you can use nice satellite imagery to zoom in and really get a good look at where you’re going (or perhaps see who has a pool on your street). You can find my house in the picture below, although I’m sad to say it is not one located on the fairway…
As you can see, that’s some impressive technology. Other than just the neat pictures, the speed at which you can navigate the map is also very impressive. This technology is really going to open up new possibilities for Internet browser-based applications.
While the maps are fun to play around with, it does sort of leave you with a slightly uneasy feeling. Not that someone’s address is that hard to obtain, but the ability to get an overhead, color view of it is something new. I also have to wonder if it’s a good idea to have pictures of all the planes at Davis Monthan Airforce Base, located here in Tucson, AZ, available for viewing by anyone with an Internet connection. Here’s just a small picture from the base. It is nice to know we have so many planes handy though.
Of course, you can just as easily zoom in on the local airport. Again, the technology is very cool, but you have to wonder what doors we’re opening up with this kind of information available to anyone at any time. All of this is made possible by Keyhole, a technology company that Google acquired. Keyhole is even more exciting. It is a pay service, but priced very fairly for personal use. It will be very interesting to see where this technology leads us. How soon until we have real time video of major cities and urban areas? And sound? I’m not a conspiracy theorist, but I can’t help but think of ideas from Brave New World or 1984. I guess we’ll have to stay tuned.