tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142736602024-03-19T12:17:49.547-07:00Jonah Jones blogAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263185524734889609noreply@blogger.comBlogger188125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14273660.post-85429405244466181032014-10-10T10:13:00.003-07:002014-10-10T10:13:58.502-07:00A week of sevens<p>I was born in ’77.</p>
<p>Today, I am in the longest-standing 7% of employees at Google.</p>
<p>7 years, 7 months and 7 days after starting, this Monday is my last day at Google.</p>
<p>We leave the 7x7 city of San Francisco on Tuesday to return home to London.</p>
<p>Thank you to everyone for such a wonderful journey :-)</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263185524734889609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14273660.post-88362910001143320252014-06-27T09:13:00.001-07:002016-06-15T04:51:09.908-07:00Google I/O 2014 - Redesigning Google Maps<p>Annette and I gave a talk yesterday at Google I/O about 3 lessons that can be learned for building an app for a billion people, based on our experience redesigning Google Maps. Anyone designing or redesigning a product should hopefully find these useful, and anyone interested in design or Google Maps should find the behind the scenes design explorations interesting. Enjoy!</p>
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/HrLyZ24UcRE?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p>We've had some press coverage on the session too:</p>
<p>"Redesigning Google Maps - Google Details The App's Evolution" -- AJ Dellinger, <a href="http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/google-maps-evolution-explained/#!4SAip" target="_blank">DigitalTrends</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263185524734889609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14273660.post-56001642617733992662014-04-16T15:36:00.002-07:002014-04-16T21:37:09.315-07:00Google Design Minutes<p>Design is a big focus for Google. In preparation for a design-focused Google I/O event, we've kicked off a new "Google Design Minutes" series. Sian and I talk about designing and researching Google Maps.</p>
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nvPsM3uHeVw?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p>Some nice press coverage:</p>
<p>"Google I/O To Elevate Focus On Design ... [to] inspire more developers to treat their users as humans, rather than just growth metrics" -- Josh Constine, <a href="http://techcrunch.com/2014/04/16/google-design/" target="_blank">TechCrunch</a></p>
<p>"For those who haven’t been paying attention, Google has prioritized design across their products, unifying its interface and winning two of our Innovation By Design Awards in the process." -- Mark Wilson, <a href="http://www.fastcodesign.com/3029073/googles-next-big-conference-is-about-design" target="_blank">Fast Company</a></p>
<p>"The interesting aspect that the designer Jonah Jones and researcher Sian Townsend talk about is how Google was inspired by the simplistic design principles of people’s habit of drawing line maps on napkins enabled a redesign of Google Maps interface to enable ease of use." -- Syed Sofian Rabbani, <a href="http://www.androidheadlines.com/2014/04/google-says-google-io-2014-will-focus-design.html" target="_blank">Android Headlines</a></p>
<p>Read all about it in the <a target="_blank" href="http://googledevelopers.blogspot.com/2014/04/a-conversation-about-design.html">Google Developers</a> blog.</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263185524734889609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14273660.post-6461352746541674742014-02-19T19:20:00.000-08:002014-03-19T08:51:50.984-07:00New Google Maps is going live for the world!<p>Starting today we're rolling out the new Google Maps to users throughout the world!</p>
<a href="http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2014/02/thank-you-and-welcome-to-new-google-maps.html" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurEOMUaQ80NEXEilMPHrqaps6fHxnokVSsGaN6BkQiJRwRpsiIyr7TieFEXs4TQ5LXrbrGbtNd_fLFvpxdPQWlGDsvdxxdWtbbkT8FgvWmECnbYTYzFawTT93Ur-MBqD7pqGX/s800/newmaps.jpg" alt="New Google Maps"/></a>
<p>Some nice press coverage:</p>
<p>"The look is both beautiful and unfamiliar, but don’t worry. Over months of use, we’ve found that the new Maps is just as easy to use as the old version, if not easier. In nearly every way, the new Maps is a better experience once you get the hang of it." -- Nathan Olivarez-Giles, <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2014/02/21/google-maps-gets-massive-update-five-features-to-know-about/" target="_blank">The Wall St Journal</a></p>
<p>"Google Maps' intuitive new design ... is a radical overhaul of the service that most of us have grown familiar with over the years. Featuring a minimalist UI based off Chrome, it's faster, more responsive, more personalized, and more integrated with related Maps services like Google Earth than ever before." -- John Brownlee, <a href="http://www.fastcodesign.com/3027177/behind-google-maps-new-design" target="_blank">Fast Co Design</a></p>
<p>"According to Jones, the main idea behind the redesign was to make the experience as immersive as possible and to remove clutter by only giving users the information they need ... New web technologies like WebGL now also make the Google Earth-like 3D mode possible and ensure that even an app as complex as Google Maps works as smoothly as it does." -- Frederic Lardinois, <a href="http://techcrunch.com/2014/02/19/google-starts-making-the-new-google-maps-the-default-for-everybody/" target="_blank">Techcrunch</a></p>
<p>"It's the most powerful Maps ever ... and it's to the design team's credit that most of the features stay in the background until you summon them from the ether." -- Casey Newton, <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2014/2/19/5423540/new-google-maps-comes-out-of-preview" target="_blank">The Verge</a></p>
<p>"Elegant and modern ... The new Google Maps is intuitive to use and has become much faster. In addition there's the cleaned-up design and useful features like restaurant and flight search as well as the possibility to create your own maps and share them with friends." -- Rainer Schuldt & Virginia Kirst, <a href="http://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/webwelt/article125220339/Jetzt-wirkt-Google-Maps-eleganter-und-moderner.html" target="_blank">Die Welt</a></p>
<p>Read all about it in the <a target="_blank" href="http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2014/02/thank-you-and-welcome-to-new-google-maps.html">Google LatLong</a> blog.</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263185524734889609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14273660.post-84035140767451424832014-02-07T19:48:00.000-08:002014-02-24T19:48:56.235-08:00Fast Company top creative people in business!<p>Today is a very flattering day: I made it into the Fast Company list of most creative people in business!!</p>
<a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3025456/most-creative-people/most-creative-people-in-business-1000-the-complete-list" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6qXQLC0wDeM7KVau28acIAdG1AWRp9yIjkx1QJphRZj3TQ-BSBv_vcKT5UmA9YZD9TGIVL6B22zut2Emu91YJMNRXzeYgLZlEJHcle9w26fmSYhwOsliNzYjVCRuzSlxXIyp/s800/fastco.jpg" alt="Fast Company"/></a>
<p><a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3025456/most-creative-people/most-creative-people-in-business-1000-the-complete-list" target="_blank">Fast Company</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263185524734889609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14273660.post-53533670262690930812013-12-10T16:02:00.002-08:002013-12-10T16:12:46.959-08:00NPR interview: The next generation of online maps<p>This morning, Eric Gundersen and I had an interesting chat on NPR radio. Thanks to The Kojo Nnamdi Show and everyone that phoned in to ask live questions!</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2013-12-10/next-generation-online-maps" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYQEe7H9k5rXzA0cf9qYHuzfXHeVmo0atlLRKGSJzzoMGNlWEcFkqMXg9faRl2AkHiZPbjE9MDXVmwotBmLC0gBJTpAaNhp9Cl0fmAppnhjN8IOw8ig3mrUbrsMl9JdKfuhzR/s1600/npr.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Listen to it here: <a target="_blank" href="http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2013-12-10/next-generation-online-maps" target="_blank">The Next Generation Of Online Maps</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263185524734889609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14273660.post-11766134939098352482013-11-07T18:30:00.004-08:002013-11-07T19:04:14.279-08:00New features in the new Google Maps!<p>We just launched some cool features in the new Google Maps: Waze traffic integration, helicopter tours, step-by-step previews of directions, and the return of Pegman!</p>
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/N6DrfYHVcXs?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p>Some nice press coverage:
<p>"The new Google Maps continues to undergo incremental changes that promise to make it an indispensable interactive mapping solution" -- Adario Strange, <a href="http://mashable.com/2013/11/06/google-maps-update-pegman/" target="_blank">Mashable</a></p>
<p>"Slowly but surely the new Google Maps is reaching feature parity with it's predecessor, thanks to constant updates like these. Maps isn't just about navigation, however. Google also sees it as a tool for exploration and education." -- Terrence O’Brien, <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2013/11/06/google-maps-waze-pegman/?ncid=rss_truncated" target="_blank">Engadget</a></p>
<p>"If you’re not using IE11, Firefox 25, or Chrome 30, you’ll want to upgrade just for this [Earth Tours]" -- Emil Protalinski, <a href="http://thenextweb.com/google/2013/11/06/google-updates-maps-webgl-powered-earth-tours-step-step-previews-traffic-incident-reports-waze/" target="_blank">The Next Web</a></p>
<p>Read all about them in the <a target="_blank" href="http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2013/11/from-where-you-are-to-where-you-want-to.html">Google LatLong</a> blog.</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263185524734889609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14273660.post-36222891451471442052013-11-06T18:43:00.000-08:002013-11-07T18:59:50.279-08:00Talking about the future of maps at the GigaOm Roadmap 2013<p>Bernhard Seefeld and I just came off stage from a great chat about online mapping with Om Malik at the <a target="_blank" href="http://events.gigaom.com/roadmap-2013/session/reinventing-maps-for-a-data-rich-web/">GigaOm Roadmap 2013</a> in San Francisco. See below for a link to the article and the full video!</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://gigaom.com/2013/11/05/google-wants-to-build-maps-that-customize-themselves-based-on-what-they-know-about-you/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYijdrXf8uNSvKUdAkpWklVwt_C4LW6ueULzaBi_Rm_CfnAcvXoDoj9tU_ZhHul-2Dtb4Ha8LNTrYn9Xze3WIyU5eSANjAJkyKUjhDSdvEcWMKHc9Sxi-bM-2JRdd0xUwMx5hr/s1600/roadmap.jpg" alt="Roadmap"/></a></p>
<p>Read all about it at <a target="_blank" href="http://gigaom.com/2013/11/05/google-wants-to-build-maps-that-customize-themselves-based-on-what-they-know-about-you/">GigaOm</a>.</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263185524734889609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14273660.post-34561579959920252882013-07-16T23:00:00.002-07:002013-07-16T23:00:52.296-07:00The new Google Maps preview is now available for everyone!<p>In May, we unveiled a preview of the new Google Maps for the web, and today we're making it even easier to try it out. You no longer have to request and wait for an email invite – just sign up and get access instantly: <a target="_blank" href="http://maps.google.com/preview/">maps.google.com/preview</a> </p>
<p>For those who have already taken the new maps for a test drive, thanks for all your support and feedback. We're listening and continuing to make the experience even better. And for those who haven't tried it yet, here's a video tour about what makes the new Google Maps great:</p>
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/THxJHcR1D2c?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263185524734889609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14273660.post-41346331301291594902013-05-21T14:16:00.000-07:002013-06-22T14:41:28.794-07:00Behind the scenes of the new Google Maps<p>Yatin & I gave a talk at Google I/O after the launch of the new Google Maps, where we covered technical and design considerations around a couple of key features. If you're interested in how we built some of the cool features we just launched, check it out!</p>
<p><a href="https://developers.google.com/events/io/sessions/401273575" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVw-MaQsL9Rb9Q3zX2vGFyJ-T8SxNGdM26UZOZaz7q0ZVOphxZwg3JHaBypjU2VjfezqEpIWoKFqTF-ia74tWSqISy8tWJOqek_R1rv_Y0Y63wLpuPDTFSwe9rHncBdeGg6aAP/w400-h250-no/io-talk.jpg"></a></p>
<p>We've had some nice press coverage on the session:</p>
<p>"Behind The Scenes Of The Big Google Maps Redesign And Its Technical Challenges" -- Darrell Etherington, <a href="http://techcrunch.com/2013/05/17/behind-the-scenes-of-the-big-google-maps-redesign-and-its-technical-challenges/" target="_blank">TechCrunch</a></p>
<p>"How Google, with your help, is overhauling its maps" -- Stephen Shankland, <a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57585066-93/how-google-with-your-help-is-overhauling-its-maps/" target="_blank">CNET</a></p>
<p>"Google Lifts the Hood on New Maps Features" -- Damon Poeter, <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2419150,00.asp" target="_blank">PC Mag</a></p>
<p>Watch the talk on the <a href="https://developers.google.com/events/io/sessions/401273575" target="_blank">Google I/O 2013</a> site...</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263185524734889609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14273660.post-40089077298360072422013-05-20T22:20:00.000-07:002013-06-17T22:44:08.208-07:00Meet the new Google Maps<p>It's been a pretty crazy last few weeks! At Google I/O we previewed a new version of Google Maps, the biggest change since Google Maps was launched 8 years ago.</p>
<p>We unveiled the new product at the end of the Google I/O <a href="http://youtu.be/9pmPa_KxsAM?t=2h25m20s" target="_blank">keynote</a>, which was an amazing experience! Standing onstage at the Moscone center in front of 6,000 live attendees and another 1 million watching online was an incredible way to show off what we've been working on in secret for so long:</p>
<p><a href="http://youtu.be/9pmPa_KxsAM?t=2h25m20s" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIND4MZgpnk-PTClkATLFzLJkLvKAysJq4Xx0qJnxkKfZcmsYnPAIIgYVmF0FI3jhCQVOp8N3FadzrPZFNNjsZ-1zizliUw-l35pkyQVj-ZFQjPFB63GmjccApe31VrgZ4Nu__/w400-h300-no/keynote.jpg" alt="Keynote"/></a></p>
<p>User and press feedback have been really positive! Here are a few of my favourite quotes so far:</p>
<p>"When compared side by side with early versions of Google Maps, the difference between the maps of 2006 and 2013 is the equivalent to the difference between a Rio MP3 player and an iPod." -- Om Malik, <a href="http://gigaom.com/2013/05/15/eight-years-later-google-reinvents-its-maps-for-a-data-rich-web/" target="_blank">GigaOm</a></p>
"Google Maps for desktop: hands-on with the world's most-advanced web app" -- Dieter Bohn, <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2013/5/15/4334372/new-google-maps-for-desktop-hands-on" target="_blank">The Verge</a></p>
"The effects are stunning, with shadow effects, new design elements and social cues to check things out...Everything that the Maps team has been working on over the past ten years is here." -- Drew Olanoff, <a href="http://techcrunch.com/2013/05/15/deep-dive-with-the-new-google-maps-for-desktop-with-google-earth-integration-its-more-than-just-a-utility/" target="_blank">TechCrunch</a></p>
"Why the New Google Maps Is the Most Honest Form of Cartography" -- Leo Mirani, <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2013/05/why-the-new-google-maps-is-the-most-honest-form-of-cartography/275947/" target="_blank">The Atlantic</a></p>
<p>There have also been some great design deep-dives:</p>
<p>"This is made legible by an extensive overhaul of the palette and typography used in the design of the maps themselves, which feel more like printed maps in a book than ever (but in a good way, with subtle, exquisite motion graphics)" -- Matt Buchannan, <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/elements/2013/05/the-evolution-of-google-design.html" target="_blank">The New Yorker</a>
<p>"After playing with the preview of Maps, it's clear Jonah's team has stepped further along in creating an experience that's accessible to a wide variety of users while at the same time providing Easter eggs and hidden features for power users."
-- Joelle Alcaidinho, <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/the-new-google-maps-taking-design-inspiration-from-paper-google-io-2013-189636" target="_blank">Apartment Therapy</a></p>
"The company’s infamous era of championing 41 shades of blue is long over, as the company has learned to embrace clean lines, airy typography, and liberal white space across their platforms." -- Mark Wilson, <a href="http://www.fastcodesign.com/1672605/how-google-unified-its-products-with-a-simple-index-card" target="_blank">Fast Co. Design</a></p>
<p>Read more on the <a href="http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2013/05/meet-new-google-maps-map-for-every.html" target="_blank">Google Lat Long blog</a>, or sign up directly for the preview <a href="http://maps.google.com/help/maps/helloworld/desktop/preview/" target="_blank">here</a>!</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263185524734889609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14273660.post-60730703262282145812012-12-12T23:06:00.000-08:002012-12-21T03:30:41.893-08:00Google Maps for iPhone has arrived<p>This has been a hard secret to keep over the last few months :-)</p>
<p><a href="http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/12/google-maps-is-now-available-for-iphone.html" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSz-6UihrDqYRFBv0QoR9Xb0O6H_CD6WO-RPsWZzyIfyvVyRh5wh7TThLJr83LCcvE_ZRsmv57t7l-r47MRvtO-vjNR7Wv7crjr05I0smAmNSLnTIfBdtkv-DQli2LprwQjsYL/s500/blog_post.jpg"></a></p>
<p>"It’s free, fast and fantastic ... The brand-new, completely rethought design is slick, simple and coherent ... So yes, Google Maps for iPhone is a home run ... Google Maps for iPhone is an astonishingly powerful, accurate, beautiful tool. For millions of iPhone owners, it’s a drive in the right direction." -- David Pogue, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/13/technology/personaltech/google-maps-app-for-iphone-goes-in-the-right-direction-review.html?pagewanted=all" target="_blank">The New York Times</a></p>
<p>"... how data and design beat Apple ... Google Maps for iOS is the best-designed maps app on any platform ... If Apple CEO Tim Cook is looking for examples of how to do a maps app right on the iPhone — or on any platform — Google has provided the answer" -- Dieter Bohn, <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2012/12/12/3760770/google-maps-iphone-available-features-navigation-transit" target="_blank">The Verge</a></p>
<p>"All of that hard work paid off with this app, it’s absolutely gorgeous, runs as smooth as a video game and is a complete user experience overhaul from any Google Maps experience you’ve ever had ... Is it better than Apple’s current offering? Absolutely."-- Drew Olanoff, <a href="http://techcrunch.com/2012/12/12/take-that-apple-maps/" target="_blank">TechCrunch</a></p>
<p>"The maps on Google Maps are clearer, and that's probably enough in and of itself for Google to win the fight ... iOS 6 Maps are 'information-poor' -- it's basically a white space with some roads rendered on it where the roads are. Google Maps renders much more subtle information that mirrors the physical space that the driver is in. Google actually does cartography. I'm not at all sure what Apple's mapping software people are doing. Plotting points on a map isn't cartography." -- Matt Baxter-Reynolds, <a href="http://www.zdnet.com/google-maps-on-iphone-shows-ios-6-maps-where-to-go-7000008962/" target="_blank">ZDNet</a></p>
<p>"New Google Maps For iOS: Easier On The Eyes And Faster For The Fingers ... I would say that Google is the clear winner. And it’s not just on the map data, which is what Apple has been faulted for, but the cumbersomeness of its user interface as well ... at the moment Apple is playing cath up in paring down." -- Anthony Wing Kosner, <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/anthonykosner/2012/12/13/hands-on-with-new-google-maps-for-ios-easier-on-the-eyes-and-faster-for-the-fingers/" target="_blank">Forbes</a></p>
<p>"Google's app is a victory for the search firm in its increasingly acrimonious battle with Apple." -- Rory Cellan-Jones, <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20709379" target="_blank">BBC News</a></p>
<p>"Cleaner design. For a company that adheres to a strict philosophy of clean and simple design, Apple Maps can actually appear somewhat cluttered next to Google's effort." -- JP Mangalindan, <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20709379" target="_blank">CNN</a></p>
<p>"Time to Upgrade to iOS 6: The Google Maps App Is Now Available for the iPhone ... Let me say loud: Hallelujah!" -- Alexis Madrigal, <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/12/12/time-to-upgrade-to-ios-6-the-google-maps-app-is-now-available-for-the-iphone/266201/" target="_blank">The Atlantic</a></p>
<p>"After somehow managing to survive life without it, Google Maps is back and better than ever for iOS ... So yes, awesome all around. We can now all pretend that the three month stretch of using Apple Maps never happened." -- Casey Chan, <a href="http://gizmodo.com/5968065" target="_blank">Gizmodo</a></p>
<p>"Hallelujah! Google Maps Returns to Apple’s iPhone" -- Nathan Olivarez-Giles, <a href="http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/12/google-maps-apple-ios-iphone-ipad/" target="_blank">Wired</a></p>
<p>"Why you should install Google Maps for iPhone right now ... The first native Google Maps app that Google has built separately from Apple is attractive with plenty of polish on it" -- Josh Ong, <a href="http://thenextweb.com/google/2012/12/13/review-google-maps-for-iphone-is-attractive-and-fluid/" target="_blank">TheNextWeb</a></p>
<p>"The rush to get it was so intense that by late Wednesday it had temporarily disappeared from the App Store. The new Google Maps app is back now, and it's pretty cool." -- Philip Elmer-DeWitt, <a href="http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2012/12/13/10-cool-things-about-googles-new-maps-app-for-iphone/" target="_blank">CNN</a></p>
<p>"Call it an early Christmas gift from Google. The long-awaited Google Maps app for Apple's iPhone is finally here." -- Joanna Stern, <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/google-maps-app-iphone-released-turn-turn-navigation/story?id=17952434#.UMn_sqVNOs0" target="_blank">ABC News</a></p>
<p>"Overall this is a great app not only from a functional point of view, but also because it embraces a very specific style and succeeds in making it work. After Apple’s heavy-handed realism and Microsoft’s harsh minimalism, it’s nice to see that Google is also beginning to find its voice." -- <a href="http://sachagreif.com/design-details-of-google-maps-for-ios/" target="_blank">Sacha Grief</a></p>
<p>Read more on the <a href="http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/12/google-maps-is-now-available-for-iphone.html" target="_blank">Official Google blog</a>...</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263185524734889609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14273660.post-59362792308431857302012-10-26T14:05:00.000-07:002012-11-01T19:35:09.363-07:00Terrain & Vegetation on Google Maps<p>We just launched terrain and vegetation data directly on the Google Maps basemap! Now you can see forests, deserts, mountains, and more without having to switch to Terrain mode :-)</p>
<p><a href="http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2012/10/get-better-view-of-natural-geography.html" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QP9tyHwjWQUWt3XRbtXVAujW_Qyjx_cUSmqG4QyrOqxsoOinumZ4CWZ5-TSnlFTK9c4GnUM9Hajek00wO1KPgn1IboAd0HLNJjO3xVvBcXWgfZT4Razg-FU-MjQHuFNwtkzf/s800/terrain.jpg"></a></p>
<p>"Though these changes sound small, they add up to a noticeably different (and improved) experience for users... Best of all, the added data is visible in the default Maps view — what Google refers to as basemap — meaning you won't need to dig into settings or layers to enable the visual flair." -- Chris Welch, <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/26/3558968/google-maps-geographic-visuals-terrain-vegetation" target="_blank">The Verge</a></p>
<p>"If you hadn't checked beyond the base maps in the past few years, though, you'd have thought the terrain was charted in the "here be dragons" era -- it's been as flat as a board. Take a second look today. Google has overhauled Google Maps worldwide to show hills, deserts and lush zones by default, as well as label the geographical features that hadn't previously been identifiable in a sea of white." -- Jon Fingas, <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/26/google-maps-adds-natural-terrain-outside-of-satellite-views/" target="_blank">Engadget</a></p>
<p>"The Google Maps basemap is getting a visual overhaul today. Unlike most updates, though, this one is for the actual maps and not just the interface." -- Frederic Lardinois, <a href="http://techcrunch.com/2012/10/26/new-google-maps-basemap-now-shows-terrain-vegetation-by-default/" target="_blank">TechCrunch</a></p>
<p>"...the basemap now looks more interesting. The slight shading for textures and the green of forests break up what was previously just vast expanses of white." -- Scott Gilbertson, <a href="http://www.webmonkey.com/2012/10/google-maps-terrain-vegetation/" target="_blank">WIRED</a></p>
<p>"Google freshened up the imagery inside Maps today, adding new visual information to convey terrain, vegetation, and natural land formations ... the moves show the Google Maps team taking every chance to extend its lead over competitors like Apple." -- Casey Newton, <a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57541025-93/google-adds-terrain-vegetation-imagery-to-maps/" target="_blank">CNET</a></p>
<p>"Apple might be able to fix some of the many issues that plague its fledgling service, but it’s going to struggle to ever catch up if Google continues to advance its mapping tool at the rate it has been recently." -- Wayne Williams, <a href="http://betanews.com/2012/10/26/google-adds-visual-terrain-to-maps/" target="_blank">betanews</a></p>
<p>"These huge updates to Google Maps could not come at a better time, with Apple and its mapping services coming under fire for lack of detail. Google already had one of the most comprehensive mapping services on the Internet, and this just goes one step further in bringing that experience to another level." -- Dave LeClair, <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/google-adds-detailed-geographical-features-google-maps-updates/" target="_blank">MakeUseOf</a></p>
<p>Read more on the <a href="http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2012/10/get-better-view-of-natural-geography.html" target="_blank">Google Lat Long blog</a>...</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263185524734889609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14273660.post-33807586893933657802012-07-02T16:03:00.001-07:002012-07-02T16:03:17.613-07:00A Master Class in Styling<p>Last week I gave a talk at Google I/O, where we announced some cool new features to the Styled Maps API, and gave some guidelines on how to use them to create awesome styled maps!</p>
<p><a href="https://developers.google.com/events/io/sessions/gooio2012/901/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9POmdkNihAy_2Cxca_ygJfFJGUkqLT8B5bClk59LIaBi4eLjuyaudaVCgthoe6Y3LW_B6-ag9LbKcug7tvwbkGkrAKgqh8i8nojTvb62OFqzPWUUra4_t9YOl3_bg_W0ygKs9/s800/thumb_05-styles-launch.jpg"></a></p>
<p>Watch the talk on the <a href="https://developers.google.com/events/io/sessions/gooio2012/901/" target="_blank">Google I/O 2012</a> site...</p>
<p>Read more about the new features on the <a href="http://googlegeodevelopers.blogspot.com/2012/06/google-maps-api-now-with-even-more.html" target="_blank">Google Geo Developers blog</a>...</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263185524734889609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14273660.post-64999175145245391982012-04-26T15:45:00.000-07:002012-07-02T16:03:25.484-07:003D buildings in true 3D now on Google MapsGL<p>We just our new detailed 3D buildings on Google MapsGL, meaning that you can see them in full 3D, with parallax, shadows, and more!</p>
<p><a href="http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2012/04/see-3d-buildings-in-whole-new-way-with.html" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzqtgSxnpeByWlyK7W0mrXXs8NWSvEN1kf8XP5JGfE09XjRF3vhlXr5HrpxtbK5YC68AxJTe711x1wIEYnL3t5Jbgz_pGjqhJ2r6lOHB9DT0hXkizjm04TR-6IhAmNND6XINK/s800/3DbuildingsGL.jpg"></a></p>
<p>Read more on the <a href="http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2012/04/see-3d-buildings-in-whole-new-way-with.html" target="_blank">Google Lat Long blog</a>...</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263185524734889609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14273660.post-57169370548703577012012-04-25T11:03:00.001-07:002012-09-14T16:09:23.216-07:003D photo tours on Google Maps<p>We just launched a super cool new feature: 3D photo tours generated from user photos on Google Maps! You've got to see this one in action (MapsGL required), but it's amazing seeing 2D photos come to life in animated 3D...</p>
<p><a href="http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2012/04/visit-global-landmarks-with-photo-tours.html" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4h_vz8J9Bf8extVvv1c4P-Zuhmovl4RB5dT55m2GGbtnidkOwwERDJ9BcNQUvdZPWdlYma0nycqKVmm4xubZN3Wzx2tH2aTOFf_j8WnX3VJ-Q71d3ShiYfw4nHioNfIj17xS/s800/phototours.jpg"></a></p>
<p>"Google just added a cool new feature to Google Maps that lets you see photo tours of 15,000 popular landmarks around the world. If these were just photo tours with a Ken Burns effect thrown in for good measure, of course, this wouldn’t be very exciting news. What makes Google’s photo tours stand out is that the company’s engineers use computer vision techniques to create a 3D experience from public, user-contributed Picasa and Panoramio photos." -- Frederic Lardinois, <a href="http://techcrunch.com/2012/04/25/google-adds-3d-photo-tours-to-google-maps/" target="_blank">TechCrunch</a></p>
<p>"Looking to get a better feel for that Yosemite National Park expedition this summer? Google Maps is looking to go beyond the regular ol' snapshot and offer an experience that feels more like an actual visit -- only you won't have to leave your sofa." -- Billy Steele, <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/25/google-maps-photo-tours/" target="_blank">Engadget</a></p>
<p>"Weaving together pictures to make them worth more than a 1,000 words, Google has given life to more than 15,000 landmarks across the world with the release of photo tours for Google Maps." -- Jennifer Van Grove, <a href="http://venturebeat.com/2012/04/25/google-maps-photo-tours/" target="_blank">VentureBeat</a></p>
<p>"...it lets users feel even more connected to destinations through images, and get a better sense of how the landscape looks." -- Kate Freeman, <a href="http://mashable.com/2012/04/25/google-photo-tours/" target="_blank">Mashable</a>
<p>"The end result is quite impressive, especially when you consider that most of the process is automatic." -- Lucian Parfeni, <a href="http://news.softpedia.com/news/Google-Maps-Debuts-WebGL-Powered-3D-Photo-Tours-for-15-000-Locations-266462.shtml" target="_blank">Softpedia</a></p>
<p>"Google Maps is great for a many reasons that extend far beyond helping you get from point A to point B — and their newest feature is especially interesting. We’re sure it’s even more complicated than it sounds, but the results speak for themselves." -- DL Cade, <a href="http://www.petapixel.com/2012/04/25/google-maps-photo-tour-feature-lets-you-visit-famous-landmarks/" target="_blank">PetaPixel</a></p>
<p>"So maybe this is one of the first new Google steps: cool new stuff, if we share enough bits of our lives to power it." -- Kyle Wagner, <a href="http://gizmodo.com/5905006" target="_blank">Gizmodo</a></p>
<p>Read more on the <a href="http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2012/04/visit-global-landmarks-with-photo-tours.html" target="_blank">Google Lat Long blog</a>...</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263185524734889609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14273660.post-12646095190682294852012-03-31T22:11:00.000-07:002012-09-14T15:18:16.153-07:00Google Maps now launched on 8 bit NES!<p>We have an awesome new launch: Google Maps for the 8 bit Nintendo Entertainment System!</p>
<p><iframe width="400" height="260" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rznYifPHxDg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Some nice highlights from the press:</p>
<p>“Google has done it again. Just in time for April Fool's Day, Google has introduced Google Maps Quest, a retro 8-bit version of its mapping tool that is... totally awesome. In a characteristically whimsical video, available above, Google employees introduce the new version for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), replete with finicky cartridge and 8-bit music.” -- Timothy Stenovec, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/31/google-maps-quest-google-8-bit_n_1393739.html?ref=mostpopular" target="_blank">Huffington Post</a></p>
<p>“Google Maps transformed into a gamer’s paradise Sunday, adding an 8-bit layer filled with landmarks and gaming characters to its virtual globe. Quest, described as “Google Maps 8-bit for NES,” became an instant hit and immediately had fans hunting for gems within the world of large-colored pixels.” -- Brian Anthony Hernandez, <a href="http://mashable.com/2012/04/02/google-8-bit-maps-easter-eggs-landmarks/" target="_blank">Mashable</a></p>
<p>“Maps 8-bit for NES (and soon Game Boy!) is the dream cartridge for the sentimental gamer who still totes around her classic Nintendo Entertainment System. The application features low-res graphics, an 8-bit-themed soundtrack, and even monsters.” -- Jennifer Van Grove, <a href="http://venturebeat.com/2012/03/31/google-maps-8-bit/" target="_blank">VentureBeat</a></p>
<p>“Users can even view landmarks in 8-bit form, including the Statue of Liberty, the Washington Monument and Mount Rushmore. Fortunately, no Slimes were encountered during our journey. Google has also posted a great video walkthrough on YouTube of the spoof application for NES, including troubleshooting tips such as "blowing on the cartridge." -- Brett Molina, <a href="http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2012/03/google-maps-gets-8-bit-nes-treatment/1#.T3oe1KsV0uh" target="_blank">USA Today</a></p>
<p>“Ever wanted to make your next long-distance journey seem that little bit more epic? Well now you can, thanks to a new 8-bit version of Google Maps. Similar in style to old Enix (now Square Enix) games from the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) era, this new way to view Google Maps will definitely give your next journey that sense of adventure.” - Chris Brandrick, <a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/252974/google_maps_goes_8bit_for_april_fools.html" target="_blank">PCWorld</a></p>
<p>Read more on the <a href="http://google-latlong.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/begin-your-quest-with-google-maps-8-bit.html" target="_blank">Google Lat Long blog</a>...</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263185524734889609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14273660.post-85289663375868827372012-03-22T19:30:00.002-07:002012-04-01T22:13:42.744-07:00Better 3D buildings on Google Maps<p>We just launched an update to the buildings on Google Maps! Highlights:</p>
<p>- New super detailed 3D buildings for thousands of landmarks around the world<br/>
- New unified styling, be it for flat footprints, 2.5D extrusions, or full 3D<br/>
- New colours, with warm highlights and cool shade</p>
<p><a href="http://google-latlong.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/introducing-more-detailed-3d-landmarks.html" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLzPcNNeLuyMA91RCoLIpmtih0J9cQx2-kwko2UhTZshvt9JsolIe-NZNTttPtEo_CqS-8wZe1CFRUdrAnbzY1hAOn7wXppa_d9YHmCx36Asqm4eXzluhB5HwHzwDOvzG26zFm/s800/thumb_3d-buildings-launch.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Read more on the <a href="http://google-latlong.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/introducing-more-detailed-3d-landmarks.html" target="_blank">Google Lat Long blog</a>...</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263185524734889609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14273660.post-9779888986020193162012-01-26T20:14:00.001-08:002012-01-26T20:15:18.298-08:00Geocode highlighting on Google Maps<p>Last week we launched Geocode highlighting on Maps, which highlights search results for political features and postal codes on desktop Maps for places where the data are available and we can show them. Highlighting was already available on websearch and is now also available on desktop Maps (a frequent user request):</p>
<p><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQausxvD-ahmrrhbh0xVsRaTN66fn4LJvCTePI5NoSPvOIFavJkeLe9eSgP3L72heis1w-xoAJ97GTK-uNVemE4pNheefKe19eHXlURh8WJ9iGm62XGDCcKxsLYcmau4oceXdv/s800/thumb_area-highlighting-launch2.jpg" /></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263185524734889609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14273660.post-126428320231508752012-01-09T14:34:00.001-08:002012-09-14T17:16:24.345-07:00Core77 article - Google Maps: Designing the Modern Atlas<p>My colleague Willem and I just wrote an article on the design process for Google Maps, which is being featured on the front page of Core77!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.core77.com/blog/case_study/google_maps_designing_the_modern_atlas_21486.asp"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mzO-d12pIm4F5yl_EEnycrMX1wP9InZ_ptw1w3k7nDPMGAaIktqtlUMK8e2FoH79WYBsxlwCzstzVmPpsNSfKiTLQ-LQYLFmhcL7Jd3Bdg5JXm2eqACuzkbVwBF2EjfPLQSL/s800/core77.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></p>
<p>Some nice quotes in reaction to this:</p>
<p>"The designers' careful work is a reminder that a map is not just a small representation of a place, but a cultural artifact that relies on shared assumptions about what certain symbols should look like, or what is the best way to get someone from point A to point B. " -- Rebecca J. Rosen,
<a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2012/01/how-do-you-build-an-interactive-clear-and-detailed-map-of-the-whole-world/251185/" target="_blank">The Atlantic</a></p>
<p>"Interesting read. The combination of cartography, UX, and technology, all mashed up into a lovely product. I use Google Maps daily, without giving second thought for the intricate thinking that goes behind creating this product. I myself love pouring over any kind of maps, and am sure it must have been really fascinating to go through the localized maps from across the globe. Keep up the 'Goog' work!!" -- Nikhil, commenting on the article</p>
<p>"Great read. I hadn't thought of it before, but after this I realize just how much info is now being presented through one of my favorite tools. Google Maps is becoming an operating system in it's own right." -- Jason, commenting on the article</p>
<p>Read the Core77 article: <a href="http://www.core77.com/blog/case_study/google_maps_designing_the_modern_atlas_21486.asp" target="_blank">Google Maps: Designing the Modern Atlas</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263185524734889609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14273660.post-58630049982359617232012-01-04T14:17:00.002-08:002012-01-26T19:58:08.875-08:00Google Maps biking layer, now with built-in legend<p>One of the most commonly requested features for our biking layer on Google Maps was the provision of a legend. We've now launched this, built right into where you activate the layer, so it's there when you need it and out of the way when you don't:</p>
<p><a href="http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-biking-directions-legend.html" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALIJobymgR9fARt6sxzCYly_meEsKMPOK7b8CXvjQScJ_XpYhU1ARUiZrEguPoJkDzqm2RCzRUsOVjhPcugY8XsaG2BfvMMmmqLZuRjUrWZOk111aFGlvjAaeIPtBNY8anvkF/s800/bike_legend_launch.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></p>
<p>More details in the blog post on the <a href="http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-biking-directions-legend.html" target="_blank">Google Lat Long blog</a>...</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263185524734889609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14273660.post-75492978283600551142011-12-19T18:39:00.001-08:002011-12-19T18:39:21.537-08:00Typography improvements on Google Maps<p>We just launched a couple of nice typography improvements on Google Maps. We now have clearer country/state/province labeling with the introduction of text tracking and more distinct styles, and a new treatment for water bodies makes it easier to distinguish water labels from land labels. Both combine to make the map a little more legible and less noisy, as you can see from the below before/after screenshots:</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEVSWyfeWDGbEPBPfrXhJeOforo4QR6xwEcFm9Fdg99ZlcqA53hOwxrZZGE_QPuOt1rp0Lq-ECyl16HWJ9U_qEIE1fTfC15wMlmVfPEqmmwG8kIDf5h_-mM9Hx-T7hdUTPRg_/s800/typography-world.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-MoDuYyn-qMPJIZAHC26n2Sbtwa6aitH3eGqAwkYdzrTycQUh9mcHh2WSlzGzkrK6pgTPyKcjvBV0zb_wR-tzVSaUrgKsiQErEw_OI0eZiqDQSxpbxSvTiFdbJjKcBmXoLSD/s800/typography-city.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263185524734889609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14273660.post-70976287782421555572011-12-19T18:15:00.001-08:002014-09-25T16:04:54.982-07:00Good Design Award 2011<p>We just won the Good Design Award 2011 for our work on the Google Maps Japan map tiles!</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnDhWwt9G49nu143H-0UxDXz5mK7o5UbQYbF2PiJhGxsDV16cb0gTUzQHbrOe1ydcljXLKk9fN-1-Fg2lLQdUo2GrmsEXGgGQb6S7AyBTQ88seAuR1GCFlzrU0zwYaQG8q_sb/s800/thumb_gooddesignaward.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></p>
<p>For more details on what we did, see my earlier <a href="http://jj196.blogspot.com/2010/11/style-upgrade-for-google-maps-in-japan.html">blog post</a> about it, or the <a href="http://www.g-mark.org/award/describe/38118/?locale=en" target="_blank">Good Design</a> website...</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263185524734889609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14273660.post-18106463310944208752011-11-29T22:06:00.001-08:002012-09-14T16:42:55.976-07:00Google Maps goes indoors<p>We just launched a killer new feature on Google Maps for Android: indoor maps! Initial coverage includes some of the largest retailers, airports and transit stations in the U.S. and Japan:</p>
<p><a href="http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/new-frontier-for-google-maps-mapping.html"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNJekPQ_mESESQ_VXFOmsm5uC66W9UiTf9phrtmKWva5OV-u7-gwiWRpp8Buj9WSmE2RPjkyR1yihfhzBZDrgVLsHnB2cgHBh_Cm24Auiem67Cvf8x97vtuAXwrbJJB-5Si3g/s800/gmm6launch.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></p>
<p>"Google Maps for Android is fantastic. Between its free GPS Navigation feature, speedy downloads thanks to vector-based maps, and offline caching, the app is leagues ahead of the Maps app on iOS. And it keeps getting better. Today, Maps for Android is getting upgraded to version 6.0, and it includes a long-anticipated feature that presents a huge technical challenge: indoor maps." -- Jason Kincaid, <a href="http://techcrunch.com/2011/11/29/google-maps-for-android-now-lets-you-explore-the-great-indoors-and-find-the-nearest-restroom/" target="_blank">TechCrunch</a></p>
<p>"Google’s Maps team has made fantastic advances in surveying and mapping seemingly every square inch of navigable ground on the planet. But for mobile users, those maps have always stopped just short of indoor spaces — until now." -- Mike Isaac, <a href="http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/11/google-maps-indoor-update/" target="_blank">Wired</a></p>
<p>"Some malls and airports can be just as tricky to navigate as a city you don't know. Google Maps for Android now has help, in the form of indoor maps that locate you within a few meters, whatever floor you're on, and show you the shops, facilities, and other things you're looking for." -- Kevin Purdy, <a href="http://lifehacker.com/5863438" target="_blank">Lifehacker</a></p>
<p>More details in the blog post on the <a href="http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/new-frontier-for-google-maps-mapping.html" target="_blank">Official Google blog</a>...</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263185524734889609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14273660.post-63716714747544290512011-11-23T22:16:00.001-08:002011-11-23T22:27:03.352-08:00See your rated places and discover new ones on Google Maps<p>We just launched a cool new feature: now you can see places that that you have rated & reviewed, and places recommended for you, directly annotated on the map. By emphasizing the places that you care about, Google Maps now a little bit more personalized for you.</p>
<p><a href="http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2011/11/see-your-rated-places-and-discover-new.html"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ugmlNLzINLokKZJZiXYrp6HCduXNa8T8Jpi4M2Hy4fxhYnmYZB8zOJy3XuBzj4GHAiyUoH1UH_jJZB6EKUm8UQZgZfa2haTr3vjFZ-8to7wUfF5GW74SXJ5cu9pmd9B1lpFX/s800/thumb_hotpot-launch.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></p>
<p>More details in the blog post on the <a href="http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2011/11/see-your-rated-places-and-discover-new.html" target="_blank">Google Lat Long blog</a>...</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263185524734889609noreply@blogger.com0