Google launches Google Maps Australia

Stan Beer
Tuesday, 06 February 2007 03:57

Your IT - Home IT

Search market leader Google today launched Google Maps Australia at http://maps.google.com.au, which enables users in Australia to find local information using online mapping facility.  In addition to map and satellite images, the expanded service includes Australian business listings, driving directions and support for Google Maps for mobile.

The launch of Google Maps Australia is aimed at businesses who want to target information about their services to users searching within a local area. It is also enable Google AdWords advertisers to reach customers searching for businesses, products and services in Australia using locally targeted advertisements.

For example, Sydneysiders searching for a mechanic in their neighbourhood can enter the keyword [mechanic], plus their suburb into the search field to receive a list of nearby mechanics. Each result is accompanied by a phone number, street address and links to related websites such as those of other mechanic services in the area and further useful information.  

The new Google service squarely into direct competition with Telstra's Sensis services.

"Google Maps Australia combines extensive business listings and relevant information from across the web to give Australian users a powerful and easy-to-use source to access local information," said Lars Rasmussen, head of engineering, Google Australia. "Much of the world's information is geographically relevant and so Google Maps plays an important role in our mission to organise this information in a way that is useful at a local community level."

While European telcos discuss launching a mobile phone search service to combat Google, the new Australian offering from the search provider has stressed the mobile features of its new service.

People who are out and about can also search and find all of this useful local information on their mobile phone and then navigate around the map from their mobile device, according to Google.

The new service enables users to drag the map to view the adjacent parts of a map without re-loading the page and choose between maps or satellite imagery. When looking for local information, they can see the location of their search results on a map and find directions on how to get there from any given point, as well as see a route overview by satellite or map. The free downloadable application can be found at www.google.com/gmm.