A map is perhaps, one of the quickest and simplest way to spice up your site. It is not only functional but can add a level of interactivity that add to your website's user experience.
Google Maps (for a time named Google Local) is a free web mapping service application and technology provided by Google that powers many map-based services including the Google Maps website, Google Ride Finder and embedded maps on third-party websites via the Google Maps API. It offers street maps, a route planner, and an urban business locator for numerous countries around the world.
It can be simply added as a static location map to your site to illustrate the actual licality of your shop, business or office to enable your customers to easily find you. Or you can add an interactive map via the free Google Maps API, javascript codes that allows you to embed the full Google Maps on any external website.
The API provides a number of utilities for manipulating maps (just like on the http://maps.google.com web page) and adding content to the map through a variety of services, allowing you to create robust maps applications on your website.
Ask your Web Developer on how you can make Google Maps work for your site today.
Google Maps was first announced on the Google Blog on February 8 2005, and it originally only supported users of Internet Explorer and Mozilla web browsers, but support for Opera and Safari was added on February 25, 2005. Currently, Internet Explorer 7, Firefox 2, Safari 3, Netscape 7.1, Mozilla, and Opera are supported.
Google Maps Terms and Conditions state that usage of material from Google Maps is regulated by Google Terms of Service and some additional restrictions. Terms and Conditions, among others, state: For individual users, Google Maps is made available for your personal, non-commercial use only. For business users, Google Maps is made available for your internal use only and may not be commercially redistributed. Copyright © Google.
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