Talk:Google Maps/Archive 3

Archive1 Archive2

Google Street View

It was just released today, it is insanely cool, and definitely must be added to this article ASAP! Hey guys thx for helping me get that new development history addition just right. I still can't figure out how google did it other than driving all over the place.

we need more info about Google Street View - i think it should have it own article --Zayani 20:18, 3 June 2007 (UTC)

3D → 360°

I'm changing the phrase "provides 3D panoramic street-level views" to "provides 360° panoramic street-level views." You can move the point of view of the panorama around and take "virtual tours" of areas, but the views themselves are not stereoscopic and do not include 3D CGI. I can't find any references from Google saying that Street View provides 3D views.[1] [2] [3] I believe "3D" is being used incorrectly, whereas the panoramas are indisputably 360°.[4] I found five websites that say or imply that Street View is 3D but I believe they are also using the term loosely or incorrectly.[5] [6] [7] [8] [9] If someone can find a authoritative reference saying Street View provides 3D views please revert this change.

My apologies for originally posting this in the wrong section. It was not an attempt at vandalism. 192.82.6.18 03:53, 10 June 2007 (UTC)

Google Local

Shouldn't the article and text be changed to Google Local? This has been the official name since it lost its beta status. Even [10] is titled "Google Local". Andrewski 14:02, 23 March 2006 (UTC)

Been discussed. While the main Google use of the tool is on a page called Google Local, the tool itself, including the API, is called Google Maps (the API is the "Google Maps API", not the "Google Local API". Likewise, Google Moon and Google Mars also use the same underlying tool. Google Maps is a common component of all three. - Keith D. Tyler ¶ (AMA) 21:05, 23 March 2006 (UTC)

Indeed, perhaps move "(for a time named Google Local)" way down the page. As at least I never heard of it. :-) Jidanni 11:01, 7 September 2007 (UTC)

The fact that you've never heard of it simply means that you haven't been using it for a long time. When in beta, it was called Google Maps, then they took it out of beta and renamed it to Google Local. Then they changed it back to Maps again, and it's been that way since. Note that the domain http://local.google.com still works and doesn't even redirect to maps.google.com. —lensovet–talk – 18:42, 7 September 2007 (UTC)

Spam notice

Do we really need the spam notice in the links section? We get maybe 2-3 undiscussed links added per week, not all are spam. And the links are generally removed within 24 hours. (Saying that because of my self-imposed 1RR limit on link cleanup. And that's 1RR per calander day, not 24 hour period, so I'll sometimes have 2 reverts within a 24 hour period. But if I've already cleaned up that day, I'll wait for the next day to clean up again. But I digress....) The Spam warning appears to be to solicit additional help to patrol the section. But I don't really see the need. Anyone see a good reason I shouldn't just drop the tag? (I'll not remove it for a day or two, at least, to give time for response) - TexasAndroid 14:55, 1 December 2005 (UTC)

Examples of web tools employing Google Maps and Websites collecting Google Maps aerial views sections are already stepping on "Wikipedia is not a web directory" ground. These links are promoting arbitrary sites that are unsure to be notable and are adding nothing to the content or the verifiability of the article. -- Perfecto 19:40, 1 December 2005 (UTC)

I know what you mean. Awhile back I tried to rename "Examples" to "Exemplary", the idea being this: The list of web tools shouldn't be a directory, it should be a showcase of specific applications that serve to further the reader's understanding of the subject (Google Maps). I think that's a reasonable inclusion &ndash but it must be tightly monintored so it doesn't get out of hand. -Joshuapaquin 21:48, 1 December 2005 (UTC)

We've gone over this ground several times on the talk page. If you look back over it, including the one archived history, you'll see where we came from. To summarize, at one point in time the links section at the bottom was huge. It was rightly deleted in whole. In response to the full deletion, we came together on the talk page, and decided on an agreed upon set of example links in several categories. It was felt that the nature of Google Maps made it important to include at least a small sampling of the best sites in each of several categories. Now, we have informal rules in place, mostly enforced by me (by once a day clean-up edits), that any additional links need to be discussed here on the talk page. We have specifically discussed the arial view section a couple of times, and the conscensous has been that each of the four remaining has something to offer. (Please read earlier discussions for the reasonings here.)

So we has a small sampling, and while we have a regular trickle of additional links being added, we have a working process in place that is dealing with the situation. I really don't see the need of bringing in a bunch of additional people to deal with a situation that, IMHO, is fully under control at this point in time. - TexasAndroid 21:55, 1 December 2005 (UTC)

Mashups

I just removed the Seattle 911 example from the paragraph about mashups. I've never heard of it, but definitely aware of housingmaps.com and chicagocrime.org — both which received considerable press attention last spring [11]. Alexa rankings also support the decision.

• Traffic Rank for seattle911.com: 1,315,257
• Traffic Rank for chicagocrime.org: 138,243
• Traffic Rank for housingmaps.com: 39,373

Other two mashup sites mentioned in the news article (floridasexualpredators.com) and (mywikimap.com) — a cheapgas mashup, aren't as notable nor have the alexa traffic to justify mention in the Google Maps article. I also added inline links to housingmaps and chicagocrime, and a screenshot. -Aude (talk | contribs) 17:01, 3 January 2006 (UTC)

I'd like to join the discussion, however, I'm kinda a newbie to wiki. I realize a link needs discussion in order to become a part of the page. However, I'm at a loss as to where to start talking about it. I found a traceroute/google map hack at http://www.mapulator.com that seems to be one of the better traceroute/google maps mashups that I've found so far. Please, teach me, tell me, or show me how to present this info to others. You can run the trace from their server or from your PC. It has some settings you can tweak for doing the traceroute. It also can also do “whois” queries when you click on one of the hops (to find out that hop's IP). And if you just want to know where any particular computer/server/IP is you can also type in the IP or host name in their ping tool and find out if the host is up, where it is, and get the “whois” record. M kat 23:31, 4 January 2006 (UTC)

You've done what you need to, I think. OK, this is interesting, because it's a computer science oriented thing. Personally, I can't get it to work on my computer (Java's not friendly with my laptop) so I can't properly evaluate. What it does have that's different from the rest is the use of real-time data (i.e. the IP addresses are found on the fly). This suggests to me that it may be worthwhile. Other thoughts? -Joshuapaquin 20:07, 5 January 2006 (UTC)

I'd like to link to http://maps.castlecoalition.org which plots abuses of eminent domain around the country. Eminent Domain has been in the national spotlight since the supreme court decided in June 2005 to allow for private property to be taken for private development. Any objections? Ireese 20:01, 27 January 2006 (UTC)

Does not sound to me like it it that signifigant as far as a use of Google Maps, goes. That's the key, is things that would be of key interest to people interested in G-Maps, or things that show off the technology/interface particularly well. This sounds to me like something that would be much better suited to a page on the Eminent Domain controversy, or similar. Just MHO at this time. - TexasAndroid 07:20, 28 January 2006 (UTC)

Agreed. -Joshuapaquin 17:35, 28 January 2006 (UTC)

I'd like to link to http://www.gophernow.com. It is a new Google mashup that shows real-time information based on time. In the current instance, it shows restaurants that are open now - showing information that becomes even more relevant thorugh its immediacy to users.

White House not obscured?

Re. "Some areas are obscured for security reasons, like the United States Capitol, White House and other government facilities in Washington, D.C.."

I didn't check the Capitol and other facilities, but a quick check at http://maps.google.com/maps?q=White+House&spn=0.003546,0.008837&t=h&hl=en shows that the White House doesn't look very obscured. Am I missing something?

CConrad 18:22, 3 January 2006 (UTC)

I'm quite sure the White House has been photoshopped. The U.S. Naval Observatory — home of the vice president is also blurred. -Aude (talk | contribs) 18:28, 3 January 2006 (UTC)

As I understand it, there is now a good bit of AA weaponry and other stuff on the roof of the White House, much of it large enough that something of it should be visible at the current resolution. But all you see when looking at the White House is featureless white roof. It's this contradiction between what is known to be up there, and the fact that nothing is visable at all on the roof on the images that has led people to state that the White House roof is edited. No, it hasn't been blurred out like the Capital or the U.S. Naval Observatory, but it's been edited for security none the less. - TexasAndroid 18:45, 3 January 2006 (UTC)

It's flat brown, which is in contrast to older B&W sat photos from Terraserver, showing a white roof with normal-looking roof structures. Likewise, the neighboring Old Executive Office Building and Department of Treasury buildings have their structures covered in flat drab olive green, and their inner terraces are pixelized. The grounds of the USNO (also the VP's residence) are pixelized. The U.S. Capitol is pixelized. No such luck, though, for the U.S. Supreme Court building directly behind it, though oddly the building does not appear on the map or hybrid views. - Keith D. Tyler ¶ 20:49, 3 January 2006 (UTC)

It would be nice to have a more precise statement of what's blurred and who's responsible. John Young at Cryptome documented various mapping services' pixellation of some U.S. regions, which was apparently done upstream by imagery providers. (I also recall that Google Maps showed unpixellated images of more portions of Washington, D.C., during a period when the government of India was complaining about the satellite photography, but that those regions became pixellated again later. However, I don't have exact dates when these changes took place.) One possibility would be add a link to John Young's discussion, because I recall it as quite thorough, even if not up-to-date. Schoen 19:46, 4 March 2006 (UTC)

I expect the WH does not get the same treatment as the USNO because people are going to want to look at the WH and its grounds, simply because its a famous building, the same reason why people would want to tour it. I guess the Capitol doesn't have quite as much of a following. But who wants to visit the USNO? The VP's residence? Who cares about the VP, we want the guy in charge! - Keith D. Tyler ¶ (AMA) 22:10, 30 March 2006 (UTC)

Capitol is no longer pixellated, and it seems to me that the White House is no longer obscured. -Joshuapaquin 23:21, 30 March 2006 (UTC)

There is still a needed section of the article. See [12] 128.220.159.1 15:52, 7 November 2006 (UTC)

External Link: The Mapki

Creator of the Google Mapki here --- I would like to make sure that more people trying to use the Google Maps API and Google Maps are aware that there is a very active developer's base for the Google Maps API at http://www.mapki.com/. Would it make sense to add the link to this page's external links section? I'm interested in your comments. Thanks, Ian.

Google Moon

Why is the paragraph on Google moon written in the past tense? It creates a false impression that it's a thing of the past. Google moon is alive and well today. Maybe it was taken down and then brought back online? Alex.g 12:43, 12 January 2006 (UTC)

Honestly, I don't see the problem. But if you do, please feel free to rewrite the section. - TexasAndroid 20:45, 16 January 2006 (UTC)

Copyright/Fair Use rules?

I was just wondering what the rules were about using Google Earth/Maps on Wikipedia. Are they considered software/web site screenshots or are the satellite images copyrighted in such a way as they're not allowed? -- MacAddct1984 20:16, 16 January 2006 (UTC)

I have the same question as MacAddct1984. I too want to use a Google map for a Wikipedia article. I read the small print about copyright and it seems to allow non-commercial reproduction. However it would be nice to have a definitive answer before I spend time on this. By repeating the question, it might appear in someone's watchlist again. JMcC 17:10, 15 May 2006 (UTC)

Can someone explain the licensing issue please? It is said that original work of U.S. government agencies is in the Public Domain. It appears that most of the images that are presented by Google Maps are original work of NASA. Are they in the public domain or not? The terms of usage of Google Maps seem to say different, they only talk about "third party" imagery. Can Google Maps use PD material, present it and put usage restrictions on it? Some of the images would be nice to use in Wikipedia, but how can they be easily found or accessed without Google Maps?Ratzer 07:51, 30 October 2006 (UTC)

I'm pretty sure that much (perhaps not most) of the imagery is not from NASA, but rather from private companies (the "third parties") like DigitalGlobe. There's the problem. -Joshuapaquin 01:35, 1 November 2006 (UTC)

China and Hong Kong

How do you get detailed maps for China and Hong Kong on Google Maps, as the article claims? I can't find them if I zoom in there (using the Canadian servers). However, I can find satellite images for China and Hong Kong. Andrew_pmk | Talk 07:53, 26 February 2006 (UTC)

• I added HK to the completely functional list because the street maps are out, the satellite is out and you can search for roads (I'm pretty sure!). --Onejsin 02:50, 2 April 2007 (UTC)

I'm wondering the same thing as Andrew. Searches China or Hong Kong from the Canadian server return a message saying "We Currently Do Not Support The Location."

Just type in HK and you can view all the streets. I know because I'm looking at it right now.

External link discussion

New external link suggestion: http://ozanguven.com.tr/googlemaps/ It has a web application which help users to create Google Maps for their website easily, also it is a good start for the newbie Google Maps API users. OzzY 10:16, 6 January 2007 (UTC)

Keep these, as they are redlinks?

• Frappr – [13]
• GROU.PS - [14]

Also, should Windows Live Local be added to that section?

- Keith D. Tyler ¶ 19:44, 1 March 2006 (UTC)

I agree with all point. - TexasAndroid 20:12, 1 March 2006 (UTC)

Please add this link to external: http://explorer.altopix.com/ Fatganz 17:08, 18 November 2006 (UTC)

Please explain to us why you think this link should be added. - TexasAndroid 16:00, 23 May 2006 (UTC)

I recommend that http://www.hotlinkimages.com be added to the external links list. It focuses on funny, interesting, and newsworthy images from Google Maps and also provides details of new Google Maps API applications available on the Internet. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.242.36.58 (talk • contribs)

Hmm. It isn't an actual application, but rather a blog; its features seem to be covered already by Google Maps Mania and the collection sites, which are already on the list. -Joshuapaquin 17:44, 3 July 2006 (UTC)

Hello, I have a suggestion. One website that uses the google maps is http://www.antennasearch.com . It places all the locations of antennas, registered towers, and non-registered towers on a google map. Heyhello123 17:14, 7 July 2006 (UTC)

I have a recommendation for an external site. http://www.bigflamingo.com is a totally free Google Maps implementation website to list and find yard sales. People do not even need to register to use the site so it is free in that regard too.

I'd like to see a website outside of the US featuring on the Google Maps external links. I propose http://www.thebigeat.com as pretty much the first UK site to effectively combine data on a large scale which is the real benefit of Google Maps as a development tool. There are several other UK based sites but they really don't demonstrate the versatility of the system. Kind regards, 81.10.111.243 18:29, 29 August 2006 (UTC)Dave Roberts

I think that we do need some demonstrations of the Api in productive use outside the US. Especially given that the Geocoder doesn't work for the UK, I think that the above site probably does satisfy our criteria here. (for the geeks, the method of loading markers is also of note)

Hello - I've developed a hotel mapping application using Google Maps API v2 together with PHP and MySQL (datasource for hotels) that pinpoints over 23000 hotel locations in more than 5000 US cities. By default, I've chosen to display the hybrid map view. The hotel map directory is available to viewers as a stand-alone "site" at http://hotel-map.4hotels.us/ or as a cross-link from the city as featured on http://www.4hotels.us/. I'd like to get your opinion on including this as a link to a sample Google Maps online app. Thanks (oh, I'm jclayc) 14:17 7 Sep 06

Hi, I began a very large collection of locations : Paris, Egypt, Cambodia, India, Sri Lanka and many other countries. It is possible to add the link below on the external link page ?

• Baudelet.net - A very large collection of locations : Paris, Egypt, Cambodia, India, Sri Lanka and many other countries.

What makes it unique and distinct from the links already on the page? We already have two large link collections listed, and some have argued that we already have one too many. So what is there about your collection that makes it notable and unique enough to be listed? Especially when we have rejected other regionally based link collections in the past. - TexasAndroid 20:08, 4 October 2006 (UTC)

Hello, I hope I am not imposing, but have a request to consider Hotel Maps USA. After two years of unemployment (35 years systems analyst background-job outsourced overseas) and over a year of tremendous night and day effort to teach myself newer technologies, I have created 17,000 maps of hotels and attractions for cities across the USA and Canada. They are quite relevant as reference material to travel, tourism, and an example implementation of the Google Maps API. There are places such as St Paul MN for the 2008 Republican National Convention, and many maps of speedways, and drag strips. Hotel Maps USA also includes an address finder. You are linking to some huge companies that are very hard for one impoverished person to compete with, so any break you can give me is very appreciated.

• Hotel Maps USA - Over 17,000 maps displaying about 7000 cities, over 27,000 hotels, and over 8,000 attractions across the USA and Canada.

ladybiker 01:00, 16 November 2006

A key thing is that this page is not here to give anyone a break. We are not here to serve as advertising for anyone. The few links on the page are here because they are key examples of Google Maps API and other technology. Everything on this page is here because of Google Maps, not the specific focus use of some of the links. So, if you want us to accept your link, you need to tell us why, from a Google Maps perspective, the link deserves to be on the page. All the info about what your site does is interesting, but totally irrelevant. We need to know, not what makes your site useful from a Hotel perspective, but what makes it unique and important as an example of Google Maps use. Why does your link deserve to be on the page over many, many other API uses? What makes your link stand out as a example of usage of the Google Maps API? I'm sorry to be harsh, but the project is not here to help you advertise your page. This article is here to document Google Maps. And as such, any arguments you make for inclusion of your link need to be from a GMaps perspective, not a Hotel perspective. - TexasAndroid 13:48, 20 November 2006 (UTC)

Hotel Maps USA is an example of a one-person Google Maps project, which has refined processes to create, and update, a multitude of interactive maps, without relying on location marker input by external multiple users. In its' first year, 2006, 17,000 maps were created for cities and places of interest throughout the USA and Canada. Each place of interest, when added to the database, generates a new map, centered and zoomed to the specific location. Each new map automatically includes markers for other nearby places of interest, and nearby cities and towns.

• Hotel Maps USA - approximately 17,000 maps of cities and places of interest in the USA and Canada.

ladybiker 04:54, 21 November 2006

I'll repeat my questions. You really need to be answer them if you want your link to stay. What makes it unique and important as an example of Google Maps use? Why does your link deserve to be on the page over many, many other API uses? What makes your link stand out as a example of usage of the Google Maps API? - TexasAndroid 19:05, 21 November 2006 (UTC)

Typically, massive volumes of maps, and/or the placement of markers on maps, have been created by either relying on the input of hundreds or thousands of users, or a well-funded department within a corporation. This application of the API is atypical, because it resulted in a high-volume of nice maps by one individual, constrained by a shoestring budget. If other individuals of limited resources have already produced such good results on such a massive scale, I don't know of them. I consider my work to be an example of the application of the Google maps API within a burgeoning cottage industry, which can produce a level of results which were previously achieved only by well-funded corporations. Thank you for your considerations. ladybiker 13:47, 22 November 2006

Google Maps vs Google Maps API vs Google Local (again)

Re: the recently added Google Maps API page...

I think most of the API page should be merged into a rewritten "Extensibility and customization" on this Google Maps article. The section here mostly deals with the pre-API hacks which are pretty much irrelevant now.

I take the term "Google Maps" to mean the "Google Maps API". Although there was originally a separate (beta-only) Maps page, the mapping service that Google provides is now called Google Local. Google Local just embeds the Google Maps interface and adds features on top (such as driving directions).

To clarify the distinction further a separate Google Local page could be created where we can move various Local-specific information, such as the competitor links.

-Shreddies 19:07, 10 April 2006 (UTC)

List of interesting Google Maps satellite images

We have "List of interesting Google Maps satellite images" listed under "See also" and we have "List of images compiled by Wikipedia users" listed under externa links. Both of these take you to User:Joshuapaquin/List_of_interesting_Google_Maps_satellite_images. Why is this listed twice under both headings? -Aude (talk | contribs) 20:10, 10 April 2006 (UTC)

LOL. OK. Very, very good point. I never noticed it was there twice. :) OK guys. Given that the link gets removed occasionally anyway, there's really no reason for it to be there twice. Assuming noone else can come up with a good reason to have it twice, the next question is, which is the better one to keep? I was always aware of the "List" one and unaware it was also in the "See Also". The List entry is older, but the See Also entry dates back to last August, so it's not exactly young. I'm not coming up with strong reasons for which to keep and which to remove, so I hope some other regulars can chip in, or we'll just go with Kmf164's choice for which to remove. :) - TexasAndroid 20:34, 10 April 2006 (UTC)

I think we discussed this ages ago - that it should be in the External Links section, because it needs to be stressed that it is not part of the Wikipedia project, and no Wikipedia policies (e.g. NPOV) can be assumed to have been applied to it. -Joshuapaquin 21:03, 10 April 2006 (UTC)

I agree with Joshua, for the same reasons. BTW, the list is indeed very interesting. -Aude (talk | contribs) 23:54, 10 April 2006 (UTC)

Ok. The "See Also" duplicate is now gone.  :) - TexasAndroid 13:12, 13 April 2006 (UTC)

Inacurracy of Google Maps!

Google maps is often recognized for being not 100% accurate. It may pinpoint a 100 or so metre of the exact adress. We have been discussing whether this should be included in the article École Secondaire Catholique Garneau. Essentially when searching for the adress of the school in pinpoints virtually the same location as the MIFO. See the talk page for more info. My question is. Why is there no mention of this in the article. Has there never been any third account of this? Do we need a third account. THe facts are right there in front of. Pretty clear that google maps in this instance pinpoints the same buidling! Any comments. I would say leave it in the schools article because it is more important there (distinguishing the school from the MIFO. Cultural centre for French ontario!) Anyay. Any comments? --72.57.8.158 00:11, 23 April 2006 (UTC)

Well, it's true that the overlays don't always match up with the image or the actual address, but I'm reluctant to make a fuss about it unless we have some information about why these glitches occur (Navteq?). Simply stating that a web service may have bugs is in itself not terribly useful. -Joshuapaquin 00:55, 23 April 2006 (UTC)

Well, perhaps not going into detail about the problem would be an option because according to this news article] from May 12th 2006, the problem of proper maping seems to occur on more than one occassion. Another issue is elaborate in this article] from k2climb.net. They say that:

"The biggest challenge is the currency of data, the authenticy of data," said Brian. In other words: The main complaints the Google guys get are "that's not my house" and "that's not my car." Google maps satellite images are not in real time, they are several years old.

There is also a news article that indicates people have dificulty locating their place in Trip Planner which is based on Google maps. The data is placed on Google Maps and the data differences have created problems.This article says Complaints surfaced about glitches or gaps in the mapping of Trip Planner on the byCycle’s Google Group and that they are considering switching to using MapServer maps.

I think the inclussion of at least one small sentence would be meeting the requirements for equal representation via POV's and other wiki rules. --CyclePat 19:43, 12 May 2006 (UTC)

Nevermind off by a hundred metres, a freaking island disappears... check out this, and then hit 'Map'. It is the same from any height. I am looking for somewhere to report the matter, anyone know anywhere? J Milburn 23:13, 27 December 2006 (UTC)

Western and Central European roads

It looks like they've added (at least major) roads for Western and Central European countries. I don't know the exact date this feature went live, but it should be mentioned in the "Development" section. f(x)=ax²+bx+c 23:19, 14 May 2006 (UTC)

Roads, cities and landmarks, I should say... f(x)=ax²+bx+c 23:32, 14 May 2006 (UTC)

Satellite or Plane?

I've heard conflicting stories that googlemaps has been created using imagery captured off planes and satelittes. I'm talking about the very high resolution views here, not the ones of the world :P Does anyone know any information about how the pictures were originally captured?

Seems like both. Hard to tell exactly which (there've been some glitches that have made this apparent, though). The real answer lies with the data providers.

The Katrina imagery was stated to be satellite for sure, though. I'd say the majority of urban areas are satellite.

Meanwhile, the scattering of insanely-high-res photos in Africa (for example the fairly famous "man on camel looking up at camera" shot) were definitely aircraft (they are from a National Geographic project).

- Keith D. Tyler ¶ (AMA) 06:50, 30 May 2006 (UTC)

WikiMapia

• WikiMapia is a project aimed at "describing the whole planet earth". It is an Internet resource combining Google Maps and a "wiki" system. — Preceding unsigned comment added by AirBa (talk • contribs)

WikiMapia already has it's own page on the project, and has a link in the See Also section of this page. In general that is sufficient. If it's in See Also, there's really no need for a separate link in the External Links section, IMHO. - TexasAndroid 14:09, 5 July 2006 (UTC)

Missing North Pole

For some reason, the North Pole is missing from Google Maps, although the South Pole is not. Perhaps this should be mentioned, given that the North Pole isn't exactly a minor feature of Earth's surface? - — Preceding unsigned comment added by 128.100.8.71 (talk • contribs) 17:16, 2 August 2006 (UTC)

The north pole isn't a solid mass like Antarctica is. Consider the map at North pole; Google Maps shows just a giant blue ocean north of Greenland. There's simply nothing to see. -Joshuapaquin 23:59, 2 August 2006 (UTC)

Should be noted that Google uses a mercator projection. neither pole is on the map. The poles reside at + - infinity in both north and south directions on the map. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 82.3.50.60 (talk) 20:39, 16 January 2007 (UTC).

find a chinese google maps mashup,try

EEmap.org-Chinese Google Maps mashup that allow people to share maps. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.170.41.235 (talk • contribs) 09:20, 13 September 2006 (UTC)

Japan

Japanese map data is apparently provided by Zenrin...--Ranma9617 07:56, 14 September 2006 (UTC)

Google Maps for Mobile coverage?

Point 6 in the article lists: "Google's use of Google Maps: 6.1 Google Mars, 6.2 Google Moon, 6.3 Google Ride Finder, 6.4 Google Transit".

I would like to add 6.5: Google Maps Mobile. I'm not sure how old it is, but it appears that there's now a separate interface for Maps suitable for viewing on Java-enabled phones (Blackberrys and the like). Being that it's officially from Google, I think it is much more noteworthy than "Mobile GMaps" which is referenced at the bottom of the article -- Mobile GMaps is 3rd-party software, and not an official platform from Google.

Any thoughts? Chris 17:57, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

Oops! The official URL for Google Maps Mobile is: http://www.google.com/gmm Chris 17:59, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

Offset

Has anyone noticed that when you zoom really far into any place with high-res satellite imagery and set the view to "hybrid", the street map data is noticeably offset from the satellite imagery? --  Denelson83  10:01, 11 November 2006 (UTC)

This isn't true for all high-res places - see here for an example of it being right. -Joshuapaquin 10:46, 6 July 2007 (UTC)

Yea, I have. Streets appear in the river in my neighbourhood. The hybrid view is not particulary useful. --- J7n

New External Link

Added a link to bidnearby.com, found from this NY Times article: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/18/business/18money.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

Eugene a 03:11, 21 November 2006 (UTC)

Wikipedia with Google Maps

Now you can have articles in wikipedia with google maps!!! Go to Media wiki goggle and install it! I have no seen any article yet but i cant wait!!!

Coverage details

I suggest that this section be converted into a table, having row represent each country columns represent service available: map, local business search, street level search, driving directions, and business center. --Voidvector 05:11, 5 December 2006 (UTC)

Rollnzoom

• Can this url be added to external links section - Roll'n'Zoom Place sharing community? If no answer - then it will be added! Fatganz 17:08, 18 November 2006 (UTC)

You need to explain why your link deserves to be kept when many others have not been kept. Is your link a unique example of an application of the Google Maps technology? Does it do something that no other Google Maps site does, in a way no other site does, or better than any other site? We already have links to several "place sharing" sites, so what makes yours stand out in comparison?

The cost of adding more links is the potential that non-regulars of this article will come in and remove the link section entirely. And rightly so. Previously the link section was very large, and it nearly got removed at one point. As a compromise, the section was pared down to a few examples of the first, best, or most important examples of the use of the technology. And the regular patrol to prevent the list from growing again began. The list cannot be allowed to grow again, or it may again be removed. Only constant watching to keep the list from growing is preventing the removal of the section.

So, given that background, I'm sorry but you really need to show that your link is a key example of the technology in use, or the best example of a use of the technology, etc., if you want the link to stay. - TexasAndroid 14:14, 5 December 2006 (UTC)

GMapsDirectory

Just found out this google maps mashups resource, located at http://www.gmapsdirectory.com . Seems like they have a good collection of mapping mashups links. I would consider adding this website to the external links list. Papase 15:17, 6 December 2006 (UTC)

Ok. Looks interesting, but we already have similar links. Why is your link unique? What does it have to show about the use of the Google Maps technology that the existing links do not? Sorry, but as explained in the previous section, the links really have to be unique or key examples of what they do if they are going to stay. - TexasAndroid 17:28, 6 December 2006 (UTC)

Hi TA, I don't think the link I recently submitted is unique in any way, but how many things could be considered unique at this time? One thing I found different about the website is the clean "mostly ad-free" environment that is pretty uncommon these days on every internet website. The fact that it's been an useful resource for me to find Google Maps related websites without having to sort every advertisement obstacle ever imagined, makes it a new favorite for me. For the record, I'm in no way affiliated to the Gmaps Directory website nor do I know the people behind the project. By the way, the Globetrotting website looks great and will be visiting it regularly. Papase 18:27, 6 December 2006 (UTC)

CyberPharos.com

Added to : Examples of web tools employing Google Maps section of the article This site is very simple, and finally create simple link(or button) to access the location on the map (named pharos), the final page created contains some extra information about the location such as :website,description,external image,title,tags,..

www.cyberpharo.com

some samples of site results: [15] [16]

85.198.21.82 13:36, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

As per the previous sections of talk, you really need to let us know why this page you want to link to is unique or special. Why should it be included when so many other pages are not being included? What is there about it that is not shown by other sites? - TexasAndroid 13:56, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

I thinks it is unique because it does not have a directory or any interface on any page for exploring, and just give a link to the user that created the Pharos to use this link on websites Another unique part of this job is u can view the satellite view and a normal view at once.

waiting for your answer...85.198.21.82 17:12, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

No answer yet, so can i add that link again ? 85.198.21.82 04:36, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

I don't think that this link should be added. It's suggested that its uniqueness stems from the lack of any directory system or interface, but that seems like a strange claim to fame ("Mozilla Thunderbird is unique because it doesn't have Minimize-to-tray!"). All this site illustrates, so far as technology is concerned, is that you can plot points on a map and associate data with those points. Links already provided on the page establish that conclusively. -Joshuapaquin 14:45, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

Yahoo maps

FYI

• In late 2006, Yahoo began a campaign to upgrade their maps, to compete better with Google Local and other online map companies. Several of the maps used in the survey were similar to Google maps. The online survey is here. Best wishes, Travb (talk) 06:35, 19 December 2006 (UTC)

Comparable Services

The Comparible services section is supposed to be for other services similar to GE, not for links using GE. Yahoo and MS are good examples of things that should be in here. Instead, it was becoming a dumping ground because it was not being watched as closely as the external links section. I've cleaned out all the direct external links. IMHO a "Comparable Service" should at the least qualify for a WP project page here if it is to stay in the section, and thus the section should be all internal links. I'm also going to check the remaining internal links to make sure that they qualify for inclusion. - TexasAndroid 17:51, 18 January 2007 (UTC)

I propose listing Hopstop as a comparable service. I live in Manhattan and find it the best service for finding routes by public transit. It seems to fit the definition of a Comparable Service to Google Transit. - Jds10 14:40, 12 April 2007 (UTC)

Hmmm. I think there's an expectation that any link here should be one that generally replicates the features of Google Maps as a whole, rather than one aspect. Perhaps Hopstop could be placed as a link in the articles pertaining to transit in NYC? -Joshuapaquin 15:37, 12 April 2007 (UTC)

Link removal

Since I am loosely associated with the site (I moderate there), I should not revert the removal myself. But could one of the other regulars here please revert the removal of the Virtual Globetrotting link from the page? This link was in the set of links decied on quite a while ago to remain in the section. It has been removed without edit comment and without discussion. - TexasAndroid 04:23, 20 January 2007 (UTC)

May I add www.mapshuttle.com as an external link to the "Examples of web tools employing Google Maps" section?

Hi there,

  May I add www.mapshuttle.com as an external link to the "Examples of web tools employing Google Maps" section? 
  This website is originally for my Web GIS Programming homework, and I think it also is a good 
  demo of using Google Maps API to do user mash-up. 
  Please let me know whether you would approve this or not. 
  

Thanks ahead, Lailin, Idaho State University, GIS lab. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Chenlailinatgmail.com (talk • contribs) 07:18, 21 January 2007 (UTC).

Sorry for delay in response. You need to explain to us why your site deserves to be included. The links that are included are either the best examples of how certain things are done with the tech, or they are examples of unique ways of handling the tech. Is there something about your site that would put it on such a level? Does it do something unique, or is it the best example of something with the G-maps tech? - TexasAndroid 14:02, 26 January 2007 (UTC)

Unique link

Hi - I wish to propose www.shaded-relief.com as link from the Google maps page. I believe it is unique as it add a custom layer for the world to zoom level 9 (10 in progress) there are currently 200,000 custom tiles added which depict the world in shaded relief which I believe adds a new dimension to the map. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Costa20 (talk • contribs) 12:59, 29 January 2007 (UTC).

Any comments - anyone think this is unique enough to be added as a link ?

Google Maps Bookmarklet Generator

I won't add the link myself, as it violates self-promotion rules. So, I'll let somebody else decide if my Google Maps Bookmarklet Generator is noteworthy enough to add to the links collection. --Marumari 22:39, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

travellersmeetingplace

Hi, I have built a web page which allows to input travel itineraries and stories on Google Maps within my web site, so that others can search geographically for travel companions or read stories about places they will visit. May I include a link to travellersmeetingplace.com? This website has been live for about a month now (so it is relatively new).

• travellersmeetingplace.com - Find travellers, voyages or stories about places easily on satellite maps. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 87.218.157.116 (talk • contribs)

You need to explain to us why your site deserves to be included. The links that are included are either the best examples of how certain things are done with the tech, or they are examples of unique ways of handling the tech. Is there something about your site that would put it on such a level? Does it do something unique, or is it the best example of something with the G-maps tech? - TexasAndroid 20:57, 20 February 2007 (UTC)

In my opinion the site is unique as it is the only site which allows you to do geographic searches for travel itineraries, users or stories. The search for stories for example can be done on a street or block level or on a whole continent. The website is interactive (the user input and search for content). It also shows that using javascript you are able to write routines like painting rectangles on the maps and use them for obtaining coordinates for searches in databases, also a registered user can send messages to other users directly from within a google-maps-infowindow. If you have any further questions I would be happy to talk about them. Thank you for your time. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 87.218.157.116 (talk • contribs)

I'm sorry, but I really don't see those as unique applications of the GMaps interface. You may or may not be the only place doing "searches for travel itineraries, users or stories", but there are other sites that do searches. So searching is not really unique, even if what you search for is. It's the application that really needs to be unique, not the subject, IMHO. - TexasAndroid 13:58, 23 February 2007 (UTC)

May I add www.estatemaps.info as an example ?

I would like to add the www.estatemaps.info site for the following reasons :

• Geocodes and plots current houses for sale and graphicly decipts trends in the housing market.
• Employes php based google based geocoding with suggestion for address selection.

If there are no objections I will humbly add the above site within 24hours. —The preceding www.estatemaps.info comment was added by www.estatemaps.info (talk) 03:40, 23 February 2007 (UTC).

You need to explain to us why your site deserves to be included. The links that are included are either the best examples of how certain things are done with the tech, or they are examples of unique ways of handling the tech. Is there something about your site that would put it on such a level? Does it do something unique, or is it the best example of something with the G-maps tech? - TexasAndroid 14:00, 23 February 2007 (UTC)

GMaps adds Traffic information

Traffic information has been integrated into GMaps. This info should be in the article. --68.239.240.144 02:26, 1 March 2007 (UTC)

Anomalies of perspective when multiple photos of cities are "knitted"

I was using the aerial photo feature of Google maps to look at an area that interests me and noticed that different buildings were taken from distinctly different viewpoints. Buildings that are near each other have very different perspectives, slanting up at you in ways that don't make visual sense. These are good shots so I'm not complaining, but the over-all image is a peculiar mix of perspectives. The different shots are knitted together perfectly so I can't see where they're joined. So I'm just wondering a few things: why would pictures from different satellite shots be combined at such a fine-grained scale, how were they compiled into a larger image, etc. If I could, I would include an example from the area that struck me but I don't see a way to add an image. Just enter "Millennium Hotel Minneapolis" in Google maps. Zoom in pretty close. Move the map so that the area you see is a bit north and west of the hotel. You'll start to see some of these anomalies. If anyone can tell me how to show an image, I can add it.Cc brewster 04:48, 12 March 2007 (UTC)

Since only one point is directly below the camera, there is always some degree of "tilt". The amount of tilt increases toward the edge of each photo. The choice of how much tilt is acceptable is part of what determines the size of each "tile" to be mosaicked together. Much of the high-res imagery in google maps is made with airplanes rather than satellites, especially in the United States. Since airplanes fly much closer to the ground, the tile size of acceptable tilt is going to be relatively small. That's the basic answer. As to how the mosaicking is done -- a short answer is, painfully and slowly! Pfly 20:40, 12 April 2007 (UTC)

Realtime maps in Wikipeida

Is there a way of showing the maps in the article itself instead of showing the screen shot either in SVG or PNG format. If so can some body add a map to Wikipeida?. I also wonder is there any other better solutions to show the maps in Wikipedia project. Thanks in advance.--Umapathy (உமாபதி) 04:48, 22 March 2007 (UTC)

A paragraph as to why some areas aren't adequately photographed?

The article needs a paragraph as to why some areas - even in the UK (well, Northern Ireland) don't have an adequate satellite photograph. (e.g. This is Omagh.) My guess is it to do with the terrorism laws from The Troubles, but it needs to be addressed in the article.--Macca7174 20:19, 12 April 2007 (UTC)

It probably has more to do with whether high resolution imagery is available for Google to buy at reasonable prices (or at all). Has Northern Ireland been photographed at high resolution? If so, has the imagery been offered for sale to Google? If you can find the answers feel free to add them to the article. Pfly 08:52, 22 April 2007 (UTC)

Exactly. We really cannot put a speculative section on such in. If such a section is going to go in, it needs to be well sourced. So "I think" or "My guess" does not cut it. - TexasAndroid 15:48, 22 April 2007 (UTC)

Can I add My Maps Plus as an example of a map library site, or in reference to the new Google My Maps service which isn't mentioned in this article yet ?

This site lets people embed maps created using Google My Maps. The site also keeps a library of shared maps created using My Maps (each map is viewable on the site) and provides additional information about using My Maps. Seewhere.net 03:24, 27 April 2007 (UTC)

Coloring

It would be nice to have some info on how the maps are colored. Some areas appear to be "real" color. Other areas appear to be either infrared or B&W photography with some sort of color added later. Does anybody have any info on how all this is done? Bin 07:35, 29 April 2007 (UTC)

Chinese Google Maps Functionality

Even though Google 地图 says it has certain features half of them are not working. E.g. This link tries to map out a route between Beijing and Shanghai. It says something like "cannot calculate". --Voidvector 06:26, 9 May 2007 (UTC)

GolfWorldMap.com for Websites collecting Google Maps aerial views

Hi everybody,

I recommend the web site Golf World Map (www.golfworldmap.com) to be included in the External links section Websites collecting Google Maps aerial views.
Golf World Map distinguishes itself from other similar web sites by

• automatically adjusting the size of the satellite images to the browser size/screen resolution
• always using the best zoom level for the browser size/screen resolution:
  This can be done because the golf course database does not only contain the location/point but also the size/area of the course
• being truly international (From Yukon, Canada to Tasmania, Australia)
• featuring an up-to-date PGA Tour/FedEx Cup Schedule with satellite images of all tour venues

Hremar 17:55, 9 May 2007 (UTC)

Chita Oblast, Russia to Overland Dr, Unalaska, AK

I'd think that trekking across eastern Siberia and then swimming the Bering Strait would be a shorter route than going all the way across Russia and Europe, swimming the Atlantic, then crossing North America, but I guess Google doesn't have that route in its database. *Dan T.* 15:08, 21 May 2007 (UTC)

Do we really need the columns?

Is it just me, or are there too many columns on this page? The biggest issue seems to be in the See Also section—in Firefox, at least, there is no space between the two columns. Should this be fixed? Insanity Incarnate 23:40, 1 June 2007 (UTC)

No offense, but its just you...I have Firefox and I dont notice it :-) Jgcarter 00:47, 2 June 2007 (UTC)

Holy hell, too many links!

Wikipedia is not a mirror or a repository of links, images, or media files. I've trimmed the external links section severely (read: just Google Maps, its mobile version, and the Moon and Mars versions, as they are mentioned in the article); there's no reason to link to every bloody website just because they use or interact with Google Maps. EVula // talk // ☯ // 19:14, 14 June 2007 (UTC)

Google street view from international locations?

So, I'm showing off Google's street view from Hong Kong, and I notice it's unavailable. Is it just a temporary thing, or is it maybe unavailable for use for viewing NYC from China? Anyone have any info on this? |大家好|218.254.148.205 06:52, 19 June 2007 (UTC)

is it just me, or...Cheese?!?

Hi. How come when you zoom in to maximum on google moon, you get a weird image that looks like cheese, and should this be mentioned in the article? Thanks. ~AH1^(TCU) 20:47, 24 June 2007 (UTC)

It's already mentioned. Google Maps#Google Moon. EVula // talk // ☯ // 20:52, 24 June 2007 (UTC)

Deleted statement

I removed the following statement for using weasel wording and being unsourced. If someone can provide a source, please put it back in: "However, the definition of inappropriate content is not yet as comprehensive as some claim it should be." 68.146.47.196 13:01, 6 August 2007 (UTC)

Not Mentioned

Shouldn't someone mention draggable driving directions and the iphone?rabmny 02:41, 12 August 2007 (UTC)

Country list

Country list is getting too long, suggest split. --Voidvector 11:42, 17 October 2007 (UTC)

at gas stations?

I could not find any mention of what's covered in this article anywhere in this article or on the list of Google products. I don't know whether it's actually been implemented yet, but it should probably be mentioned somewhere. -Mike Payne (T • C) 20:03, 8 November 2007 (UTC)

Google Mars/Moon - own topics? (and plug for Mars Territory Overlays)

Should Google Mars and Google Moon have their own pages?

This would make more sense because people are really looking for both the "real" Google Mars and Google Moon and for Moon and Mars Overlays for Google Earth. Of course, we think ours is the best (http://www.marsterritory.com/MarsSuperOverlay_new.kml), but NASA has some WMS sites that are also quite nice, in and of themselves.

Either way, we'd like to offer our web site and overlays as links for the topic or subtopic of Google Mars.

-Mars Territory —Preceding unsigned comment added by Marsterritory (talk • contribs) 00:21, 25 November 2007 (UTC)

Fair use rationale for Image:Stadium.PNG

Image:Stadium.PNG is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under fair use but there is no explanation or rationale as to why its use in this Wikipedia article constitutes fair use. In addition to the boilerplate fair use template, you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with fair use.

Please go to the image description page and edit it to include a fair use rationale. Using one of the templates at Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline is an easy way to insure that your image is in compliance with Wikipedia policy, but remember that you must complete the template. Do not simply insert a blank template on an image page.

If there is other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on the other images used on this page. Note that any fair use images lacking such an explanation can be deleted one week after being tagged, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you.

BetacommandBot (talk) 05:56, 21 January 2008 (UTC)