Google has added in Mapplets to Google Maps today. It was previously offered in a preview mode. Mapplets are like mini applications that can be embedded into the Google Maps site.

Google currently has standard Mapplets available including Real Estate Search, Photos, Gas Prices, Distance Measurement tool, Earth as Art, and Crop Circles. Mapplets are essentially Google Gadgets that can work with Google Maps using Flash or Javascript and the API's.

Google Mapplets can be found under the "My Maps" tab. Additional mapping gadgets can also be added to user profiles. These include some interesting ones as Famous Photos, Earthquake search, Chicago Transit, and Flickr photos.