Have you ever wondered why smartphones like Blackberries and iPhones don't provide turn-by-turn directions in their Google Maps programs? The answer is probably not what you think. It turns out that the map imagery that is used in Google Maps has licensing restrictions against it, preventing it from being used for turn-by-turn directions. Although it's easy to find various mapping sites online that provide free access to geographical information, it's very hard to find actual maps that can be used in applications that aren't extremely expensive or who's use is heavily constrained by license restrictions.

Open Street Map is a project that was started to create a completely free set of maps that could be used by anyone in any creative way they can imagine. The site operates like a wiki, where users are encouraged to contribute information when they can. If you've never been involved in making maps before, that's okay; the site includes a beginner's guide and a very comprehensive map making reference.

While the site isn't as slick as Google Maps, there's something satisfying knowing that the maps are unencumbered by heavy license restrictions. If you like it, you can use it in your own application - how you want. A quick comparison between Open Street Map and Google Maps looking at my neighborhood showed some apparent differences of scale, though either would work well for driving directions. Interestingly, Open Street Map is more up-to-date in my area, including a road that was only completed a few weeks ago as part of a new shopping centre.

Microsoft has pushed out an update to their browser-based local search and mapping site.

Enhancements include:

• 1-click directions for all businesses and street addresses in U.S. This is sweet; you can see directions to the particular location depending on where you are coming from: north, south, east or west. You also have the option to specify a starting location.
• Additional details for U.S. businesses, including neighborhood, business category, cuisine (restaurants) and hours of operation.
• Photos and reviews for U.S. businesses. The photos are nice; you can check out whether the place is a dive. Are the lights burnt out on the neon sign outside? Chances are the food is suffering as well. The reviews are also extremely helpful.
• Improved movie show times Instant Answers (they now show critics rating; one thumb or two?)
• Added interactivity to all maps (clicking on maps now zooms in/out to predefined levels, or advanced to the next waypoint for routing maps)
• Traffic & map Instant Answers
• Mobile search for the China market. Scopes offered are local (no maps, but coming soon), web, images, news and Spaces.

All in all, it's a very feature rich update, and it should make life in the fast lane a little easier to navigate.

Point your mobile browser to http://m.live.com/ for the experience. Don't forget, Windows Mobile Live Search also includes weather, web search, stock quotes, and more.

[Via SolSie.com]

You've heard of TinyURL now check out Tiny Map. TinyMap is a web service designed for users to create maps that they can then share with their friends.
The site is pretty simple in design, using Google Maps to create a detailed map of any area your choose. One you've located your area of choice you can draw a map to a particular location by highlighting streets in pink, as well as place different colored markers along the route to indicate turns, landmarks, or places to pick up a pizza. The site also gives you the option of typing a brief description for any point on the map so you can write things like "Turn right here, you will see a Burger King" or "Get me a Whopper."

Once you have completed your map you can get your own Tiny Map URL formed to be easy to send party guests, friends from out of town, or anyone else who needs directions. If you like this, check out PubWalk which allows you to create your own Pub Crawl map and send it to friends or your mobile phone.

Microsoft is offering an add-on to put Windows Live Local maps on the desktop, via Outlook. This add-on works with Outlook 2002 or 2003 so far, but no word on it working with 2007 (though we would assume so). It is in beta right now, but does show a bit of promise for some of the cool things Microsoft will be doing to integrate the desktop and online experiences they've created. The plugin also requires The dot net framework 1.1 or later (what doesn't these days) and should be a cool tool to find your way to wherever from your desktop. From the screen shots it looks like this is not only maps but some route planning, driving directions, and even travel time tools.