Google launched a little feature called MyMaps secretly last night that is going to change the world of mashups forever. The new Google MyMaps feature gives users the ability to create either public or private maps from the Google Maps site. Essentially, Google is giving power to users to create mashups with no knowledge of Javascript.
The toolset that Google gives users is extremely simple and easy to use. Users can add lines, shapes and placemarks to certain areas and mark them with HTML, images and videos. Photos can be added in from PicasaWeb, and videos dropped in markers from Google Video or YouTube with the embed codes that they both provide. Imagine making a travel map with images and video of your trip mapped out to share with family along the way, or a map of pinpointed cafe's where you can access free wifi, and the areas the signal covers.
To start creating maps, make sure you are logged into your Google Account, and click on the My Maps tab to get going. When maps are completed, they can be shared and syndicated through KML files or direct links. All of your maps will be saved under your MyMaps tab for further refinements or references. To share maps, go to the saved map and click on the Link to this page in the top right, this will provide the direct URL link that you can share by copying and pasting to friends.
Get ready for a whole new world of easy map mashups! Thanks Google!
