Google Maps

The official launch of Google Maps in 2005 as part of Google Local caused a sensation in the online map sector as much due to its superb functions as to the speed with which it displays results.

Google Maps offers the user different types of viewpoint for the location selected: standard map, satellite view or relief, a combination of the previous two.

In the case of the standard map, Google Maps displays the names of streets and the classes of trunk roads available in the chosen area, while in satellite view you get an instant aerial view of the spot, enabling you to place yourself.

Navigation controls include arrows for shifting the viewpoint further north, south, east or west, links to Street View to see the pictures from street level, zoom control to get closer to or further away from the map's centre, and a slide control to alter progressively the size of the view.

Google Maps also includes the facility for finding any street or business via the search tool and thanks to its impressive geographical localizing powers, it can even provide interaction with other Google services, such as Panoramio.

As is the case with all of Google's web applications, Google Maps makes use of a great many Javascript files as well as AJAX technology to develop its maps.