MAPS.google.com (yes, you read it right) // Plasticmind Journal

MAPS.google.com (yes, you read it right)

Oh yes.

They've done it and they've done it good.

The information giant puts forward it contender in the map market and as always, Google does not disappoint. Unlike the static click-and-wait interface of Mapquest or Yahoo, GoogleMaps incorporates javascript to make finding your way painless. Dragable sliders, double-click centering all with realtime updates sets GoogleMaps apart from any of the other map sites I've seen, and outside of all that, it's FUN! I mentioned it to a tech friend of mine, and he just kind of giggled and started mumbling about how cool it was. And this site is so beta, you won't find a link to it (as of this evening) on Google's site (aside from the tour).

And if that doesn't impress you - click on the menu item at the top marked "driving directions". Put in your departure and your destination and Google will DRAW the directions out on the map for you. Still not impressed? Google offer's their traditional single search box for searching the map. Type in "great sushi in New York" and the map slides to New York and lets you scroll through the great sushi places.

I'm going to go now. This is fun.