Exciting news from Google: Google Maps South Africa (Beta) has just been launched - you must try it!
Google has launched the BETA version of their South African Maps.
From the official Google press release:
" …. new detailed maps of many South African cities and towns, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth and East London, are accessible on Google Maps through any web browser or via Google Maps for Mobile on data enabled handsets. Although already available in South Africa, the map data has been improved dramatically and is now available with additional features. In addition to searching online Maps, Google Maps users will now be able to find businesses and check driving directions. Businesses will be able to add their own business listings for free via Google Maps Local Business Centre."
Stephen Newton, country manager for Google South Africa said:
Stephen Newton, country manager for Google South Africa said:
"Google Maps is a valuable addition to the list of products that we''re launching specifically for South Africans, given the market''s importance to us. Google Maps isn''t only about searchable, digitized maps helping you to find a local place, service or product. Our goal with Maps is to make information with a geographical dimension available to everyone and to allow users to update the maps and develop on top of them. We believe more accurate, representative local information can greatly improve the breadth of information available about a given area and in turn can bolster tourism and business investment."
Street View:
In the future, Street View images of South Africa will be available in Google Maps and Maps for Mobile, allowing users to virtually explore and navigate a neighbourhood through 360 degree panoramic street-level images. Users can look up restaurants or hotels before travelling, explore neighbourhoods and arrange meeting points.
About Google:
Google''s innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google''s targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, please visit http://www.google.com"
Street View:
In the future, Street View images of South Africa will be available in Google Maps and Maps for Mobile, allowing users to virtually explore and navigate a neighbourhood through 360 degree panoramic street-level images. Users can look up restaurants or hotels before travelling, explore neighbourhoods and arrange meeting points.
About Google:
Google''s innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google''s targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, please visit http://www.google.com"
My experience:
This is really exciting for South Africa. When I was living in the UK I used these maps all the time. Whenever I needed to get somewhere I just typed in the address of where I needed to go and if I needed directions, I would type in where I was leaving from. I could then print off the maps and directions, all accurate and all for free. I can definitely see how this software will be utilised in South Africa, and especially within the tourism industry.
But don''t just take my word for it click here to give the new Google Maps South Africa a trial run:
It took me just a few seconds to find the Portfolio Collection office in Newlands using Google Maps:
