Google MapQuest

Keywords: Google, search, map, beta, local

"We think maps can be useful and fun, so we've designed Google Maps to simplify how to get from point A to point B. Say you're looking for 'hotels near LAX.' With Google Maps you'll see nearby hotels plotted right on a crisp new map (we use new rendering methods to make them easier to read). Click and drag the map to view the adjacent area dynamically - there's no wait for a new image to download. Or get step-by-step directions to where you're headed. If a particular intersection on the route looks tricky, click on that step in the directions to see a magnified view. Play with the keyboard shortcuts (arrow keys to pan or the +/- keys to zoom in and out ) too. The tour shows you even more."
Link
Source: Google Blog

Where is George W. Bush? What about Bill Gates or Google? Irrelevant results. Too much noise. A cool, but dumb, search engine! This is a common problem for the search industry. Peter Norvig and his mates work on this task and I can't wait for the semantic web!

Reviews:
Google Blogoscoped
SEW Blog
The Unofficial Google Weblog
Is Google Maps a video game or a utility? - Eric Rice
Google Maps is a web of linked XML documents - Jon Udell
Mapping Google - Joel Webber
Google Maps is Critical to Success of Keyhole - ConnectMe Networks

See also:
Google Maps - Google News
Google Maps - Yahoo News
Google - Topix.net
Search Engine News - Topix.net
Google - Technorati
Marissa Mayer - Technorati
Peter Norvig - Technorati

Discuss:
Google Launches Mapping Service - Slashdot

Audio:
Peter Norvig - The Web 2.0 Weblog
Keyhole Mapping - The Web 2.0 Weblog

Future:
Search Engines - SadTech