New Streetview Maps

Some Google Maps developers have quickly taken advantage of the addition of street view to the Google Maps API. Although the option to add street view images to Google Maps mash ups has not been officially released by Google it is available through an 'in development' version of the API.

Hotspotr



Andre Lewis' map of cafes with free Wi-Fi has added the option to actually view the mapped cafes in street view. When a street view is available a black tab appears telling you of the street view option. When you click on that tab the street view slides down and replaces the map. Now you can check to see if a cafe has interesting views before you even leave your home.

In slightly unrelated news, Hotspotr has also just added mobile options to its map via LightPole. Lightpole is a new service offering mobile support to web sites and Hotspotr is one of their initial eight customers. This new service allows Hotspotr's users to access a mobile version of the site by clicking on a link on the Hotspotr site. Hotspotr users will be able to view a list of nearby cafes with Wi-Fi, based on zip code, map a location, save it in a list of favourites and share it with a friend. Users will also be able to add a comment about the location, all via cell phone.

Dual Maps



Dual Maps from Map Channels allows anybody to make an embeddable map that includes a Google Map alongside the Virtual Earth map of the same location. You can choose between the various options of either map service, which means you can have the Google satellite view alongside Virtual Earth's bird's eye view or the Satellite/Aerial View in both maps etc..

The maps are separated by a divider bar that allows you to view either map in the full area and there is also an option to view the maps in full screen. If that wasn't enough there is now a new option of adding a Google Maps' street view. If you choose this option a tag appears on the Google Map which when opened displays that location's street view.

Streetview Map



My own Streetview Map is a good example of how to call the street view option in a number of ways. On this map the street view can be opened by clicking on the map, by clicking on a sidebar link or by searching for a location. The map also includes a number of interesting street views.

______________