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Google Maps Unveils New Local Business Features
dhinckley writes "Google Maps has added some new features including pictures of the front of the locations you're searching for. Additionally, Local Businesses can enter custom information about their companies including pictures, websites, what type of payment they accept, and even offer coupons through Google Maps."
Google's database of businesses is very sparse. I routinely search for various product retailers in NYC, and get results showing only a dozen or so stores, when I know there are hundreds of stores matching the search terms. Outside Manhattan it's even worse.
The map interface is very useful for browsing for brick & mortar stores in convenient locations. But their DB misses so many convenient locations that I don't care if they make one out of my way more convenient. They should spend some of their $billions on a real business database. Then they'd make it back on the ads when everyone uses them as "the new Yellow Pages".
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make install -not war
It only found one "titty bar" in Dallas. Still needs work.
No folly is more costly than the folly of intolerant idealism. - Winston Churchill
That didn't take long at all.
Check out the white house at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20500.
All the "White House" pictures are making fun of Bush.
Welcome Google to the same woes as wikipedia.
Ya, we're all concerned about privacy, of course. But could you please provide the links to the topless chicks so we can . . . better understand the issues involved?
I am not a crackpot.
As a business owner I have been upset with Google Maps because their maps didn't correctly position my establishment. With this new feature, I immediately fixed their map location, added 10 pictures, an intro blurb and several other pieces of metadata. This can only improve my business's visibility.
The end result should be a very accurate database => Google's value rises. This database entry is very happy. All in all a win-win situation.
I wonder how I fix my stuff on Yahoo and any other search engine.
machinator omnis sine licentia
Pretty cool, all your changes are made in near real-time. I updated a current listing, and there's options to have them mail you a postcard, or make a call to that business.
I chose the call, and then picked, 'Call Now'. (As opposed to 5 min from now).
No sooner did I click it than the phone rang. I picked it up, and a female auto-voice had me punch in a 4 digit code from my screen.
It then told me they're updating every 4 weeks, and to expect it to take that long for my changes to show.
All in all, neato. Though the instant phone call tripped the tin-foil hat wearer in me.
"Mrs. Johnson, we've traced the call TO YOUR CHILD'S BEDROOM!!1!one!!"