Google to Unite Mapping Mashups

jihadist writes "Hoping to make it even easier to turn its online maps into collages of local information, Google Inc. is introducing tools that will stitch together applications from a hodgepodge of Web sites."

Comments

Mapplets, Eh?

[ronadams]

From TFA:

Google is hoping to unite the information mishmash by encouraging mashup developers to package the creations into mini-applications called "mapplets" that will be posted under the "My Maps" section of Google's Web site. It will be interesting to see what the TOS for mapplets will be, and how this might effect existing mashups. Already there are mashups used to generate profit for companies, and mashups that require paid access to use. Will Google attempt to swallow all mashups via centralization, and perhaps making it very difficult to create future mashups except through this forthcoming service? In other words, is Google trying to corner the mashup market?

Mapplets not Apps

[Anonymous Coward]

Now, users with Google log-ins will be able to pick from more than 100 mapplets to customize and save their own maps. Google expects the number of mapplets to increase as word about the service spreads. To encourage the phenomenon, Google's own engineers also contributed mapplets. It sounds like this is still going to be just mapplets, not applications like the summary says.

I also think this explains why they've been adamant about everyone who uses Google Maps having to ping their servers--if you're using overlays of data or information, they want it as an option for users of these mashups.

God, I hate these new terms but I suppose I'll be using them on a daily basis in the future like everyone else.

Ironic

[WegianWarrior]

News on Google, reported by Yahoo...

Irony, thy name is Internet.

From the Horse's Mouth

[molo]

Here is the documentation on mapplets.

-molo

Google Mapplets, Unite!

[wombert]

Do they form the shape of a large robot and fight evil?