Google launches Maps in SA

Johannesburg - Internet giant Google officially launched its Maps service in South Africa on Wednesday, allowing users to access street map data, pictures, webcam feeds, directions and other information specific to the country.

Country manager for Google South Africa, Stephen Newton, said Google Maps has been available in South Africa for some time, but has now been enhanced with extra features such as directions and webcams.

"You might have seen Maps in South Africa before, but not like you will from today," he said.

Newton added that the launch of Maps in South Africa is significant for local businesses, which can list themselves on the service for free via Google's Local Business Centre at www.google.com/lbc.

"Maps enables users to find things quickly, including local businesses," he explained.

Google said the information for South Africa has been made more accurate via the maps.google.co.za internet domain.

Newton said the service will be important for 2010 as tourists coming to SA for the Fifa World Cup can make use of it to plan trips and find their way around.

Product manager of Google Maps, Jarda Bengl, said there is more to Google Maps than just maps. Users can also submit their own user-generated content for locations, make their own custom maps and access other information.

A webcam layer for South Africa has also been added to Google Maps allowing users to view live feeds from cameras all over the country, which now join thousands of cameras worldwide.

Bengl used the example of a restaurant in Sandton. He pulled the physical location up on a map, along with pictures of the restaurant, contact details and reviews submitted by other users. Finally, he accessed directions of how to drive or walk to the location.

Google said thousands of South African businesses have added themselves to Google Maps already. South Africa is the second African country to officially receive Google Maps, following Kenya.

- Fin24.com