Google Maps users can now easily embed maps in their blogs and web sites simply by  copying and pasting HTML code, thanks to a new feature announced by Google.

Product manager of Google Maps Jess Lee described the new maps as “YouTube-style”.

“And once you embed the map, it has alt the same functionality of the Google Maps know and love; it’s dickable, draggable, and zoomable,” said Lee.

“Adding a map to your website or blog is now as easy as embedding a YouTube video.”

According to Lee, no programming skills are needed, and there’s no need to sign up for a maps API key.

Adding a map to your web site or blog is simply a matter up of pulling up the map you want to embed, whether it’s a location, driving directions, search results, or a map you’ve created, clicking “Link to this page” and then copying and pasting the supplied code.

You’re also given the opportunity of customizing the map size. Sizes of between 300 x 300 pixels up to 640 x 480 pixels are available.

The generated code uses <iframe>, so it will work on many blog sites, including Blogger, but not others, like MySpace, which strips <iframe> tags.

Related:

Google Maps now features 360 degree Street View

Google plots road map into the Social Networking realm with My Maps

US Military launches TroopTube, a more secure YouTube

Google expands Street View with 4 more cities

Google lets users edit Google Maps locations

Entry was posted on Tuesday, August 21st, 2007 at 12:01 pm under Google, Internet, YouTube.  Print This Post

Read more entries by John Pospisil.
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