Some users have been seeing the tests for a while, and now Google has formally launched a new Google Maps display that makes the different viewing options much more visible.

The old display, with its horizontal row of text-based buttons …

… has been replaced by what Google is calling an “all-inclusive widget.” It’s more eye-catching, in part, because it’s new; but also because of its size, shape and image-based background.

That image above is actually the expanded version of the widget that appears on a mouseover; the initial widget that loads without a mouseover is smaller and less intrusive on the map. Google says the goal is to make it easier for users to “see and switch between the various viewing options that are available.” I’m guessing this change will accomplish that goal.

We wrote about seeing these tests late last year:

• New Google Maps Legend Exposes More Content Including Google Earth
• Google Testing New Look For Map Views

Related Topics: Channel: Local | Google: Maps & Local | Google: User Interface

About The Author: Matt McGee is Editor-In-Chief of Search Engine Land. His news career includes time spent in TV, radio, and print journalism. His web career continues to include a small number of SEO and social media consulting clients, as well as regular speaking engagements at marketing events around the U.S. He blogs at Small Business Search Marketing and can be found on Twitter at @MattMcGee and/or on Google Plus. You can read Matt's disclosures on his personal blog. See more articles by Matt McGee

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