The Google LatLong Blog announced that when you do a search in Google Maps and click on a listing, they will now show — when available — a “Street View” image of the location within the pop-up bubble or “balloon” that appears.

For example, a search on abigaels, new york, ny will return three results on the left. Clicking on the first one will show you this bubble with a Street View image.

Personally, I think this is a wonderful default feature. Some people, when it comes to directions, are street name savvy and some are “I got to see it” types of people. My wife needs to know a sign or store name to know when to turn. Myself, I opt for street names when needed. This feature adds both, right at your fingertips.

If you are in the sharing mood, Google also announced that you can import your KML files directly to Google Maps (not just Google Earth) to share with those who do not use Google Earth. Of course, not all the Google Earth features will work with the KML files but it is a great way to transfer placemarks from Google Earth to a friend on Google Maps.

Postscript: It appears that the Google Street Views feature in the balloons is currently using images from Google Images, but it should work with Street View images shortly – if not already.

Related Topics: Google: Maps & Local

About The Author: Barry Schwartz is Search Engine Land's News Editor and owns RustyBrick, a NY based web consulting firm. He also runs Search Engine Roundtable, a popular search blog on very advanced SEM topics. Barry's personal blog is named Cartoon Barry and he can be followed on Twitter here. For more background information on Barry, see his full bio over here. See more articles by Barry Schwartz