Google Tests New Maps In Search Results
Feb 9, 2009 at 9:03am ET by Barry Schwartz
Mike Blumenthal reports seeing Google test a new type of map within the search results listings. He said he is only able to trigger this map to show using Firefox with the Google Toolbar installed. So his theory is that Google is testing some geolocation technology in the Firefox toolbar. I personally cannot reproduce it, but I trust Mike is seeing this. Here is a screen capture of one such result:
Others reportedly have seen this type of map embedded within specific listings a month or so ago. It would make sense for Google to show maps in some cases, when you are looking up a specific company and the address may be relevant to the searcher.
Google frequently tests changing how maps are displayed in the search results, and with new geolocation capabilities being built into browsers, I would not be surprised to see more enhancements and experiments in 2009.
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I too noticed similar types of results a while back.
http://searchmarketingcommunications.com/2008/11/23/baking-searcher-location-into-gmail/
Premium member since 01/2009
Interesting, thanks for sharing that Tim.
Premium member since 01/2009
I’ve seen this for local businesses as well. Did not think it was Firefox related but that was the browser I was using. Checked businesses in the 90066 area code (from that location) and when trying to check from another (90291) did not achieve same results.