Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Import your KML, KMZ, and GeoRSS files
导入你的KML,KMZ和GeoRSS文件
If you use Google Earth, you're probably familiar with the KML and KMZ file formats, which are used to store geographic information like placemarks, lines and shapes. Now you can share your KML files more easily with other people (who may not have Google Earth installed) by importing them into My Maps. Your file will be stored online and will be viewable on any computer with a web browser.
To import a KML file, create a new map and click the Import link. You'll be able to upload a file from your desktop, or enter the URL of a file on the web. We'll import all of the data from that file into your map for online access and editing. Keep in mind that Google Maps doesn't support as many features of KML as Google Earth, so some of your information (like 3D models) won't be imported into your online map.
You can use this feature to transfer placemarks from Google Earth to Google Maps, make an editable copy of some geographic data you find on the web, or upload KML data from a GPS tracking device. Then you can bring it back to Google Earth by clicking on the KML link to download a KML file. Make some changes in Google Earth and import it back into the same map, checking the replace checkbox this time to replace the existing map with the updated one.
Sent to you by janada via Google Reader:
via Google LatLong by Kate on 11/27/07
Posted by Brian Cornell, Software Engineer, Google MapsIf you use Google Earth, you're probably familiar with the KML and KMZ file formats, which are used to store geographic information like placemarks, lines and shapes. Now you can share your KML files more easily with other people (who may not have Google Earth installed) by importing them into My Maps. Your file will be stored online and will be viewable on any computer with a web browser.
To import a KML file, create a new map and click the Import link. You'll be able to upload a file from your desktop, or enter the URL of a file on the web. We'll import all of the data from that file into your map for online access and editing. Keep in mind that Google Maps doesn't support as many features of KML as Google Earth, so some of your information (like 3D models) won't be imported into your online map.
You can use this feature to transfer placemarks from Google Earth to Google Maps, make an editable copy of some geographic data you find on the web, or upload KML data from a GPS tracking device. Then you can bring it back to Google Earth by clicking on the KML link to download a KML file. Make some changes in Google Earth and import it back into the same map, checking the replace checkbox this time to replace the existing map with the updated one.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Google LatLong using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Location, location, location
位置、定位、选址
Anyone who's used a GPS-enabled version of Google Maps for mobile knows how useful it can be to have location information. But very few devices actually support GPS, and the technology is still evolving -- it can sometimes take a while to acquire a satellite signal, getting coverage indoors can be difficult, and using GPS can drain your phone's battery.
Today Google launched a new version of Google Maps for mobile with a beta technology called My Location, which provides approximate location information for those of us without GPS, and complements GPS location information for those of us who do have it. Read more on our new mobile blog.
Sent to you by janada via Google Reader:
via Google LatLong by Kate on 11/28/07
Posted by Steve Lee, Product Manager, Google Mobile TeamAnyone who's used a GPS-enabled version of Google Maps for mobile knows how useful it can be to have location information. But very few devices actually support GPS, and the technology is still evolving -- it can sometimes take a while to acquire a satellite signal, getting coverage indoors can be difficult, and using GPS can drain your phone's battery.
Today Google launched a new version of Google Maps for mobile with a beta technology called My Location, which provides approximate location information for those of us without GPS, and complements GPS location information for those of us who do have it. Read more on our new mobile blog.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Google LatLong using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Google Maps for Mobile Shows Your Location
GMM2.0
Google says that this feature should work on most "Java, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, and Nokia/Symbian devices", but it doesn't work in Sony Ericsson K750i, so this claim is questionable.
To get the new version (2.0), go to http://google.com/gmm on your mobile device. It's still in beta, so don't expect it to be flawless.
Sent to you by janada via Google Reader:
via Google Operating System by Ionut Alex Chitu on 11/28/07
The latest version of Google Maps for mobile phones has a new feature called "my location". Instead of having to enter your location, Google Maps is able to find it. If your phone has GPS support the location detection should be very good, but even if there's no GPS, Google Maps can approximate your location. "The My Location feature takes information broadcast from mobile towers near you to approximate your current location on the map - it's not GPS, but it comes pretty close (approximately 1000m close, on average)." To find your location on the map, just press 0 and look for a blue dot.Google says that this feature should work on most "Java, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, and Nokia/Symbian devices", but it doesn't work in Sony Ericsson K750i, so this claim is questionable.
To get the new version (2.0), go to http://google.com/gmm on your mobile device. It's still in beta, so don't expect it to be flawless.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Google Operating System using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Another way to take in the view
另一个视角另一条路
I'm pleased to announce a whole new method for cruising the streets: Street View via search. In the past, a search of a specific location in Maps yielded a placemark on its location and a pop-up balloon containing its address. Starting today, the balloon will also display a thumbnail preview of the panoramic image for locations where Street View is available. Just click on the thumbnail or the "Street View" link under it to display the location in full view.
Street View links really come in handy if you're searching for a local business. Let's say you're not quite sure where to eat. Searching "pizza place near 40 Market St., San Francisco, CA," for example, will yield many results. Now you'll see a pop-up balloon containing a Street View link for each result so you can actually see which one looks best! And don't forget to scope out which pizza place has the most convenient parking.
Personally, I'm excited to have the addition of this feature as the holiday season kicks off. Holiday planning can be stressful, as everyone knows, and we're hoping this tool will help ease some of those holiday woes.
And speaking of the holidays, the Maps team here at Google has already received the best gift of all: Street View's spot on Time's "Best Inventions of 2007" list!
Sent to you by janada via Google Reader:
via Google LatLong by Kate on 11/27/07
Posted by Jie Shao, Software EngineerI'm pleased to announce a whole new method for cruising the streets: Street View via search. In the past, a search of a specific location in Maps yielded a placemark on its location and a pop-up balloon containing its address. Starting today, the balloon will also display a thumbnail preview of the panoramic image for locations where Street View is available. Just click on the thumbnail or the "Street View" link under it to display the location in full view.
Street View links really come in handy if you're searching for a local business. Let's say you're not quite sure where to eat. Searching "pizza place near 40 Market St., San Francisco, CA," for example, will yield many results. Now you'll see a pop-up balloon containing a Street View link for each result so you can actually see which one looks best! And don't forget to scope out which pizza place has the most convenient parking.
Personally, I'm excited to have the addition of this feature as the holiday season kicks off. Holiday planning can be stressful, as everyone knows, and we're hoping this tool will help ease some of those holiday woes.
And speaking of the holidays, the Maps team here at Google has already received the best gift of all: Street View's spot on Time's "Best Inventions of 2007" list!
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Google LatLong using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
New Terrain Layer in Google Maps
GMaps里的地形新图层
The satellite view adds data from the hybrid view (street names, city names, roads), but you have the option to hide it.
{ Thanks, Rodney. } 
Sent to you by janada via Google Reader:
via Google Operating System by Ionut Alex Chitu on 11/27/07
There's a new tab in Google Maps: "terrain". The view combines street maps with visual information about terrains. Elevation data is not limited to geographic features like mountains, but it's also displayed for buildings.The satellite view adds data from the hybrid view (street names, city names, roads), but you have the option to hide it.
{ Thanks, Rodney. }
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Google Operating System using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Explore new terrain探索新地形
GMaps添加了地形
We've noticed that many people build customized maps using My Maps and KML to help others see the planet in a new light. We've seen everything from maps of hiking trails with pictures taken along the way to a guide to the world's mountain peaks. Today we're releasing Terrain maps to help highlight this natural beauty even more. These maps focus on physical features such as mountains, valleys, and vegetation. They contain labels for even very small mountains and trails and are enhanced with subtle shading that can often give a better sense of elevation changes than a satellite image alone.
For example, we think Terrain maps may just be the best way to experience the grandeur of the Grand Canyon or to plan your hiking trip on the Appalachian Trail. And of course, big mountains look really cool. Better yet, you can mix them with custom maps from our users, such as a map of highest points in the United States or a guide to the Pyrenees mountains.
To see the new style, simply click on the "Terrain" button in the upper-right corner of the map.
You may notice in this screenshot that the handy "Hybrid" button, which shows satellite images overlaid with labels and roads, seems to have gone missing. Don't worry -- this view can now be accessed by clicking the "Satellite" button and checking the "Show labels" check box that will appear under the "Satellite" button:
Sent to you by janada via Google Reader:
via Google LatLong by Kate on 11/27/07
Posted by Chris Pennock and Keith Ito, Software Engineers We've noticed that many people build customized maps using My Maps and KML to help others see the planet in a new light. We've seen everything from maps of hiking trails with pictures taken along the way to a guide to the world's mountain peaks. Today we're releasing Terrain maps to help highlight this natural beauty even more. These maps focus on physical features such as mountains, valleys, and vegetation. They contain labels for even very small mountains and trails and are enhanced with subtle shading that can often give a better sense of elevation changes than a satellite image alone.
For example, we think Terrain maps may just be the best way to experience the grandeur of the Grand Canyon or to plan your hiking trip on the Appalachian Trail. And of course, big mountains look really cool. Better yet, you can mix them with custom maps from our users, such as a map of highest points in the United States or a guide to the Pyrenees mountains.
To see the new style, simply click on the "Terrain" button in the upper-right corner of the map.
You may notice in this screenshot that the handy "Hybrid" button, which shows satellite images overlaid with labels and roads, seems to have gone missing. Don't worry -- this view can now be accessed by clicking the "Satellite" button and checking the "Show labels" check box that will appear under the "Satellite" button:
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Google LatLong using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
