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Google has just released a public API for their Google Maps service. There have been a number of unauthorized Google Maps hacks posted online (notably GCensus, HousingMaps and Geobloggers), but with the launch of an API developers are granted more stability and legitimacy to their efforts.
In the past Google has released an API for their search engine, allowing non-commercial developers up to 10000 requests per day. Even though Google’s reason for releasing them is its continued quest for world domination, these APIs allow independent hackers to play with some powerful technology. No doubt Yahoo, MapQuest and others will follow suit and provide some welcome competition. Update: Yahoo has released documentation for their Yahoo! Maps Web Service.
Historically, access to good maps has equated to the possession of power, and the geoinformation industry has been a top-heavy field dominated by governments and military organizations. With Google Maps the growing locative media community have access to a large map database to do great things with, even if it’s just to play Pac Man on the streets of Manhattan.
For some in-depth reading, check out the books Google Hacks (by Tara Calishain, Rael Dornfest) and the newly released Mapping Hacks (by Schuyler Erle, Rich Gibson, Jo Walsh).
