Google Adds Detail to European Maps

Google silently added street-level mapping capabilities to a number of countries in Europe Tuesday, bringing its local search service across the Atlantic. Users can search for specific street names and addresses, as well as pull up reviews of hotels and even find metro and train stations.

Directions are also possible, and Google Maps has integrated ferry information to plot trips across a body of water. The changes come as Europe gears up for World Cup 2006 in Germany, and detailed data is primarily available for Western Europe. Users have found a number of inaccuracies, but Google will likely roll out improvements over time.