Google Local Search Integrates Maps

Google has improved its local search offering, which provides address information for nearby businesses, by pulling Google Maps out of beta to answer the question: "Are we there yet?" Google's maps are now integrated with Google Local, providing location information and turn-by-turn directions in the United States and Canada.

In addition, the service now rates establishments with color-coded reviews and lists standard business information such as amenities, hours of operations, payment options, restaurant menus, and WiFi availability.

Information is indexed from the Web using Google's patented search technologies and sorted by relevance so that a search for an "inexpensive hotel" would not return a "romantic motel."

According to Google, color coding separates, "the cheers from the jeers" for quicker navigation. Users will also be navigating through advertisements that are relevant to them; Google Local contains regionally targeted advertising for cities and neighborhoods.

Both Google Local and Google Maps are alumnae of Google Labs' development sandbox.

Google is not alone in its push to ramp up its local search capabilities. Recently, Amazon began to supplement its service with photos of local destinations. Likewise, America Online has also updated its ecosystem of search utilities to cover regionalized content.

AOL has integrated address and editorial content from its network of Web properties to create a central destination for search that remembers a user's location to deliver localized results. Search results from AOL Local Search include address information and maps, photos, user reviews and even event schedules.