More Google Maps

I have talked about Google Maps before. This is a wonderful tool that allows you to create your own interactive, online map. Well, John Dooley has created the MPLIC Google Map found here. Not only does it show you each branch location, but you can click on each marker and see a picture of the branch, the address, hours, and a link to the branch site on our webpage.

To find this page from the customer home page, click on the branch information drop-down menu on the right-side column. Then click on the last option "All Locations".

Here are some other examples of Google Maps:

• A Google Map was used to display current information regarding the San Diego fires. This map was constantly updated with the most current information about fire locations, evacuation orders, places of assistance, etc.
• NORAD has tracked Santa for years. This year they integrated with Google Maps and YouTube to expand their options. In years past, Santa's position was upgraded each hour with only 24 stops. This year, his position was upgraded every minute. Here is an article from SearchEngineLand for more information.
  

Google Maps (My Maps), or All About Google Maps (Part Two)

Google Maps just released a new service called My Maps. Here you can create your own map with your own marked destinations.

For an example, see this map I made of all MPLIC locations. You can add text, lines, images, and videos as well.

All About Google Maps (Part One)

Google Maps is a great tool to use when helping our customers find other locations or services. For one, you have the basic services of finding any location or directions to locations.

But you also have the ability to Search Nearby for any location you find. For example, a customer asks where the nearest Notary can be found. Rather than scanning the yellow pages for anything that may be near your branch, just type the address of your branch. When Google Maps finds your branch, you will see a link that says Search Nearby. Click on it and type Notary and a list of notaries appears arranged by proximity.

Also, you can use the search to find answers to obscure questions as well. For example, I was recently helping a customer who was looking for a hair braiding place on Summer. He did not know the name or where on Summer it was located. He had searched the Yellow Pages and did not find it. He was scanning the Cole's "criss-cross" directory for every location on Summer to no avail.

I went to Google Maps and performed a search "hair braiding summer memphis tn". Several locations appeared on the sidebar with their locations pinpointed on the map. Only one was on Summer.

"Would that by Mame Hair Braiding?" I asked. He jumped up and said "YES!". I gave him the address and phone number. He had been looking for this place for about 30 minutes. Google Maps found it is less than 30 seconds.

For details on how Google Maps works, see their Help page.