Google Maps' New Direction

"Since its launch in March, Google's (Nasdaq: GOOG - News) mapping feature has unleashed a torrent of creativity. For example, NYsee combines NY traffic cameras, Yahoo! (Nasdaq: YHOO - News) traffic news, and street photos from Amazon.com's (Nasdaq: AMZN - News) A9.com with Google Maps to make your traveling experience a little less hectic. In a more Foolish vein, GeoIndex melds Google Maps with Yahoo! Finance and the S&P 500 to show returns based on where companies are headquartered."

[Motley Fool]

Google plans to make money off its maps through advertising, not surprisingly.