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The Official Google Australia Blog claims that the move is designed to help you navigate Google Maps,
"These easily recognisable logos more closely depict online what the offline world looks like, so next time you're trying to find your way on the map you can navigate more easily using these icons as landmarks."
However, the main purpose of these logos is obviously not to be a navigational aide. If the aim was to improve navigation then businesses wouldn't need to cough up some cash to have their logos appear on Google Maps.
I have no problems with Google using Google Maps as an interactive billboard. Certainly a lot of businesses will benefit by having the locations of their outlets be more easily seen on Google Maps (conversely businesses that can't afford to advertise on Google Maps may suffer).
Just don't try to claim the move is designed to be a navigational aide.
I'd be interested to hear what regular users of Google Maps think of this move. Please give your feedback via the comments below.
Via: Official Google Australia Blog
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2 comments:
So how will they deal with skyscrapers and shopping malls, where you'll have hundreas of logos to arrange on the map. Or will we get an extra fancy super-logo info window with a long list of logos from paying businesses?
Sounds good for the businesses that can aford it and the first ones to get it before it gets crowded. In that case with a paid logo will it boost your map results for your business.
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