Google Maps Mania's Sunday Best

Marissa Mayer of Google this week revealed that 40% of Google Maps views were now on mobile devices. She also said that Google Maps mobile users had grown from 100 million in August 2010 to about 150 million mobile users.

With such an exponential growth of Google Maps users on mobile devices it is no surprise that Google Maps developers want to tap into that market.

This week's round-up of the best maps featured on Google Maps Mania once again is dominated by apps for the iPhone and Android phones. However I'm pleased to say we can start off with at least one desktop map.

Gramfeed

Gramfeed uses the Instagram API to present the best photos from Instagram and allows users to view their photos, a time-line of those they follow, read comments on photos and Tweet about photos and much, much more.

OpenSignalMaps

OpenSignalMaps is a great source for data about cell phone towers, cell phone signal strength readings, and Wi-Fi access points around the world. OpenSignalsMaps uses Google Maps to allow you to view the mobile signal strength for any location and view the locations of nearby towers for your carrier.

You can access OpenSignalMaps from your desktop but you should really download the app to your smart phone and help contribute to the collection of the data.

ToothTag

ToothTag is an app for Android phones that includes a number of very useful location services.

Using ToothTag it is possible to tag things and locations and receive notifications based on your proximity. For example you can tag where you have parked your car so that you can find it again without any problems. The application can also automatically check you in to a number of location based services, such as Foursquare or even alert you when friends are nearby.

Mobnotes

Mobnotes lets you share your location with friends, share your favourite places, search for venues around you and view other people in your vicinity. The application is available from the desktop and as an iPhone and Android app.

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