In the past 20 days, more than 400 South Africans came to our site because they were searching for information on Google Maps.
We know this, not because we have great contacts in government, but through the very effective (and very free) Google Analytics.
Now although we spend most of our time creating virtual tours and other interactive images, we do know quite a lot about Google Maps.
We help clients embed Google Maps into their own sites, we try and make cool interactive maps of interesting places and we experiment with things like the Google Earth plugin.
Thus, seeing that we know a few things about Maps, and so many people come to our site because they seek more information on the topic, we thought we’d try and help… with the GOOGLE MAPS FAQ post.
You are invited to ask any question related to Google Maps or Google Earth by leaving a comment below and we will try and answer as best we can.
If it’s a good question, we’ll add it to this post.
That’s the plan, here are a few questions, answers, tips and links to get you started:
1. Google Maps of South Africa: click here
- we’ve created a map which centers on South Africa – just for you.
2. Google Maps Official Home Page: http://maps.google.com/
- unfortunately the home page is not centered on South Africa
3. How do I use Google Maps?
- as with all things IT, you need to play to learn, so go here and see if you can find your house
- for more information go to the official Google Maps online manual.
4. Are there any limitations to Google Maps in South Africa?
- Yes, unfortunately we are a bit behind our brothers and sisters over the waters
- American and European users have access to great features like
- The good news for South Africans: none of these features are workable without detail street map data and this is why we’re so excited about the recent update to Google’s South African street maps – it paves the way for the cool stuff!
5. How do I put my own content/information/pictures on Google Maps
- It’s easier than you might think, simply follow this video tutorial and use the ‘My Maps’ section on the Google Maps Home Page.
- Be nice and share your creation with us by posting the URL (link) in the comments section.
- Virtual Africa
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Is there any rural data available on Google maps ie farm names, farm roads, sight seeing places etch. ?
There would be some data available, but I would suggest using Google Earth and using ’3rd party data’.
If you open Google Earth and look through what they call the “Primary Database” (in the left sidebar), you will find a layer called “Tracks4Africa”.
Activate that, it has great local rural data.
Working on the wild coast and need maps or names of places in the area as my Mio uses the old trading store names
I want to know how to find where friends and family live in South Africa, looking for a view of their houses,flats, their Street.
follow us on twitter @Daily_360 or me on @tinusleroux – for announcements on the launch of Google Street View.
At this stage they are looking to go live in March.
It would allow you to explore the neighbourhoods in 360º
Trying to list a business on google maps is a waste of time – the verification system is totally dysfunctional
Anton – give us some more info.
Where did you go to list yourself? (So that the rest of us can avoid it.)
I want to embed a Google Map in my website. That I can do but can I have a membership fee on my site for members to view the content? I want to load my map with information like the location of certain places but want to earn an income from my research.
Geoff
My first thought wa that you should be okay – it sounds to me as if your product is your data/content.
Unfortunately, I had a look at the Maps API Terms and Conditions and found the following paragraph:
“9.1 Free, Public Accessibility to Your Maps API Implementation. Your Maps API Implementation must be generally accessible to users without charge. You may require users to log in to your Maps API Implementation if you do not require users to pay a fee. Unless you have entered into a separate written agreement with Google or obtained Google’s written permission, your Maps API Implementation must not:
(a) require a fee-based subscription or other fee-based restricted access; or
(b) operate only behind a firewall or only on an internal network (except during the development and testing phase).”
Seems you’ll need a letter from Sergei or Larry.
Good luck with that…..
Tinus
Have you guys noticed that the directions in Google Maps for South Africa are now working?
thanks a million. that’s great news!
no we didn’t notice.
I suppose things will be picking up speed with Street View on its way….
I would like to know how to view a time line of my property since 2007 to present. I have seen it before, but don’t seem to be able to find the page anymore.
The easiest way is to download and open the most recent version of Google Earth: GE 5.
In the Toolbar (usually at the top), there is a history/time button.
When you click on it, the will show you a time line slider at the top.
use the slider to see satellite images taken in the past.
I’m particularly excited about the traffic layer like they have in the States. Let’s spread the word so that people get to know about Google Maps for Mobile and what it can offer. I think Garmin and TomTom should start worrying…
Hi
I have a htc touch 3g phone and downloaded google maps on there, everything is working fine but, when i want to get directions to a certain destination or store, it says route not found. Is there something wrong with the software or the phone
Bernie
I have the same issue on my iPhone.
The problem is not with your phone, but with Google Maps.
Driving directions is an add-on service to Google Maps, and it hasn’t been activated for South Africa – yet.
You can confirm this by asking for driving directions between two addressed in the US – that works 100% on my phone….
Let’s hope they switch it on soon.
Is ‘routing’ al beskikbaar in SA? Indien wanneer?
ongelukkig nog nie Jan, en soos met alles by Google is dit ‘n staatsgeheim wanneer dit wel beskikbaar sal wees.
wens ek kon jou ‘n beter antwoord gee……