Besides using Google Maps to find locations, businesses, etc. it is also possible to embed a Google Map in your own website. To be able to do so you do need to sign up for a Google Maps API key.

Using the MyMaps tab it is possible to add your own content to Google Maps and share this with the rest of the world! You can either add a placemark, line or shape to your map, name your map and Edit or Save it. When saving it you have the choice of making it public or private. Public maps are maps that you want to publish and share with everyone. Public maps will be included in the search results on Google Maps and Earth.

A nice new feature of Google Maps are the so called Google Mapplets which are mini applications based on Google Maps which allow you to add your own content or features. Mapplets are stored on Google’s servers and can be shared in an online official directory so that others can load up your mapplet as well.

An example is the getLatLongPlus mapplet which allows you to click on any point in the map and get the coordinates back in latitude longitude. You can also output this data in georss, kml or gpx format for integration with other applications and or GPS receivers!