Sat 7 Oct 2006
For those still not familiar with Google Maps it is a free web map server application and technology provided by Google that powers many map-based services including Google Maps and embedded maps on third-party websites, like http://www.northcountyluxuryhomes.com/, via the Google Maps API.
Google Maps features a map that is navigated by dragging the mouse, or zoomed in (scrolling the mouse wheel up) and out (scrolling the mouse wheel down). This scrolling feature allows users to view detailed street information. The user can also control the map with arrow keys to move to the desired location. To allow for quick movement, most Google maps also include “+” and “-” keys which can be used for zooming in and out. Many maps also allow users to enter an address, intersection or general area to quickly find it on the map. With our San Diego MLS map users can also enter the properties address or San Diego MLS number.
On http://www.northcountyluxuryhomes.com/ , we have been utilizing Google Maps for the last 8 months to display all San Diego Real Estate listings. With our unique San Diego mls mapping tool, which offers three viewing modes by default: Map (Street map views), Satellite (satellite and high-resolution aerial photographs) and Hybrid (Street maps overlaid on satellite and high-resolution aerial photographs), users can view each San Diego county real estate listing right on a the Google map.
The Google Maps API was created by Google to facilitate developers integrating Google Maps into their web sites, with their own data points. This of course is how each San Diego County real estate listing is displayed on our maps; but, we also input all of our Featured San Diego County Real Estate listings by coding in a unique map data point for each of our own listings.
A word of caution to other real estate agents thinking about utilizing this type of technology… Not every user likes viewing listings on a map. I know that may seem hard to believe, but based on our websites stats there are twice as many people utlizing the standard San Diego County mls search tool?
Anyway, the Google maps based mls search tool on our site is here to stay. Every week we receive positive feedback from clients who love the various search options.
