Google Adds Location Function to Maps for Mobile

Google added to its arsenal of mapping functions Wednesday with a beta mobile app that utilizes cell phone tower signals to pinpoint a mobile phone user's location and provide them with information about their surroundings.

"My Location" is part of Google Maps for mobile version 2.0, released this week. The app takes data from cell phone towers and "sifts it through Google-developed algorithms" to get a user's location, Google said.

Once your location is identified, you can use Google Maps to find nearby restaurants and stores and get turn-by-turn directions for your selections. Google stressed that the information is gathered anonymously, and personally identifiable information is not stored, so no one has to know that you spent your Saturday afternoon at TJ Maxx and Applebee's.

"My Location" is available on most smart phones, including color BlackBerry devices, all Symbian Series 60 3rd Edition devices, most Windows Mobile devices, newer Sony Ericsson devices, and some Motorola devices, Google said.





Google is touting this service as a good alternative for those who do not have GPS-enabled phones. "My Location" delivers faster results, provides coverage inside buildings and does not drain battery power as fast as GPS phones, according to Google.

Google Maps for mobile first launched in November 2005.

Also this week, Google added a "terrain" function to Maps. Type in an address and click on the Terrain button, and Maps will provide details on physical features such as mountains, valleys, and elevation levels. I suppose it could be helpful to know that what looks like a straight stretch of highway is actually winding its way into rather mountainous regions, though it does remind me somewhat of those mind-numbing lessons on topographic maps in grade school.