Yahoo presenta su nuevo sitio de mapas

Yahoo presenta ayer la versión beta de su nuevo sitio de mapas basado en tecnología Flash de Adobe/Macromedia, que presenta mejoras de interfaz, interactividad y funcionalidades (Local Search entre ellas).

Esta versión viene acompañada de un conjunto de APIs que se espera estimule nuevas aplicaciones (MashUps) por parte de desarrolladores.

ORIGINAL: Yahoo! Search Blog
Nov 3 2005

Today we're giving you a first look at the next generation of Yahoo! Maps which, we think, has a lot of features you're gonna like. We've really worked hard to make the product as intuitive as possible while building in some major upgrades in the interface, interactivity, and functionality. Have a look:

Aside from being far more interactive (click and drag!), there are some major differences we think you'll like.

1. Multi-point driving directions. Get yourself from point A to B and on to C all in one map.
2. Integrated Yahoo! Local. Includes our local search, a browseable interface, easy access to business ratings, reviews, and events.
3. The new overview map (in the upper-right hand corner) helps you get your bearings. The little grey box representing your big map is even drag-able. Use it to move around rapidly without losing context.

In addition to the major features, we added a lot of small touches, including address auto-complete from your Yahoo! Address Book, using your home area or most recently used address to start, and the mini-map and left panel, which can be hidden when you want to focus on just the map. Oh, and the maps are easy to bookmark too. There's no URL obfuscation.

We've got your Flash and AJAX here...

Our launch wouldn't be complete without developer APIs. We've got stuff for hard core hackers and map enthusiasts alike:

• Simple API. To get a custom Yahoo! Map up and running with our Simple API you need only a text editor and a web site.
• JavaScript-based APIs for Flash or AJAX let you choose the tools you'd like. You can host the maps on your site and include any features you like. Grab an application ID and get started with Yahoo Maps APIs.
• Building Block APIs make a lot of the heavy lifting easy. You get features like geo-coding, Yahoo! Local, traffic information and map images.

To get an idea of what's possible, check out the sample applications on our developer network.

We hope you'll give our APIs a try and see how easy it is to develop applications with Yahoo! Maps. Don't forget to join the Yahoo! Maps developer mailing list to ask questions and participate in our developer community. And after you've built something cool, don't forget to show us what you've done.

Michael Lawless
Product Manager, Yahoo! Maps

Vince Maniago
Product Manager, Yahoo! Local