Mike Blumenthal

Yesterday, Google announced that maps created via Google Map Maker have been formally migrated and integrated into Google Maps. This is a significant moment for world mapping, Google’s move towards mapping independence and for the competition between Google and other Mapping sites. Historically, the two primary mapping data suppliers, TeleAtlas & Navteq have focused on …

The Locksmith industry has always looked to me like an industry of self dealing and dishonest promotion that, when combined with Google Maps, created a mosh pit of sleaze. As a result I never examined it very closely in the context of Google Maps. Locksmiths are a little hard to love. They aren’t Mom and …

Google has upgraded the wording and massaged the layout of the business listings in Map & Text Views. The most obvious change is the larger and more prominent search title at the top of the listing, reinforcing the what and the where of the search for the searcher. While the category information is now presented …

There have been a growing number of public and private reports of the dreaded message upon attempting to enter the Local Business Center:  System Error  We’re sorry, but we are unable to serve your request at this time. Please try back in a few minutes.  Typically these reports in the Maps forums are followed by …

PureSheer, a locksmith internet marketer that has shared Google Maps blackhat techniques with me, recently posted this into Google Maps Help Forum: So Maps Guides, you thought all Locksmiths are ‘Black hat’, ay?! Hey Maps guides, I’m the one that post the issue of “Stealing Gmaps claimed listings” to Mike Blumenthal (which, as in a …

Google has been expanding where and when they show ads in general and in Maps in particular. I am not sure when this started showing but Google Maps is now also showing ads deep within the tabs of business listings in Text View: Showing ads inside Maps in general increases relevancy. Displaying subtle ads at …

The recent crash of Flight 3407 that killed 50 was a disaster that affected many in Western NY. The degrees of separation are few in our communities and a disaster like this is never far from touching each of us. In many business meetings over the past few days there has been more than one …

Gate Keepers, Digital Gazetteers and Folksonomies – Part Two – Mike Dobson, Exploring Local Who provides authoritative cartographic information now that the Mapping world has moved online? TeleAtlas and Navteq are primarily interested in selling navigation services and thus only focusing on gathering navigation information in countries with significant transportation infrastructure. Who will fill the …

David Mihm alerted me to an interesting tidbit about the new K- Pack. The new Google Maps feature showing more than 10 business in the Maps view, conclusively demonstrates there are more Locksmiths than cabbies in NYC. On one small block in Chelsea between 22nd and 23rd Street on 9th Avenue, Google is showing 10 …