With immediate effect our database products have become among the first applications to support the new Terrain option in Google Maps. Initially it is available internally to clients, but will become available on public interfaces as soon as technically possible.

This addresses a concern among some Google Maps users that their mapping – particularly in rural areas – was inadequate as it simply left large white spaces. Now there is some sense of the geography of an area, albeit not at the technical level found in Ordnance Survey maps.

The data is available to all our European clients by clicking the “Terrain” button on the Google Map generated by the database. We would welcome discussion as to whether this should be the default, rather than the road map.

In related news, Google Maps for mobile phones can now show your current location with some degree of accuracy, even on phones which don’t have GPS built in. It uses the distance from mobile phone masts and is accurate enough to help those who may be completely lost! Early in the new year we will be delivering location information to Google Maps Mobile, enabling those on the road to easily find recommended locations, accommodation or facilities and get directions from their current location. Please contact us to discuss how this may be of benefit.