So, google has just released their Maps product maps.google.com and what can I say other than, it’s awesome.
They know how to consistently raise the bar with web based application development. The maps are snappy, easy to view, and use nice visual effects (shadows, good color scheme and contrast).
One interesting thing to note is their map provider. Although they own Keyhole, they are using data from NAVTEQ. It probably makes sense since the NAVTEQ data is much better with street info.
They are my new default map provider. Hopefully Google will use themselves as their own map provider. Currently when you search for an address, it still points to Yahoo maps and map quest.