Kiwihost put me onto this one...

Google has released a form of Google Maps with "My Location" for Windows PC & Palm based phones. No GPS is required (although it can use a GPS if you have one connected or built into the phone) as "The My Location feature takes information broadcast from mobile towers near you to approximate your current location on the map - it's not GPS, but it comes pretty close (approximately 1000m close, on average)."

So what's the point? I hear you asking...

I have been using this to do all the normal "Google" stuff - such as obtaining directions from "here" to "there". "Here" could be where the device thinks you are (accurate to 1,700m at my home), or a Street address, or some coordinates.  "There" being the coordinates of a cache (obviously - duh!). Clear precise driving directions and a map were displayed. And quickly too!

Satellite imagery can be switched on or off.  The detail was amazing - I could see my 'World Famous in New Zealand Plum Tree' and my Mother's car parked out the front... Now, if this was only 'real time!'

After the cache, I was hungry, so good old 'Pizza' was searched for and a drop down list was presented of prior locations, so I just used the cache coordinates as a start point. I tested further with Street addresses and it was entirely accurate.

Would I use it for caching? If I had an no idea of where the cache was and needed directions as to how to get there - Yes! Excellent for touring or driving around unknown areas. Enter your current location, desired destination and away you go... Street names, Highway designations and base map all happily displayed.

Would I find a cache with it? Not likely - Ha! Hard enough at 4.5m accuracy on average on my GPS, let alone 1,000m accuracy!

Is it part of my tool box now? Yes - but I may have to switch from 'Casual Data' to a 'Plan' at the rate I am using the internet.

Google Maps with My Location (beta) has the downloads and all the relevant links, FAQ's etc. Have fun!

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