...Google Blog, they announced the introduction of better, more comprehensive search results for places.

Using our Universal Search technology, we have provided maps in our search results for more than two years. However, as any traveler could tell you, knowing the geographical location of a place is only part of the story. Its often just as valuable to get a sense of what the place is like, and theres no better way to do that than by looking at images of some of its most important sights.

Rather than just heist the images they used I did some exploring myself. Raleigh, NC and Cary, NC (neighboring cities) each had their own map and pictures.

I then figured I would look at some areas that would certainly be less than well known like my hometown of Califon, NJ. I just got the map with no pictures. I wasnt expecting anything so this was not a disappointment.

It appears as if major metros and tourist destinations get preference while medium sized towns like Roanoke, VA (population around 90,000) just got a map as well.

Overall, this looks like a nice feature and makes sense in the layout and concept. So yes, Google is still working on its bread and butter search experience. The day they shelve that for something else we will all have something to talk about for sure.

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