Google map toys

1) Draggable routes on google maps. Nice interface, cleverly done.

2) Google property search! The interface is still slightly clunky, but it's got tons of data; I think they're getting into real estate tools in a fairly big way. I found this a month ago, and today it took me a while to find again, because nobody's blogged about it at all.

Anyhow: go to http://maps.google.com/preview, type in your address at the top, chose the "mapplets" tab on the left, then choose the "real estate sales" box below it. Say "Submit" and you'll get a list of properties for sale within the mapped region. I hope I'm not the only person who's finding it sort of addictive to, say, look for places for my parents to retire to...

The property search isn't a standalone project; it's a demo for "mapplets" which I would love to take the time to learn to program. You can add layers to google, overlay them, and I believe you can put this all onto your own site. Mashups of mashups. Geeky, eh? (good article with a short video.)

OK, back to finishing up my work before vacation!