World Cup 2010

Google Maps Launches In South Africa In Preparation For 2010 World Cup

Google has officially launched its Maps application for South Africa, as the 2010 World Cup approaches and countless fans get their Vuvuzelas out and prepare to blow...

Oct 29, 2009 6:00:36 AM

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New detailed maps of many South African cities and towns, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth and East London are now accessible on Google Maps through any web browser or via Google Maps for Mobile on data enabled handsets.

Though South African mapping was already available, it’s the feature set that has seen an extensive upgrade. In addition to searching online maps, Google Maps users will now be able to find businesses and check driving directions.

Businesses will be able to add their own business listings for free via Google Maps Local Business Centre.

Stephen Newton, country manager for Google South Africa, told Mybroadband.co.za, “Google Maps will be vastly different today than it was two days ago.”

The map data includes a substantial amount of user generated content provided via Google Map Maker as well as thousands of business listings for South African cities. The new maps also include 'My Maps' and hotspots of a number of South African artists and experts.

"Our goal with Maps is to make information with a geographical dimension available to everyone and to allow users to update the maps and develop on top of them," Newton continued.

In preparation for the 2010 World Cup, Google Maps is committed to having the Street View function operational for the event.

Peter Pedroncelli, Goal.com