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Short and snappy - but rather cool - one this...

Everyone's (excluding, but secretly probably including, staffers in Redmond) favourite online mapping service Google Maps is hooking up with everyone's favourite online hacktastic reference guide Wikipedia to embed relevant articles into its search results.

The deal turns Google Maps into a kind of virtual encyclopaedia itself with its global maps now linking together a vast array of geographical and historical data. Furthermore, Google is also to begin incorporating geotagged photos from Panoramio and even real estate listings meaning if you've searched, read-up and then swooned at the pictures in a particular area you can also look to grab yourself a pad there.

These new additions will be represented by thumbnail photos and Wikipedia logos and users will have the option to toggle them on or off in case - you know - they were just looking for a simple route from A to B (crazy, I know!).

Of course the only doubt I'd pose in all this is: why isn't Google using this initiative to launch its own Wikipedia rival knol? Developmental problems methinks.

Note: Google hasn't specified where and when these enhancements will appear internationally but keep your eyes peeled as Google tends to roll everything it does out on an incremental basis.

Links:
Source
Google Maps Real Estate Press Release

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