Interesting new/test SERPs with Google Maps

Michael Gray discovered this new SERP UI that Google is testing, which shows yet another new way Google Maps could be integrated into the regular SERPs. In the image above, one listing has a new link below the snippet inviting you to map the address related to that listing. When you click on the map link, AJAX-y goodness makes the map expand right in the same window (you don’t go to a new page). It looks like this:

You may not see this, unless you visit this Google datacenter: 64.233.161.147

MG posted on Threadwatch about his discovery, and after a few comments, Matt Cutts chimed in to confirm that this is a UI experiment that Google is toying with. Not surprisingly, he decided against answering the questions about what triggers the new map link to appear on some listings. 🙂

Personally, I like it. It’s useful. And it’s another (potential) example of Google Maps creeping into regular SERPs. Good find, Graywolf!

[tags]google, google maps, local search[/tags]