For those unfamiliar with Google My Maps, this is a feature launched in April 2007 that enables you to quickly and easily create custom maps. Gone are the days of needing programmers to create mash-ups, all you need is a Google account and a good sense of direction.

However, a major drawback of any Google My Maps creation is that they appear within the Google Maps site, and cannot be customised to any great extent. This is where Map Channels comes in, it creates a bridge between Google My Maps and your own site, allowing you to customise and embed your map into your site or blog.

Here is an example:

Last weekend our London office moved to 85 Strand, along with our partners Cedar. As a magazine publisher, the Cedar staff naturally has a wealth of knowledge of good London bars & restaurants. As we settled into the new space, these recommendations were emailed around, and I decided to create a map showing the locations. Google My Maps is a create free tool, and easy to use, so I started here. The result is an interactive map, but within the confines of the Google Maps site.

Next, I wanted to a) have this hosted on the new Cedar Web site, and b) design it within Cedar’s branding. Google, why don’t you let us do this?!

Up steps Map Channels. After creating a (free) account, I simply copied the KML URL, and then was presented with an array of options for customising My Map. It then presented me with a snipped of HTML to embed into a Cedar-branded template. Done! The result is a customised map that fits with the Cedar branding, without any coding required whatsoever.

I think that Google are missing a trick by not providing this functionality themselves, but hopefully it’s only a matter of time.

Your thoughts? Please make your comments below…

Labels: Reactive, Technology, Web Culture and Trends