Google has launched a number of upgrades to Google Local, Google's local search service. The new improvements include: Enhanced user interface--a new, cleaner design that now includes maps on results pages displaying the location of businesses in the search results; New mapping capabilities--users can now zoom and pan different directions on the maps without reloading the page; and Improved comprehensiveness--search results provide links to more Web pages like business homepages and related ratings and reviews. These features build upon the core technology of Google Local, which combines traditional business listings with relevant information from across the Web. This approach does not rely on pre-determined categories and enables Google Local to provide local information that matches a user's search.
(www.google.com)