MalaysiaGIS.com

Google has just launched Google Maps Malaysia, the localised version of the company’s popular online mapping service.

While Malaysia maps have already existed in Google Maps for a while, the service now has nearly all the features available in the United States map, including routing, business listings and turn-by-turn directions.

One of the interesting new features is the Movie Finder which allows users to search through the database of movies and the cinemas showing in Malaysia.

The event listings are provided by klue.com.my while property listings are provided by iproperty.com.my.

In fact, Google has been working with a number of providers to provide various services, as well as offering tools to contribute their maps and points of interest to Google Maps Malaysia. The company has also updated the mobile application meant for mobile phones.

The application now supports searching and if it’s a business listing, allows you to call in to destinations that have a phone number listed.

Although almost full-featured, there are a couple of features that is still missing on the Malaysian version of Google Maps.

Two features missing from Google Maps Malaysia is the public transit feature (which gives you information on public transportation required to get to your detsination) and the traffic information service (to help avoid traffic jams).

According to Andrew McGlinchey, product manager for Google Southeast Asia, the company is currently looking into working with different partners to offer these services in the future, although no specific date was given as to when they will be available.

For businesses, Google has prepared a number of tools and APIs for these businesses to promote their companies on Google Maps.

There are currently around 100,000 local businesses listed on Google Maps from various sources, which includes contributions from them as well as from individuals sharing information.

Currently Google Maps Malaysia covers the whole of Malaysia including East Malaysia, although certain smaller towns are still not covered.