Why would a press release about an updated real estate site for Chicago note its "extraordinary, proprietary interactive map and address search that lets users see everything there is to do and see around a specified location?" I understand "extraordinary" and "lets user see everything"; I guess proprietary still means not only "we are the only ones who have it" but also, "it's way better than everyone else's."

It did work on me; I checked out the site which offers a Google Maps-based search tool and that includes overlays of locations of restaurants, gyms, grocery stores, etc. It's sort of a combination local search/real estate search tool. Also of note, you can fill out a form to receive a free printed Chicago neighborhoods map. (pdf) I guess I'd have put that in the press release!

By the way, I found no sources for the data on the mapping app, but was disappointed that mousing over say a museum didn't reveal its name, but rather its address.

The Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania are apparently the first to offer an online tool to find the nearest "cookie sales booth." The app, accessible by clicking on the giant thin mint on their site, is put together by an official GS contractor and ultimately taps into Google Maps for directions. It's sort of too bad senior Scouts didn't get a chance to build the app themselves...

- The Morning Call

Chris Silver Smith in the Locals Only column at Search Engine Land takes on the question: How do you get your business in Google Maps if you don't have a physical address? Who has that sort of problem? Contractors who work out of their trucks - painters, roofers, etc. - who live somewhere but cover a territory elsewhere and who many not want their home addresses listed. The short answer from Michael Jones: get a PO box.

Perhaps the next iteration of local search will be geared more to business territories. Pizza places can geographically draw where they deliver or painters can determine their range, etc.?

While Yahoo and Google's local search have been tapped for satnav tools to date, this is the first I've heard of a company tapping into Microsoft's offering. The company's offering is called CoPilot.

Future versions of the system promise the ability to tap into live online reservation systems, thereby helping users make an informed selection.

ALK said that, unlike many mobile-based GPS systems, CoPilot maps are stored on the device so data transfer is limited and access is faster and more reliable.

The new system will be provided as a free download to all existing CoPilot users in the coming months.

- IT Week