• January 11, 2008

The Weather Channel Interactive, Inc. has created a new weather mapplet specifically for Google Maps that will allow users on Google Maps and Google Earth to see current conditions in just one click.

The weather data layer on Google Maps and Earth feature current conditions powered by HiRAD (High Resolution Aggregated Data), which is an exclusive patented technology developed by The Weather Channel that delivers a more local snapshot of current weather conditions for the contiguous United States. HiRAD combines traditional weather observations with data obtained by Doppler radar, satellite, lightning strike detection, computer models, and climate profiles to provide unique conditions for 1.9 million locations.

The weather mapplet for Google Maps enables users to add customizable weather layers to their map. Options include clouds and radar and points of interest, such as U.S. and international cities and airports and U.S. golf courses, lakes and schools. When selected, a bubble will appear at the point on the map with current weather conditions and temperature displayed. If there is severe weather for a point of interest, the bubble will be displayed in red with details of the alert.

U.S. visits to Maps Web sites are up 10% year-on-year and MapQuest is still the leader, receiving more than half of all U.S. visits to Maps Web sites last week, according to Hitwise. However, Google Maps is gaining fast. A year ago, MapQuest had more than five times (429%) more U.S. visits than Google Maps. Last week, that gap was down to 126%.

--Tanya Irwin