Well, Maps is as much ado about Mapping, as Smart Phones about Phoning, or social networks about socializing etc. Most popular apps/services are about forming a

Well, Maps is as much ado about Mapping, as Smart Phones about Phoning, or social networks about socializing etc. Most popular apps/services are about forming a community around "X" subject, with the aim of selling/advertising services around "X,Y,Z" From experience, I know many people & businesses that use maps mostly for Business Intelligence, if you're Renting property of Buying property/businesses/real estate, Google maps has data up to 2008 (street view). Couple that with Satellite data, reviews, user-generated photos etc, and you've got a treasure trove. Yes, the map UI is "busy" but I think we've evolved as users too. All google need to do now is work a way to Verify/Trust info around Pins/Comments etc, and they've revenue sorted.