ASk HN:Please review my instant map search web app.....

[maserati]

I've posted this for the 3rd time and I haven't received any feedback since I made some changes. I made a big change on the layout, and some of the functionality of my app. Is the goal of the site clear to you? Am I really doing some improvements(for people that reviewed this b4)? Is it by chance useful for you? Thank once again in advance.

http://jamafriend.com/LargeMap.aspx

[illuminatus31]

I like this and can see it being useful. Kind of an interesting twist on traditional map search.

My one complaint is that the icons representing the hotels/food/bars are way too small and non characteristic.

You need to give your map some more personality and try to differentiate yourself from the same exact look as Google maps. I believe Google made some cool changes to the API recently that allow you to really customize the look and feel..

[maserati → illuminatus31]

Thanks for your time. Icons gonna be the next thing on my schedule.

[smiler]

It's ok, but it's not doing anything that Google is not already doing as far as I can see?

If I put "restaurants in San Francisco" into Google, it immediately gives me map results...

[maserati → smiler]

First of all thanks for taking time to check it. On Google Map, yes you type "restaurants in San Francisco" and it will give you all the restaurants on the area. On my web app, you only need to type the location "San Francisco" and it will give you all the nearest restaurants on the area once you click the radiobutton for restaurants under "Show Nearest" options. Ok now here's the difference, say you want to search in another location like in "Manila,Philippines", in Google Maps (assuming you don't wanna drag or scroll the map to find "Manila, Philippines") so you need to retype again "Restaurants In Manila" but on my web app the moment you start typing it will retrieve immediately all the nearest restaurants on the suggested location until you finish typing the whole world "Manila". Then if you change your mind again and want to check out nearest restaurants in "London" it will retrieve all the nearest restaurants on the suggested location until you reach London. Hence you don't need to retype again and again "Restaurants in #somewhere#".Anyway, the single purpose of my app is to find the nearest interesting point for the user assuming he/she knows the location but in Google Maps I think it's more of a general purpose since you can use it in whatever way you want like for browsing the world, driving directions etc.

[smiler → maserati]

Are you overthinking it - if I'm looking at restaurants in San Francisco, chances of me wanting to look at them in London or Philippines at the same time? I'm also a fast typer, so don't see it as a major burden myself... I'll have another play later

[maserati → smiler]

FYI You should notice the map updates as soon as you start typing just like Google Instant Search.

[aonic]

Not trying to be a jerk or anything, what's the use of it?

[maserati → aonic]

I hope you tried it but it's a web app where you can quickly browse the location on the map with instant suggestions. Once you press enter ,it'll give you the current weather on that location. Then if you choose to know the nearest churches, clinics, hospitals etc. it also provide you. Keep browsing or moving the map and it will update the nearest points you choose. I think its a great way to quickly find out the nearest restaurants, bars etc on a certain area.

[aonic → maserati]

I did try it before that comment. I see now. Kind of like Yelp's map. Cool