Google Merges Local Search, Map Service

Google Inc. on Thursday launched out of beta its local search service, which merges search for locations in cities and towns with the company's mapping service.

Besides giving information on locations, such as pizza parlors and hotels, Google Local also provides street maps and a satellite view of the surrounding area. The service can also overlay the street map on the satellite view. Driving directions to locations are also available.

In launching the service, the Mountain View, Calif., company said it was providing consumers with one location on the Web for mapping and local information.

Local search holds strong ad revenue potential for search engines, since many web surfers look for products and services near their home or in cities they're visiting. In general, however, local search draws the most complaints from consumers, who often find that the results don't match their needs, experts say.

Google rivals Yahoo Inc. and Microsoft Corp.'s MSN also offer local search services.