It’s not very often that an internet technology renders jawdropping results and an awestricken stare at the computer monitor. Google has done it again, with the introduction of a beta Google Maps. Tossed into the arena with other competing map sites, such as Expedia, MapQuest, and the equally-if-not-more impressive Maps24.com, Google is sure to make it’s mark on the map with its ever expanding household name.

Unlike other services (except for Maps24), the Google Maps service is almost completely interactive, allowing you to scroll around the map using the mouse. Other hot features are the direction markers, which, with a simple click, will show you a zoomed window of a small area surrounding your location or destination point. The maps look beautiful, and have the most clear looking street lines that I’ve ever seen in an online map service.

Three cheers for Google! I can’t think of many companies who dip into so many different markets without pissing off the consumer and sacrificing quality for quantity. They’re becoming a massive internet portal, and I for one welcome our new internet overlords.