I was an early adopter of Google Maps, when I started using the program it was because I was traveling and my Garmin died. For most people, this may not be a big deal, but anyone who knows me knows I depend on technology to get around. I’m a bit, what you might call “directionally challenged”. I spent the next few hours frantically scouring the web looking for a store that sold a Garmin near me. I found one and noticed the directions in the search. I clicked it and drove to the store. Needless to say, once I experienced the ease of use for the first time I didn’t even go in. I’ve been using Google Maps for years now and I wouldn’t go back.
I tend to travel often visiting different cities and states so a program that will help me figure out how to get where I’m going then what’s going on locally is very important. The social aspect of Google Maps is a very powerful tool, rating local businesses and commenting about your experience. Because I use Google Maps to get around having that kind of information at your fingertips is great. It eliminates the need to use other programs like Yelp.
The OpenTable integration was a delighter as well, the fact you can reserve a table right from the program is very useful.