TradeMe has recently discontinued their partnership with ProjectX who developed the Smaps map site for TradeMe. TradeMe are now using Google maps on each TradeMe property listing. Its a classic case of if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.
A regular user of smaps.co.nz I preferred the clearer look to Smaps over google’s sometimes messy interface. Also, the predictive street names feature (where you type in say R o g and it comes up with all the Rogers streets in the country) was a very good feature that google dosen’t have. Smaps technology and layout is still available thru the ZoomIn.co.nz site run by ProjectX.
It is interesting to see TradeMe give up in a market segment, as they normally dominate each category they enter. I wonder how much advertising revenue TradeMe will forfeit from their side banners ads that were previously on Smaps.
The main reason TradeMe has switched over is the new NZ “street view” feature in google maps which has thus far only be available for locations in the USA. Street view allows the user to actually view a 3d photo image of the house and neighbourhood as if standing on the street. You can get a street view of almost any urban neighbourhood in New Zealand. TradeMe has incorporated the street view feature on every TradeMe Property Listing.
Make sure you check out Google Maps street view and try locate your house. You may even see your car in the driveway.
Just type in your address to the Google Maps search bar.
http://maps.google.co.nz
Its amazing technology, and to be honest a little scary. Have you heard Big Brother has changed his name to Google?
