Google Maps finally has Aussie roads

Awesome!

Google Maps now has Australian (and New Zealand) road data!

I have been waiting for this for a long time. While in the US I've gotten so used to using online services - because they cater so well to the US market - that it'll be somewhat of a shock to get back home and realise that Australian services are so far behind. But now I at least have road information!

You can even see the outline of the block of my house. Fantastic.

Looking forward to seeing some Aussie mash-ups.

Oh, and before you ask, no, Google Earth data hasn't yet been updated. But it can't be too far away. Sidenote: The "Melbourne" city identifier in GE is still some 10kms too far east...

Update! The Windows Live Local team have just gone live with a new version of their online map product which also includes Aussie road data. Sweet. :) But despite Frank's claims that they use the same provider Google seem to have a significant edge in my area where the detail is much better with Google Maps. Compare my house location: Google Maps, Live Local. Although the Melbourne road data may not be that great (and of course YMMV - I've only checked out my 'hood) there are some fantastic features with the new release - the scratchpad and sharing capabilities for example. It's wonderful to see such activity in the mapping domain!