I've been relatively impressed with Yahoo's new map service (more on TechCrunch). Sure, it looks and feels very similar to Google's system (and the subsequent MSN effort) but smart use of Flash and Flex has allowed them to create an experience which bests Google's in many areas. Yes, I did say Flash.

Some of you may know that I generally found Google Maps a bit "clunky" and while Yahoo! isn't 100% succesful, the overall manipulation of the maps feels considerably smoother.

Yahoo's relationship with Flash predates that toolbar episode and I understand that they are Macromedia's largest license purchaser. Maps is most certainly one of the "very exciting things" Macromedia and Yahoo! were expected to come up with. Certainly, having the world's most visited site backing some Flash-based technologies can only be a good thing for Macromedia and the release of the new Y! Maps API examples has gotten the community buzzing.

Justin’s Rich Media Blog has a couple of very neat examples (here & here) that show of just how far you can take Yahoo! Maps. Great stuff. Too bad there's still no coverage whatsoever for where I live... Peh.