Think about the last time you used a print map for…anything. Perhaps you still have an outdated atlas on your car’s backseat floor. Or maybe old versions of state and national maps are crammed into your glove box. Chances are, you have consulted your GPS device, mobile smartphone or laptop for interactive maps the last time you required navigation assistance. This is not surprising, as the world of mapping and navigation has taken off.

Navigation and mapping have truly evolved over the past 12 years, from the inception of Google Maps in 1998 to today. Not only have interactive mapping services made media such as atlases archaic, they epitomize the term “local search.” In his monthly article for ClickZ, a website dedicated to news and expert advice for digital marketers, 15miles president Gregg Stewart discusses how maps are transforming local search.

When you first used Google Maps, you probably saw your destination and the quickest, easiest route to get there. Now, online maps are filled with local-search features, including nearby attractions, restaurants, hotels and more, all designed to make your search more relevant. Interactive maps are now about providing searchers with an experience. As a result, more players have entered the mapping space, looking for a piece of the search share.

But don’t take my word for it. Read Stewart’s article for the details.