Have you ever wanted to use an interactive Google map on a web page, and got frustrated because it seemed so complex and convoluted? Now, Google gives you a snippet to cut and paste to your web page, blog, IM or email.

This is a much easier method to get the maps on your pages. Previously, you would have to apply for an API key for your particular domain and have an understanding of Javascript.

To create a map you need find your location on the interface, then click on “Link to this page”. A small box will appear with a link to paste into email or IM. Also, you can are given an <iframe> tag with the code needed to embed the map on your web page. You can tweak the tag by clicking “Customize and preview embedded map”. Here you can specify the map size, height, and width of the generated map.

View Larger Map

With the “My Maps” feature, you can multiple markers, customize the text in the placemarks and draw regions on the maps. Google is allowing you to export those maps to your own pages as well.

It’s nice that Google offers this feature, but it’s about time. Adding a map is a great way to add functionality to certain kinds of pages, and I’m sure many people have asked for an easier way consume their maps. It just seems like they should have released this a long time ago.