If your ad appeared in Google maps do you think that would bring in more viewer interest? Apparently, Google is exploring an application that explores this patent. This was written and created by Ashutosh Garg and Mayur Datar.

Bill Slawski writes that:

"The way this could be done is that the search engine would:

• Receive a map request from a user,
• Retrieve a map in response to the request,
• Overlay at least one advertisement on the retrieved map, and;
• Provide the retrieved map with the overlaid advertisement to the user.

Advertisements might show up in the map image:

• On a rooftop of a building depicted in the retrieved map.
• On a top of at least one tree in the retrieved map.
• On a side of a building depicted in the retrieved map.
• On an open area in the retrieved map.
• In an area in the retrieved map that does not obscure a view of the retrieved map.
• In a predetermined location in the retrieved map.

Factors that might be considered in deciding which ads to show could be based upon:

• The locality depicted in the retrieved map,
• The place name in the query,
• Search term or terms in the map request,
• Users’ Tags from mapping services associated with mapped locations,
• Information associated with the user,
• Scaling of the retrieved map,
• Bid amount and past performance of ads"

Personally, I would not want Google Ads to appear on my rooftop or in Google Maps either. It will then be less of a map and more of a sell-out.

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