To do so, one enters a location into the search field. A preview of the results appears in the menu adjacent to the map. If one wants to see more, just click either on “Explore this location” [de= ‚Erkunden Sie dieses Gebiet’] or on “More Photos, Videos and User-Created Maps” [de= ,Mehr Fotos, Videos und von Nutzern erstellte Karten’]. On clicking, an expanded results list appears. Simultaneously thumbnails of the photos and videos appear overlaid on the map, where they in turn can be clicked to view. Using the search results it is also possible to click on User-Maps, and select whether further photos or videos should be displayed. These extended results are then only accessible via thumbnails on the map-view. Shifting position or changing viewing scale of the map reveals further results.

Whether photos, videos or maps – the newly access content is completely user-generated and uploaded. The photographs originate from [geo-tagged user photos, from] the Web2.0 photo service Panoramio, which was acquired by Google in July 2007. They show interesting buildings, attractions or city views. YouTube, an acquisition of Google in October 2006, delivers the videos. However Google’s usual high quality controls are not in evidence – the videos are seldom really useful, as regards local information. The User-Maps have been assembled by other users of Google Maps’ “My Maps” [de=„Meine Karten“], and categorized by the creator us “public” accessible.