> "Starting today, when obtaining a link to a Google Map using the ‘Link’ button on the upper right-hand corner of the page, you now have the option of obtaining a convenient, shortened link by clicking on the ‘Short URL’ check box. Shortened URLs can make it easier to coordinate events and share maps with your friends."
This is great news. Sharing links on Google Maps has always cause problems with Instant Messengers and Mail applications having trouble interpreting the URL. Not to mention SMS character limits. Very glad to see this update.