Way back in June, Google briefly mentioned the availability of KML integration with Google Maps.  Last month the Google Maps API team announced additions to that integration that made the use of KML in Maps even more useful.  And now the Google Code Blog has a post highlighting those new features for those who missed the original announcement back in November.

• You can now view photosets exported by Picasa in KMZ format from within Google Maps.  They point to a very detailed post that details exactly how it's done.
• Viewing KML overlays is now possible which allows you to add your own pictures to Google Maps.  Just like the satellite photography that Google already provides, users can add their own photography as an overlay on top of a Google map.
• You can also create your own custom marker icons to better illustrate important locations on a Google map.

Instructions are given in the Google Blog posts as well as links to examples.

This is a very cool feature that you could use to highlight points of interest on a map that are relevant to your business.  You could also add photos of your work, employees, or projects to a Google map of your location.  I think it'd all be pretty cool to see companies use these features to show work they've done for clients or third parties.

Imagine a Google map of the country (or state or city)… with your logo as the marker for satisfied client locations… with pictures of the work at each site available.  That would be an awesome way to not only showcase your work, but also the reach of your company.

If anyone is currently using any of these features to help promote their business, I'd love to see it.  Leave a comment or drop me a line!