In Japan, an icon is worth a thousand addresses. Invited to a party? Don’t expect to receive an invitation with an address. Instead, residents in this metropolis of 8.7 million give directions based on subway station exits and landmarks. Google’s map search results — like Japan’s mapping system — use subway stations and simple directives such as “cross the road in 50 meters,” to help locals figure out how to get where. And its maps are populated with popular landmarks. Read More
