iproperty.com.my Gets Google Maps

iProperty.com Malaysia, part of the iProperty.com Group owned by IPGA Limited, has announced today that it has implemented the Google Maps API technology on its website.

Visitors to the website are now able to view the exact location of properties via Google Maps and to switch between map view with streets and building outlines to satellite view with the top of houses and buildings shown.

The integration of Google Maps joins a host of other features iProperty.com Malaysia already includes such as: photographs, videos, facts and figures, descriptions, floor plans, loan calculator, agent details, quick enquiry form and an instant messenger function that allows interested buyers to immediately chat with agents, who are online, to find out more.

Now users can also use the “Search by Map” interface to zoom in on a particular property on the online map, view partial or full details of the property, send coordinates to a GPS device and, in the near future, view nearby amenities.

In a press release about the new feature, Ken Tsurumaru, CEO of the iProperty.com Group, said:

“As the country’s leading property portal, iProperty.com Malaysia is constantly looking at ways to enhance the property hunting experience for Malaysians, and arming them with knowledge to make informed decisions. We are extremely delighted to showcase our Google Maps API implementation on our award-winning property website as the first phase of this exciting initiative. The possibilities presented by this Google Maps API technology are extremely exciting and we look forward to working closely with the Google team to develop applications that would further enhance the property hunting experience on our Malaysian website.”

“When people first look into buying a property, they take into consideration many factors including how built-up the surrounding area is as well as its proximity to infrastructure such as LRT and monorail stations, and schools. The Google Maps function helps buyers quickly and effectively assess a property’s surroundings, which are important considerations in purchasing a property”.

According to Tsurumaru, the next step is to develop a mapplet that will allow iProperty.com to have its local data and active listings, which are dynamic by nature, on the newly launched Google Maps Malaysia to reach millions of Internet users in Malaysia and around the world.

Tsurumaru continued:

“We consider our current implementation the first phase of our Google Maps adventure. Our immediate next step is to fully integrate the Google Maps API with our property search engine to provide a seamless experience where users can switch between search results on a list and search results on a map. On top of that, we may also roll out features like heat maps based on transaction prices and possibly, depending on the readiness of the markets, to create mobile applications using Google’s technologies to benefit our users.”

Classified Ad Ventures is the owner of propertyportalwatch.com, and also owns a stake in IPGA.

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