Use Google Maps with Flash

I’m just now catching up on Google Reader items, so if you’ve already heard, I apologize.

But Google Maps are now Flash compatible! OK, I have to be honest: I guess I didn’t realize Google Maps weren’t Flash compatible, although I should have. (Yahoo Maps is Flash-based while Google is JavaScript-based, and I knew that.) Of course the downside is that the maps are developed in ActionScript 3, which I’d kind of been putting off learning. (Again with the honesty thing though, I haven’t opened Flash in more than a month, so what do I know?)

Speaking of Google Maps, you can track the WFLD helicopter when it’s out and about flying in Chicago (5:30-8:30 a.m. and during breaking news). The map does not auto-update (which would be easy to fix Fox Chicago!), so you’ll have to refresh your browser if you actually want to see the chopper move.