Shorter Google Maps URLs with built-in shortener

We are sure you have tried to send an URL for a map location in Google maps to a friend, or even tweet it, only to have to shorten the URL because its 8-million characters in length. Using this new Google Maps feature, a built-in URL shortener, you no longer have to worry about that.

It's a Google Maps Labs feature, so to enable it, you need to go to the Labs settings (upper RH corner of a Maps screen; the beaker) and enable "Short URL." You may need to log off / log back on to see the feature work.

Once enabled, URLs will be shortened using their goo.gl URL shortening service. However, they remove the embedding option (as you can see above) normally available when you click the Link button. Also, to be clear, one might assume the Send button would similarly use the shortened URL, but it does not.

Try it yourself, and let us know what you think.