FortySouth

Shortly after the launch of Google Mapmaker, users were given the ability to edit maps by adding roads and other markers previously uncharted, to Google Maps. And now, thanks to the awesomeness of crowdsourcing, you can use this user-generated content to get directions too.

Using the mashup, I got really simple directions from *K-Street to Kenyatta Hospital in Nairobi (and no, I’m not suggesting anything here; correlation does not imply causation )

This feature is really great because not many cities outside of North America and most of Europe are that well mapped. In many African countries, directions are given mostly based on landmarks, like a nearby building. Those proclivities will always remain and do have their place so I think this feature will serve as a great supplement. What’s more, with a 3G-enabled mobile phone, driving around could get a lot easier!

Head over to Google Mapmaker and help map your city.

*In the interest of “teh balance”, Koinange Street is Nairobi’s Red-Light District.

Are you starting a business or already have a small business in operation? Taking the headache out of routine administrative tasks definitely goes a long way in freeing up more of your time to concentrate on building a great product for your company. This is especially true if you’re running a small shop with limited staff.

So I came across this great resource for starter web apps for small businesses that I’ve found to be particularly useful and that I’m actually putting to use.

A few of the take-aways:

• Managing your projects – Basecamp
• Taking notes, capturing information – Evernote
• Billing, invoicing, client account management – FreshBooks
• Track employee status, clock-in and out times – InOutBoard
• Resume management, hiring – The Resumator

[Getty. Read via CNET Webware]

Soon after releasing offline access for GMail, Google now makes available offline Google Calendar. It was previously only available to Apps users but has now been turned on for everyone. Like offline GMail, offline GCal uses Gears to sync while online and make content available locally when offline.

The neat thing about this is that you can now have access to your schedule/agenda while on the go, and all in one place within GMail if you have enabled the Calendar gadget.

The downside is that calendar entries cannot be edited while offline for automatic syncing when you get back online. Hopefully this is a feature that will be introduced soon.