Google Maps has an interesting feature, Wikipedia entries embedded in maps. Search an address, then mouse over the "more" tab. There you will see a box labeled "Wikipedia." By clicking on the box you will see the Wikipedia icon displayed on certain points on the map. Click these and get brief entries based on points of interest on the map. You can also click through to get the entire article on Wikipedia.

There are some major gaps in information (not all points of interest are mapped) and you will find not-so-interesting points, such as mass transit stations listed. But it's not a bad tool if you're going to take a walk around the city or traveling to another city to see what's around your hotel, for example. Kind of like a little tour guide. There's also a version for the iPhone worth checking out that uses GPS data to find points of interest wherever you are.

Google Maps has also launched a feature that shows photos, videos and maps that users have created about different locations around the world. Click the "explore this area" near the top left of the search results.