[n0rb3rt]

NAVTEQ has been doing this for 15 years. Google learned it from being their customer for much of that time. But of course they get the credit.

[bradddd]

Definitely true to a point. I think it's fair to give them some credit though. Despite their obvious motive of reducing their own costs, they've really established an amazing infrastructure, not to mention a rich API.

[molmalo]

Yup, Navteq is truly a pioneer and has lots of experience doing this, even when they are not a well know company for people outside this sector. But they deserve some credit.