Bermudians and tourists will be able to navigate their way around the Island much easier thanks to a new online map launched by Google.

The Internet website search engine introduced the programme called MapMaker, which is currently being used to put together a detailed map of Bermuda, including streets, buildings and major landmarks.

It works in a similar way to online encyclopedia Wikipedia, with contributors adding to and modifying the information on the map, subject to moderation.

The map has all the features of Google Maps, from roads and places of interest to parish and government sub-divisions, and should be particularly useful to locals and visitors to the Island alike.

There is currently a small group of people working voluntarily to get the Bermuda map fleshed out, using satellite images, outlines, street lines and local maps with part of Hamilton already mapped out and the east and wend ends yet to be completed.

To access the map or for more information visit the website at http://www.google.com/mapmaker and search for Bermuda to see the current state of the map.

A group has also been set up to allow users to discuss and collaborate on the website, which can be found at http://groups.google.com/group/bermuda-google-mapmaker