Google has added Terrain Maps – physical maps with relief shading based on a DEM (Digital Elevation Model) – to the Google Maps API, and they look beautiful. I’ve set them as the default map displayed on my Fixtures Map, because they are clear and uncluttered, while at the same time giving a good indication of the hilliness and terrain type of a particular area.
I also took the opportunity to upgrade the Fixtures Map to version 2 of the Google Maps API. According to Google, this offers a “much smaller JavaScript download” and “two additional satellite zoom levels”, amongst other things.