I think these maps can be valuable.
However, the more data you add to the maps (pushpins, text descriptions, etc.) you have to ask yourself if the map at
Google is the best place to store all this stuff.
How searchable is it.
Can we attach
images, documents and other info there?
If not (I don't think so at the moment), then it may not be the best place to
anchor all the info to.
I prefer wikis, and then embed the Google maps inside of the relevant wiki pages, so that all the text context is there and searchable.
But as far as quick maps to give some info on something specific, they are quite awesome. Guess we'll see how it all comes out.
I use Google docs a lot to share data too. See the links below.