Google Maps Labs is a testing ground for experimental features that Google aren’t quite ready to release yet as they are being developed.

The features have to be enabled and they may change, break or Google may remove them at any time.

Distance Measurement Tool

This allows you to measure the distance of a path on the Earth

Show Me Here!

Adds an option to the context menu that lets you zoom directly to the maximum zoom level at the point under the cursor.

Drag ‘n’ Zoom

Zooming in on a specific part of the map is now fast and easy. Simply
click the Drag ‘n’ Zoom button, draw a box on the map and zoom! You’re
there!