The JavaScript API includes a set of browser-based user interface components for easily embedding maps and other location-based capabilities in web pages. The API and the components can be used in a wide range of scenarios, from simply embedding maps in your web site to show locations, to creating rich web applications. Built entirely in JavaScript, the controls work without the need for any browser plug-ins and without having to write any server-side code. The JavaScript API components use Web 2.0 techniques to provide functionality such as seamless map panning and the ability to search and display information without requiring a web page refresh.