So you're driving along and you need directions. You then go to the gas station and ask... the gas pump? Google is installing screens on gas pumps that will show its mapping service. The greatest advantage of this new service is probably not having to ask random people for directions anymore.

The new Google maps will be installed in 3,500 gasoline pumps made by Gilbarco Veeder-Root across the US next month. The service will be able to show landmarks, hotels, restaurants, and hospitals. (Categories are subject to the gas station's owner though.) The screen will even print out directions.

Eventually the service hopes to be able to provide directions for a specific address. Eventually they'll also be installing the service in more gas pumps depending on demand. Google has already released Google Maps for mobile phones last year so this is just the next step.

The service won't be relying on ads for income. Instead, retailers will be able to gain extra income by sponsoring coupons from services they feature on the machine (which explains why the landmarks displayed by the service are subject to the gas station's owner).