Google has announced plans to incorporate online advertising platform AdSense into its Maps service.

Under the move, 'Mapplets' will display information such as building descriptions and photographs within icons which appear above locations.

Meanwhile, marketers will be able to display content and build applications within Google Maps and could provide links to company websites.

If such links receive click-throughs then advertisers are set to "receive a share of the revenue," claimed software developer for the search engine firm Andrew Eland, reports IDG News Service.

However, searchers who customise a Google Map will have the option to limit or block the number of sponsored advertisements that appear.

Currently there is not a timeframe for when the service will be rolled out to the public.

Earlier this week, Amazon - the world's largest online retailer - announced it was to allow third-party advertising on its British website for the first time ever, reports Media Week.