Google Map Optimization is used for local SEO. Having a maps listing increases your brand authority and credibility.

Plus it puts your business in front of customers that are looking to purchase.

Here is a link for the different google map API's: Google Maps API Family - Google Code

Hope that helps

Cheers
Leo

@RafiSEO - Google Maps is what Google used to call what is now Google Places. The Google Map is part of it as it locates the business at a physical location, but the Places web page for the business is much more than that.

So when you hear about Google Maps optimization, that is probably old-timers around who remember it from "back in the day" when they started out with that term burned in their head. I think Google's actually gone through a series of 3 different names for the same thing each time they change it and remarket it.

Anywhoo, a forum search on Google Places optimization should net you a ton of info as it is an extremely hot topic for SEOs and local businesses right now.