For those using WordPress, there’s a simple plugin called Simple Location that has some similar functionality. It has settings for a number of map providers that can be used to display maps as well as weather conditions.
Many people use it specifically for creating checkins, but it could also be used by travel bloggers. It’s also got a widget to show one’s last known location in a sidebar or footer.
Thanks for the heads up regarding the Simple Location plugin. I have a couple of WordPress blogs and I was confused by your comment until I read it carefully and understood the requirement for a plugin. My travel blog uses blogger and the location feature is built in.