After a long time of waiting - a Maps API for Flash - has come to fruition. It is said to be smooth and fast.
There's also one demo from AFComponents that shows some of the possibilities of Google Maps API for Flash.
This API lets Flex developers embed Google Maps in Flash applications. Similar to the JavaScript version, this ActionScript API provides a number of utilities for manipulating and adding content to maps through a variety of services, enabling you to embed robust, interactive maps applications on your website.Here is what Google blog says about Google Maps API for Flash.
We've designed it so that Flash graphics can be used for each tile layer, marker and info window - opening up possibilities like dynamic shading, shadowing, animation, and video. When the user zooms the map, magnification changes happen smoothly and place names fade in. After the user drags a marker, it gently bounces to a halt. Generally, Flash allows for much greater embellishment, and, well... "flashiness." I get excited just thinking about the creative ways developers might take advantage of having a Flash API for Google Maps.
There's also one demo from AFComponents that shows some of the possibilities of Google Maps API for Flash.