This is a great idea, but the UX feels difficult:

- If I search, I get local results. But expanding the map should bring in more results. After all, I can start with the world map and filter down to my area, so why not have the same functionality in reverse?

- Zooming in from the world map all the way to my towns, I see 2. If I click one, the map zooms out and puts their icons together. I have no idea how to see details on these.

- The search results only showed one. Why are the results better when not searching?

Still, great idea, if the experience can be improved.