It looks like Google's organic results for locations are inserting Google Maps links in them. For instance, if you search for directions to the sears tower:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=directions+233+S+Wacker+Dr+Chicago+IL+60606

The 5th link down is a MapQuest link but there is an extra "show map of..." expandable link inside that result that opens up a Google Maps map as well as Google maps & directions links.

The same can be seen when searching for MGM in Las Vegas. There are google maps links within the official mgmmirage.com result listing as well as within the Yahoo! Travel result.