This has been discussed before and it was a previous update that changed the behaviour. It could have been the 2.2.1 upgrade that got pulled which is why you didn't see it. This has been discussed before though, when it happened so a 'search' will get more information.

From memory there isn't a way of changing this behaviour. From HTC's viewpoint it makes sense to try to 'coerce' people to use their own offerings. Hence 'Sense' etc. My own opinion is that I'd rather not open a mapping application when viewing a contact's details unless "I" wanted to. The thing that made me change from the HTC people app was that you couldn't see the whole postal address in the details. You had to tap this then highlight the pin on the map to bring it up. If all I wanted was the address to send a letter to this was a pain in the behind ..... Plus, if they're in my contacts I probably know where they live anyway.

I now use Youlu which does give the complete postal address when viewing details, no matter how long it is (at least, the longest address I have for a contact is displayed in it's entirety). If you then tap it you get Google maps up, as you would prefer. My preference here would be the option to a) display a map or not and b) if displaying a map, which mapping app to use (you may well have your own installed - Copilot for example).

So, if you want Google maps get Youlu.

Dave