The world is a very big place. In fact, it is so big that getting lost is a problem we all have had to face. But just as Google Search has revolutionized our ability to access information Google Maps has opened the world and its hidden gems to the explorer in all of us. We no longer need to fear getting lost, missing out on the great restaurant around the corner, or wondering how long it will take to get where we want to go. Use the map to search, explore, and find your way around the world. The more you interact with the map, the more it becomes tailored to you. Let Google Maps be your guide, and point you towards the things you want and need!
First, let’s take a look at 11 key features every user should know on Google Maps. It is important to point out that all available features may not be available in all areas.
Search – This feature is basically self-explanatory. Search allows you to get directions, check out your recent searches, find transit and bicycle routes, and get a visual on traffic below the search box.
Directions – This feature allows you to click a place you’ve found, or simply click on the empty search box, and click Directions. Now you know exactly how to get where you’re going!
Results – The results of your search will appear on the map. The markers on the map will show you at a glance which results are best by their size; the larger the marker the better the result. You can click on any result to get more information, find directions, and even see inside your destination in many cases. All the relevant details for a search can be viewed underneath the search box.
Print – Printing the map you need is simple and easy. Click File then Print in your web browser’s menu bar located at the top of the page. It’s really that simple!
It’s a 3D World! You can actually see the world as it really is with Google Maps. All you have to do is click on the 3D Earth view in the lower left corner. When you’re using Lite Mode you will see the satellite imagery instead.
Street View and More – Once you locate a place of interest on the map, you can see the Street View, photos, and more details in the info card that appears under the search box. You can see even more about the location by selecting Explore in the bottom right corner.
Drop or Explore – Once you have the map open you can do a variety of things to explore and understand the locations you’ve found. Click on an icon and you’ll drop a pin, or click on any place once to find all the known details about that spot below the search area. Now you’re on your way to navigating the area with the pertinent info at hand.
Right Click – Ah, the ever helpful right-click. The best friend of the computer explorer has found its ultimate expression in Google Maps. This helpful feature can give you directions to or from a location, and even measure the distance between two points. It will also offer other options you can use to further explore the map.
Google Maps believes in helping people help themselves, and allowing them to freely share the fruits of their searches. The URL for the map you’re viewing can be shared any time you like, and will include all your selected places and directions. Just click Share and Embed Map to get a short link or the embed code and away it goes!
Help and Feedback – The Help feature will allow you to take a tour of Google Maps, supply answers to questions you may have, and give you a path to offer any and all suggestions to improve the experience. All things require change to grow, so please feel free to help us make Maps even better!
Report Problems – In order to ensure Google Maps is all it can be, we ask our users to please use this feature to inform us of any issues they have; data or otherwise.
