Information on Google Maps
Google Maps is an online map of the world that allows you to find local businesses, view a map of your country, or get directions to a restaurant. Google Maps offers innovative features to its users, such as the unique Street View that allows you to view 360 degree pictures of the street and the surrounding neighborhood from your computer screen. Using Google Maps is easy once you learn how to use the controls to move the map and change its appearance.
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Map Navigation
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The Google Maps map navigation window contains controls along the left and upper edges of the map window. Pushing the arrow keys in the circle at the upper left corner of the map will move the map one screen in that direction. Clicking the "+" and "-" buttons at the top and bottom of the scrolling bar will zoom the map in and out. The "Map," "Satellite" and "Terrain," buttons along the upper edge of the map window will change the map type, allowing you to view a street map, a satellite image of the area you are viewing, or a terrain contour map.
Finding Locations
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You can find a specific location on Google Maps by typing the place into the search bar at the top of the web page and clicking on the "Search Maps" button. Google will search for the location and move the map automatically to display the search result. If more than one search result is returned, the results will be listed in the left panel of the website; clicking on one of these results will center the map on that location. You can search for cities, addresses, businesses and even specific roads with Google Maps.
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Getting Directions
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Clicking on the "Get Directions" link below the Google Maps search bar will open a dialog with an "A" and a "B" text box. Enter your starting point in box "A" and your destination in box "B," then press "Get Directions." Google Maps will generate turn-by-turn directions on the left side of the web page and highlight a route on the map screen. You can reverse the directions by pressing the double-ended arrow button next to the "A" and "B" text boxes. Google Maps allows you to modify your route by clicking on the highlighted path on the map screen and dragging it to different locations.
Street View
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Some locations on Google Maps can be viewed through Google's unique "Street View." Street View allows you to view 360 degree photographs of the location on your computer as if you were physically at the location. If the roads displayed on the map are highlighted with blue edges, you can drag the little yellow man at the top of the "zoom" bar onto the map, and it will change to display the street and surrounding area.
Traffic Reports
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Pressing the "Traffic" button on the Google Maps display will highlight the roads displayed in green, yellow or red. The traffic display is kept up-to-date and can be used to avoid sluggish or congested routes when driving to different destinations. If you are using Google Maps to get directions, you can press the "Avoid Traffic" link to automatically move your route around congested areas.
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References
- Photo Credit Map or Atlas with keys image by steven Husk from Fotolia.com
