How to Link to Google Maps Locations

Google Maps locations are linkable in email, IM and webpages.

Google Maps is a useful directional and mapping tool. Google Maps can show traditional maps, complete with roads, cities and landmarks. It can provide a real-world vantage point through a feature called Street View, which has a cache of photo images of buildings and streets. Users who embed Google Maps on a webpage, e.g. a business location, make it easier for patrons to get directions. Users who send the link to maps in an email or instant message essentially are giving turn-by-turn directions, similar to guiding someone on a cell phone while they drive, but safer.

Instructions

1. Navigate to the Google Maps webpage (see References).

2. Enter your location in the Google search field, and then click the "Search Maps" button to the right of the field. If more than one address populates the left pane, scroll down and click on the best address. Wait for the map in the right pane to populate with the address in a pop-up or call-out balloon.

3. Click on the word "Link" in the top right corner, which opens a drop-down window.

4. Copy the link from either one of the two options in the drop-down window: "Paste link in email or IM" or "Paste HTML to embed in website".

5. Paste the link in the application, e.g., email, IM, or website. The map will appear from wherever the link is stored.

Tips & Warnings

• Adjust the size of the map by clicking on "Customize and preview embedded map" in the drop-down window.

References

• Google: Maps
• Google: Maps--Add Google Maps to your website: "Plot one location"

Resources

• Google: Maps--My Maps
• Google: Maps--Embedding a map into a website or blog