Google Maps has many handy features casual users can easily miss.Check out these tips to navigate Google Maps more effectively.
Get directions:
This is one of the most common uses for Google Maps. You can quickly get directional information by clicking the arrow icon inside of the Google Maps search bar. This will bring up a window with a starting point and ending point. Enter the corresponding places and Google will provide you with route options. The different icons at the top of the blue window on the left of the screen enable you to choose the mode of transportation you want to use for directions. You can choose between driving, transit, walking, cycling or air travel. Clicking on “Options” in the dark blue section of the screen will allow you to add features to avoid (highways, toll roads, ferries) or change the unit of measure.
Find a location with GPS coordinates:
You can enter latitude and longitude coordinates in the Google Maps search bar to find locations. Just be sure to separate the coordinates with a comma. Google Maps will pinpoint the corresponding location on the map.
Get GPS coordinates for a location:
If you want to look up GPS coordinates for customer locations, fuel terminals or any other place Google Maps can help. Simply right click on the spot on the map where you want the coordinates and select “What’s here?” from the drop down menu. This will bring up a pop-up window displaying the GPS coordinates for the spot you selected.
Street view and satellite view:
It’s easy to toggle between the standard map view and satellite view. Just click the square in the lower left corner of the screen that says satellite. Once in satellite view, you can go back to the map view by clicking the same square.
You can get to street view a couple of ways. While in satellite view, if you click the zoom button enough times while over a road, you will eventually enter street view. To get to street view quicker, click the small yellow pegman in the lower right corner of the screen. This will highlight all roadways where street view is available in blue. Then click the spot on the map where you want to see the street level view.
Measure distances:
Google can help you quickly measure approximate distances between points on the map. Start by right clicking in the place where you want to begin measuring, then selecting measure distance. Next, click the second location on the map to which you want the measurement. This will show you the straight line distance between the two points. You can refine measurements by adding anchor points along a route with additional clicks. To exit measurement mode, right click anywhere on the map and choose “Clear Measurement,” or click the X on the box displaying the measurement.
Author: Matt Boyce
Matt is the senior manager of development operations within the Information Technology Services division, and has been with MFA Oil Company since 2008.