Difference between revisions of "GoogleMaps.com"

Maps, business information and driving directions

Google Maps is a map service from Google that fuses several different mapping technologies with other Google services to create a robust interactive online map. More than a traditional map, or even the first generation of online map resources, Google Maps provides business information, driving directions and other features to be one of the premier mapping site on the web.

Features

Draggable maps, scrolling and keystroke/mouse zooming -- Google Maps are dynamically loading, allowing for rapid scrolling from anywhere in the map. Older map programs required redrawing every time you wanted to zoom in or out of the map, or if you wanted to move the map over. With Google Maps, simply "drag" the map using the left-mouse button to scroll through the maps (users can also use the up, down, left and right arrow keys on their keyboard). Zooming in and out is accomplished using the scroll-wheel of the mouse, or by the "+" and "-" keys (double clicking the mouse on a specific area will also zoom in to that portion of the map).

Satellite imagery and hybrid views -- Look at maps with standard drawings of roads and topography, or see a "bird's eye view" of your locations using satellite imagery to provide pictures of your location as viewed from above. A useful hybrid mode shows the images with major roads and landmarks superimposed over them.

Detailed directions -- Google Maps provides detailed directions from any starting location to any destination. Features include setting of a default location such as your home or work to allow for quick directions to and from places you're most likely already at. Google Maps also provides a useful feature to plot map directions avoiding major highways and freeways.

Integrated business search with reviews -- Accesses and cross-references the map data for a particular location or city with Google's search engine to provide a set of businesses in the area based on your search criteria. Looking for free wifi spots in Portland, OR, simply enter Portland, OR and "Free wifi" and a list pops up next to the map. Clicking on a specific business will show you exactly on the map where it is as well as give a list of options including the website, user reviews and directions to and from the site.

Custom map printing options -- Users can also customize the printouts of driving directions from Google Maps. Supported options include a "show original map view" to display a full-size map on the first page of the printout, the ability to turn on mini-maps of individual steps, and adding of personal notes to the top of the page. Additionally, each Google Map print display (using the "Print" link on the map, printing off the "File" menu is currently unsupported) retains the dynamic nature of the map, allowing users to pan, scroll or zoom in to the map as they wish. At present, printing of satellite imagery and hybrid maps isn't supported by Google Maps.

Send to phone option -- Allows users to send text message of phone numbers, addresses and directions found on Google Maps to their phone, via a Firefox web browser extension.

Latitude and Longitude coordinates -- Google Maps allows for entry of latitude and longitude coordinates for map look-up in it's search window. At present time, this feature is limited.

Interconnectivity with Google Earth -- Google Maps now allows for KLM or KMZ files from the stand-alone geographic application Google Earth, allowing data from Google Earth (such as multiple points of interest, lines and marked regions) to be viewed on Google Maps. This technology requires the KLM file to be hosted on a website. Maps using such data can be shared with others using the "link to this page" link on the top-right corner of the Google Maps page to create a URL to send to others or link off your website.

Take the Google Maps Tour

Google Maps information

Google Maps gets it's information from a variety of sources. Map data is gathered largely from NAVTEQ and TeleAtlas. Satellite information is taken mostly from DigitalGlobe and MDA Federal. Business directory information and reviews comes from Google's own search engine as well as from local business owners, publicly available yellow page directories, and such companies as CitySearch and Dine.com.

Google Maps API

One unique function of Google Maps is it's freely available API code, allowing users to embed Google Map data onto their websites, blogs and other pages. This technology is widely used by sites around the world. In fact, the maps shown on AboutUs are an implementation of this technology. Currently, Google Maps API is a free service that doesn't include advertising, although the terms of use from Google states that they reserve the right to use the Google Maps API to display advertising in the future.

Customizing and learning about Google Maps

Getting started and help

• Google Maps Help Group is a great resource for questions and getting started with Google Maps.

Various Tweaks and Tips on the Internet

• A Side-By-Side Comparison of Google Maps vs. Yahoo! Maps, by Sergey Chernyshev
• Lifehack.org: Essential Resources for Google Maps, Nov. 11, 2005
• Engadget: How to Make Your Own Annotated Multimedia Google Map, March 5, 2005

Books on tweaking Google Maps

• Hacking Google Maps and Google Earth by Martin C. Brown, 2006
• Google Maps Hacks: Tips & Tools for Geographic Searching and Remixing by Rich Gibson, 2006

Contact

Use the Google Maps contact page for questions, concerns or correspondence.

phone: (650) 253-0000

fax: (650) 253-0001

Address

Google Inc.

1600 Amphitheatre Parkway

Mountain View, CA 94043

Languages

English

Related Domains

External Links

• Alexa: GoogleMaps.com

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