Video:How To Use Google Maps

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Transcript:How To Use Google Maps

Hi, I'm Shane Murphy, your technology guru for About.com. Today we'll review how to utilize the basic features of Google maps to get you where you're going.

Find a Location on Google Maps

The easiest way to find a location on Google maps is to search for it in the provided field. Enter as much of the address as you can and Google will give you a few options, if not the direct location. As with any search, the more information you can enter the better. Google will also offer you some suggestions if it thinks you spelled something incorrectly.

Once you've found your address, click and hold the map to drag it around; you can scroll up and down to zoom in and out directly where you cursor is residing.

If you're in most metropolitan areas you can zoom all the way in and activate Google's street view. Like the normal maps interface, you can click and drag to look around, or hit the arrows to move up and down the street to find what you're looking for.

Get a Route in Google Maps

To get a route to and from this location, simply click "directions" on the left column and enter in your starting address. Select your mode of transportation and click "get directions." If you want to alter your route, you can click the shaded line and drag it to take different streets than originally suggested.

Tips for Using Google Maps

You can use Google maps to find out tons of information on a business before setting foot in the door. After clicking the business icon to bring up the pop-up dialogue box, click more info. You'll see a summary of information about the company like hours and phone numbers, but also photos and excerpts of reviews from different websites like Yelp.

There are plenty of other more advanced features showcased on Google maps, so it's definitely worth spending time exploring its capabilities.

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