#1
/ December 15, 2008 / 3:00 min.
If you already have a Google account, you're ready to start saving your own directions, favorites and way points to your account in Google Maps. While you can use Google Maps without a Google account, you won't be able to save your directions or locations for later.
#2
/ December 16, 2008 / 2:08 min.
Getting simple and easy to follow directions is all well and good. However, with Google Maps, you can do much more than that. You can get directions to major attractions, restaurants and stores near you by just entering in the name. You can add multiple destinations, perfect for road trips, family outings and the like.
#3
/ December 17, 2008 / 2:14 min.
The default view for Google Maps is, appropriately enough, a map. However, there are other useful view modes to choose from. Molly McDonald explains how to set view modes, save and edit way points as well as how to tell Google Maps where you want to set your default location.
#4
/ December 18, 2008 / 2:28 min.
Taking it to the streets without asking you to take it to the streets, Google has an interesting feature called Street View. This view mode gets up close and personal with the street, affording a view you couldn't get otherwise without actually going there.
#5
/ December 19, 2008 / 2:44 min.
Using its existing expertise in search, Google Maps also allows you to search for more general terms, look through the results, make your choice and then get turn-by-turn directions, reviews, hours of operation, even photos and more.
#6
/ December 22, 2008 / 2:14 min.
No need to wait for the hourly traffic reports from your local radio or TV station; Google Maps offers Live Traffic, an overlay system that shows you how congested major routes are before you head out. It can even predict the traffic patterns based on past conditions.
#7
/ December 23, 2008 / 3:10 min.
Viewing Google Maps for traffic conditions, points of interest, the view from the street, photos and Wikipedia entries is all well and good. However, creating and saving your points of interest; your home, work favorite parks and restaurants really unlocks the personal power of Google Maps. And it's easy to do.
#8
/ December 24, 2008 / 1:58 min.
There's more to Google Maps than meets the eye. In addition to getting turn-by-turn driving directions and local search listings, you can create and share your own maps, perfect for highlighting and sharing events, activities and your favorite hiking trails.
#9
/ December 25, 2008 / 1:32 min.
It wouldn't be a Google product without a robust suite of search options. To that end, Google Maps offers a powerful but simple search option that allows you to find other user-created content. And there's a lot of said user-created content to be found. Everything from tourism point of interest, hiking, running, cycling and running trails, dog-friendly parks and much much more are available.
#10
/ December 26, 2008 / 2:06 min.
There are some community features within Google Maps that allow people to learn a little bit more about you when they're viewing maps you've created and shared or reading reviews you've posted of restaurants, shops, parks or what have you. You can create your own profile on Google Maps and share as much or as little information as you want.
about Finding your way with Google Maps
With our 10-part series, we'll show you how to get more out of Google Maps. Sure, you can get A to B driving directions but you can also find sushi, pizza or other restaurants as well as stores, services, doctors' offices and so much more. You can get walking directions, find public transit stops and, with Google Maps "mashups," there's a user community creating special mapplications designed specifically for Google Maps.
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