You may know that you can use Google Maps to plan your trips. But there are some cool things you can do that make it even more useful.
When going someplace unfamiliar, put in the address to get the exact location. One of the options you may see on the map or in a pop up box is “Street View.” When you click on Street View you will see photographs of the buildings on each side of the street. You can drag the cursor to move to another place, or click on the arrows to look left or right.
Using Street View can help you determine what the exterior of the business you are going to looks like, as well as finding nearby landmarks that will make it easier to navigate.
Although Street View is not available everywhere, you may be surprised at how much coverage there is, even in residential areas.
Did you know that you can override route that Google Maps suggests? For example, when going through Houston, Google often routes me on the West Loop freeway, where traffic is awful. I change the route to one I prefer, and still have detailed directions and mileage, as well as a useful map. To change the route, put the cursor over the route. A small circle will appear, and a text box that says, “Drag to change route.” Just drag the circle to your preferred route, and the map will instantly change.
Google Maps can be useful when planning mystery shopping trips, or just going somewhere unfamiliar. Becoming better acquainted with its features will help you get more out of it. You can access Google Maps at http://maps.google.com/
One downside to these types of services is that these photos can be quite old, like years old. Granted in a big city like NY chances of an empty lot poping up are rare. However, the building I live in doesn’t even show up on the satellite view of google maps. Granted the building is brand new but the AAA building down the street that’s been there since at least 2003 dosen’t show up either. Also I live in the bigges city in Maine, Portland.
Google gets the satellite maps from other sources (e.g., government satellites) and they are not usually up to the minute. Besides, it would be difficult to get your bearings at street level by looking at a photo taken from the sky.
However, the Street View photos are taken at street level by specially-equipped vehicles Google dispatches for that purpose. Because they have offered Street View for a relatively short period of time, the photos are relatively current.
Street View is not available everywhere, but most major cities and towns have at least some coverage. Even my house can be seen in a Street View map, and I live in a completely residential neighborhood.
Look for Street View the next time you use Google Maps, and see what you find. You might be surprised!