Google Maps is a fantastic free resource that everyone should take advantage of. Whether you are doing some local driving, or planning a long trip, Google Maps will make navigating the roads a breeze! Google Maps makes it easy to print detailed maps, find directions between any 2 points, and even view real satellite images! This small tutorial will provide you with the basics of operating the Google Maps application. To begin with, navigate to the Google Maps website:

http://maps.google.com

You can quickly move around the map by clicking directly on the map and holding the button down. Notice how the hand has now “grabbed” onto the map? Now drag the map whatever way you wish, and release the button when you are satisfied. You just moved the map! Cool! Alternatively, you can also move the map by click on one of the four arrows at the top left corner of the map.

To zoom in or out, simply click the “+” or “-” signs respectively. Note that there is an indicator bar between the plus and minus signs. This bar indicates what level of zoom you are currently at. Once the bar reaches either end, you cannot zoom anymore in that direction.

TIP: To zoom multiple levels quickly, you can click & hold on the zoom indicator bar and drag the bar to the desired level of zoom. Release the mouse button when you are satisfied.

One of the coolest features of Google Maps is the ability to see real world satellite images of the entire world! To switch from regular maps to satellite maps, simply click on the “Satellite” button in the top right hand corner of the map. Zooming in real close with the satellite map is pretty fun. In fact, I bet you can see your house. I’m not kidding! Try it!

Here is a Google satellite image of Southern Ontario

TIP: Conveniently, you can type the desired city name into the Google Search bar to narrow down the size of the map. This will save you a lot of moving and zooming.

Another cool feature of Google Maps is the ability to get directions between any 2 points. Just click the “Get Directions” link which is located right under the Google Search bar. Enter the start address, the end address, and click the “Get Directions” button. Google will show you the best route to drive from one place to the other. To print the directions, click on the “Print” link near the top right corner of the map.

I’m sure by now you are quickly seeing how valuable a resource Google Maps really is! Play around, and don’t be afraid. You can’t “hurt” anything if you click the wrong thing. The best way to learn and feel comfortable with a computer program is to fiddle with it. Try new things, and you will learn new things. I hope you found this tutorial interesting. Now go use the satellite feature, and see how bad the shingles are on your best friends roof!

This entry was posted on Friday, May 23rd, 2008 at 8:48 pm and is filed under World Wide Web. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.