Google Maps is a map service that you view in your web browser. Depending on your location, you can view basic or custom maps and local business information, including business locations, contact information, and driving directions. Click and drag maps to view adjacent sections immediately. View satellite image with or without map data of your desired location that you can zoom and pan.
You can view Google Maps one of several ways:
- Visit maps.google.com
- View a web page with an embedded Google Map (example)
- View Google Maps on a mobile device
- View a private map created by Google Earth Enterprise products
**To begin understanding how to use Google Maps, it is best to start at maps.google.com if possible.
Getting to Know Google Maps
The following diagram describes some of the features available in Google Maps. Not all features may be available in your location:
- My Maps – Use this to view and create custom maps.
- Search – Use this to search for places and businesses.
- Find businesses – Click this for local business search.
- Get directions – Click this to get directions.
- My Profile – Click this to create and edit a profile that is visible to other Google Maps users
- Views - Click these to display different views, including aerial images and street level imagery.
- Saved locations – Click this view or edit your saved locations.
- Print/Send – Click these to print or send maps .
- Link to this page – Click this to create a map web address (URL) in your browser that you can share with others. Learn more.
- Search results – This panel shows search results. Click any result to view more information.
- Navigation controls – Use this to navigate.
- Map – This area displays the map, search results, My Maps and much more.
- Info window – This window displays additional information when you click a marker or search result.
- Overview map – This view shows the location of current map view.
Navigating in Google Maps
You can navigate (move your view) in two dimensions in any Google Map. To pan (move the map), do one of the following:
- Click and drag the map
- Press the up arrow on your keyboard to move north
- Press the down arrow on your keyboard to move south
- Press the right arrow on your keyboard to move east
- Press the left arrow on your keyboard to move west
Additionally, you can zoom in or out pressing the + or – keys. Move the cursor over a location and use the mouse scroll button to zoom in or out on that location. To center and zoom in on a location, double click the location.
Using the Navigation Controls
The navigation controls you see at maps.google.com are shown on the left. Navigation controls include:
- Arrows – Click the appropriate arrow buttons to move the view north, south, east or west. Click to return to your original view.
- Zoom – Click + to zoom in on the center of the map. Click – to zoom out.
- Zoom slider – Drag the zoom slider up or down to zoom in or out incrementally.
How can I find a nearby pizza place using Google Maps?
You can find specific locations on Google Maps in one of the following ways:
- On the main Google Maps page, simply include the words “in” or “near,” along with a city or other location, in your search query. For example, you might search for [ pizza near San Jose, CA ]. Google Maps will then display relevant, mapped results targeted to your query.
- Click “Find businesses” under the main search box and enter your desired business and its general location. (In this example, you’d enter [ pizza ] in the “What” box and [ San Jose, CA ] in the “Where” box.)
Thank you for Youtube.com & Maps.Google.com