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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 images of your desired location that you can zoom and pan.
This guide describes how anyone with an Internet connection and a supported web browser can use this free service on a desktop or laptop computer. View additional help. |
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You can view Google Maps one of several ways:
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:
- Get directions - Click this to get directions.
- My Maps - Use this to view and create custom maps.
- Search - Use this to search for places and businesses. Click the grey button to the right of the seach box to use, view or edit your saved locations.
- Left panel - Click this to hide or show the left panel.
- Views - Click these to display different views, including aerial images and street level imagery.
- My Profile - Click this to create and edit a profile that is visible to other Google Maps users.
- 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.
- Street View - Click this to view and navigate street-level imagery.
- Info window - This window displays additional information when you click a marker or search result.
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
About the Left Panel
The left panel shows search results, My Maps and additional information about items on the map. To hide this panel, click on the border of this panel. To display a hidden left panel, click .
About Markers
Markers appear in Google Maps to signify an important location. For
example, when you search for an address, Google Maps shows you the address location with a
marker. Types of markers include:
You can see other custom markers in Google Maps that others have created or even create your own (learn more).
Viewing Info Windows
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Info windows appear when you click a marker and display additional information about the location. To view the info window for a marker, do one of the following:
- Click the marker
- Click the marker in the Search results tab
- Click the appropriate link in the Search results tab
Info windows can contain great information such as photos of
businesses, descriptions, restaurant reviews, links to driving
directions and much more. You can expand some info windows to display
even more information. In certain locations, you can view and navigate street-level imagery by clicking Street view in the info window (learn more).
If available, click or more info>> in an info window to expand it. To close an info window, click . To resize an expanded info window, click . Note that you can create your own review of businesses by clicking Write a review.
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Using the Overview Map
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The
overview map (shown left here) appears in the bottom right corner of the
map. It helps orient you by showing the location of current map view in
the context of a larger geographical area. The area currently displayed
in the map is show as a purple box in the overview map. At any time,
click to hide the overview map or click to display it again.
As you pan or zoom in the map, the overview map view changes
accordingly. You can change the existing view in the map by doing one
of the following:
- Drag and drop the purple box in the overview map.
- Drag and drop the area outside the purple box to pan the map.
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Choosing a Default Location
The default view that Google Maps displays is determined by your location. However, if you'd like to use a different location, enter an appropriate address in the search box and click Search Maps. You can also use one of your saved locations. Once your address appears, click Make this my default location in the information window. Thereafter, this address appears as the default location.
Getting More Help
In addition to this user guide, Google offers a number of resources that can help you use and enjoy Google Maps. These include:
- Google Maps Help Center - Use the Help Center at any time to find additional information.
- Troubleshooting - View information that specifically pertains to troubleshooting issues with Google Maps.
- Google Maps Help Group - Learn from other Google Maps users by asking questions and sharing answers.
- Google Maps API - Use this to put Google Maps on your own web site
- Google Maps API Blog - This blog describes how you can use some of the interesting features of the Google Maps API.