Exciting Features of Google Maps and Google Street View

Google Maps (located at maps.google.com) is an exciting tool for getting to-from directions before embarking on a long road trip, afternoon walk through a new neighborhood, or anything in between!

The directions feature is surprisingly straightforward, functioning as many other map services online do: simply enter your origin address and your destination address and Google Maps will find the optimal route for you to take.

Of particular interest to me, however, is Google Street View -- it can be accessed from the main Google Maps page. To use this exciting new feature, simply type the address you wish to view into the search box at the top left of the page and then hit the "Search Maps" button once.

You will be given a real, street view image of the location typed into the search bar. From this point, you can scroll within the image to nearby buildings and homes, following any pre-charted road, highway, or street. The Maps system also shows you the name of the road you are on.

It's an ambitious program, incredibly powerful, and entirely free (you don't even need to be logged into your Google Account to use this service).

If you don't know where to begin, try typing your home address in. You will be amazed to see a color photo of your home and surrounding area. Explore the area -- go down the street in either direction. You will notice that vehicle license plate numbers and individuals' faces have been blurred out already to prevent any legal issues or breaches of privacy.

Using the light blue button on the top left corner of the image, you can zoom out (hit the minus sign) or zoom back in to street level (by hitting the symbol that looks like a person). As you zoom out, you will notice three or more buttons on the top right. Here is what each one does:

Map -- The map feature shows your location on a standard U.S. road map, with highways, roads, and streets listed.

Satellite -- The satellite feature shows your current location using available satellite imagery; you may zoom in or out to magnify the satellite images.

Terrain -- The terrain feature allows you to view a topographical map and terrain data for your chosen location.

You can toggle freely between all three options. At the closest zoom level on the Satellite setting, you can even see individual people, vehicles, and homes. Pretty amazing that this level of technology -- once only available to spy agencies and those with proper clearance -- is now freely available and easy enough for a grade school student to explore!