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Over the past few years, Google Maps has evolved from a novelty feature on the search engine to the most comprehensive mapping and satellite imagery resource on the Internet. Here is a quick guide to using the major features of Google Maps. Head over to http://maps.google.com to get started.

DIRECTIONS

To get directions from one point to another, type "[Address/City A] TO [Address/City B]" in the search bar. You will now see a map with a blue line with written instructions to the left. If you want, you can click and drag the route if you want to tweak the directions it gives you. Additionally, Google has added the "by walking" and "by public transportation" options that you can select for different results. For roadtrips, you can continue to add destinations to your list and Google will continue to give directions.

CONTROLLING THE MAP

Use your mouse's scroll button, the +/- keys, or the buttons on the map interface to zoom. Pan using the arrow keys or by clicking and dragging. In some areas, you can click the "Traffic" button on the map to show current traffic conditions in metroplitan areas. The "More..." button will allow you to select options that show photos of locations on the map and Wikipedia articles related to locations. By clicking "Map" you will see only streets and highways, by clicking "Satellite" you will see aerial imagery, and by clicking "Terrain" you can see a shaded relief of the topography.

USING STREETVIEW

The most amazing feature of Google Maps is the new Streetview feature. Major cities, many small towns, and lots of rural highways are now covered by Streetview, as well as several overseas countries. To use Streetview, click the orange person icon and drag him to hover over the map. Blue lines will appear on all streets covered by Streetview. Let go of your mouse button and the orange person will drop onto the map as the interface switches to a Streetview. You will now be able to rotate and pan in a full 360 panoramic image of the location where you dropped the orange person. Use the arrow keys to move along the street. Click the orange person icon again to go back to the map.

You can use Google Streetview to explore an entire city from your couch, or as a useful tool for familiarizing yourself with complex highway interchanges or landmarks in your directions before you set out on a roadtrip. With Streetview, you can add notes to your Google Maps directions such as "big watertower near this left turn." Google has made it so we have no excuse

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