Google Maps

Google Local, which has now switched to the name Google Maps is a mapping application on the web that is free of charge. This is a feature offered by Google. There is also a application called Google Ride Finder which offers ride services in which you can call. Google Maps offers an urban business locater, street maps and a route planner which is viable for many countries around in the world. Google maps is great if you need to find directions. You can type in where you are currently located; street, city etc. Then all you need to do is type in the address of where you are going or a city in which you would like to go to and hit find directions. Google Maps will not only give you step by step street directions to get there, but it will also show you a physical map which you can print out and take with you. In relation to the map search, there is also a application called Google Earth. It is a standalone program for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux. This application allows you to search more global. You can type in your house address and it will find it from an aerial point of view. Google maps also allows you to zoom in on the location you are looking for or even pan out to see it as a wide area. You can use markers (bulletin board like) to mark locations and landmarks on the addresses or even intersections that you search for. This feature allows you to bring out the location again if you ever forget. Google maps not only gives you the directions but it also gives you the mileage in between the two locations and an estimated trip time. It offers five different viewing modes; Satellite, Map, Terrain, Traffic, and street view. The traffic viewing mode will allow you to see if there are is any congestion or back ups as well as construction and detours that you may need to follow. Recently, in 2006 Google began to offer Google Maps Mobile, so you can get directions sent directly to your cellular phone.