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My favorite features in Google Maps Labs

Elena Santos

Elena Santos

  • Updated:

After coming to Gmail and Google Calendar, now it’s the turn of Google Maps to have its own set of experimental tools: Google Maps Labs. Google has added a total of nine new features to its gorgeous online atlas, as you can see in the pop-up windows layered over the Google Maps site when you open it on your browser:

Google Maps Labs

Some of them are a bit silly (like Back to Beta, which adds a Beta tag to the Google Maps logo, or Rotatable Maps, which lets you turn maps upside down. But some others seem to be quite interesting, and I hope they make their way as Google Maps permanent options. My favorite ones so far are:

  • Drag ‘n’ Zoom – Makes zooming in on a specific area on your map much easier. Click the Drag ‘n’ Zoom button (right under the zoom slider), draw a square around the are you want to zoom in and you’re done!

Google Maps Labs

  • Aerial Imagery – Displays satellite images in a new perspective (a more angled one) that lets you see more than just the building’s roofs. Unfortunately it’s only available in certain locations in the US, but it’s worth a try.

Google Maps Labs

  • What’s Around Here? – A handy add-on that displays all sorts of interesting places (hotels, bars, restaurants, shops…) located in the are you’re currently viewing. A whole new way to explore your map!

Google Maps Labs

  • Where in the World Game – Labs wouldn’t be the same without a game. Try this one and put your knowledge of geography to the test. Don’t be fooled by the first few easy questions… it gets increasingly difficult!

Google Maps Labs

Elena Santos

Elena Santos

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