Google Maps is one of the most popular and widely used navigation applications around the world.
Created by technology giant Google, this app has revolutionized the way people move around and explore the world around them.
History of Google Maps:
Google Maps was first released in 2005, but its journey began much earlier.
In 2004, Google acquired Where 2 Technologies, a startup that developed online mapping technology.
Building on this acquisition, Google began developing its own mapping service, which became Google Maps.
The initial release of Google Maps offered map viewing and directions capabilities for drivers, but it quickly evolved to include satellite imagery, real-time traffic information, public transportation data, and more.
Today, Maps is a comprehensive platform that offers a variety of location-related services.
Curiosities:
Pegman creation:
The iconic “Pegman,” the little yellow stick figure you can drag onto the map to access Street View, was created by the Maps team in one afternoon as a creative solution to make the service more intuitive.
Maps of other planets:
Google Maps is not just limited to Earth. You can explore maps of Mars and the Moon, providing a fascinating look at outer space.
Street View Journeys:
Google Street View vehicles have traveled millions of miles to capture images around the world.
These vehicles also captured images in remote locations such as mountain trails and national parks.
Benefits of Google Maps:
Precise Navigation:
Google Maps offers detailed directions for drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and public transport users.
It considers real-time traffic, helping you find the fastest route.
Exploration of points of interest:
The app lets you discover restaurants, shops, museums and other points of interest in your area, as well as see reviews and ratings.
Route planning:
Maps lets you plan multi-stop routes, making it ideal for road trips, sightseeing, and deliveries.
Street View:
With Street View, you can explore streets and cities as if you were there in person, which is useful for familiarizing yourself with new places before visiting them.
Integration with other services:
Google Maps is integrated with other Google services like Google Photos, allowing you to view your geotagged photos on the map.
Advanced features:
Maps continues to evolve over time.
Some advanced features include:
Augmented Reality: “Live View” functionality uses augmented reality to overlay directions onto the real environment, making on-foot navigation easier.
Public transport information: You can get public transport schedules, real-time arrival estimates, and bus and train capacity information.
Indoor exploration: In addition to outdoor maps,Maps now offers indoor maps for locations like airports, shopping malls, and stadiums.
Accessibility: Maps strives to be accessible to everyone, offering directions for people with reduced mobility and information about accessibility in public places.
Steps to download Google Maps on Android and iOS devices:
For Android devices:
Open the Google Play Store on your Android device. It’s the icon of a colorful shopping bag with the “play” triangle symbol.
Tap the search bar at the top of the screen and type “Google Maps” and press “Search” or the magnifying glass icon.
In the list of results, you will see the “Google Maps” app with the map icon. Tap it to open the app page.
On the Maps app page, you’ll see a green button that says “Install.” Tap it.
You may be asked to sign in to your Google account or confirm your identity, depending on your device settings.
After confirming, Maps will be automatically downloaded and installed on your Android device.
Once the installation is complete, you can find the Maps icon on your device’s home screen or apps menu. Tap the icon to open the app.
For iOS devices (iPhone and iPad):
Open the App Store on your iOS device. It’s the blue icon with the letter “A” inside a white circle.
Tap the search bar at the bottom of the screen and type “Google Maps” and press “Search.”
In the search results, you will see the “Google Maps” application with the map icon. Tap it to access the app page.
On the Maps app page, you’ll see a blue button that says “Get.” Tap it.
You may be asked to verify your identity using your Face ID or fingerprint, or enter your Apple ID password, depending on your device settings.
After verifying your identity, Maps will automatically download and install on your iOS device.
Once the installation is complete, you can find the Maps icon on your device’s home screen or app library. Tap the icon to open the app.
You now have Maps installed on your device and can use it to navigate, find places, get directions, and more.
Also read our article The Best Free GPS: Always Navigate on the Right Path