The basic features, usage, and benefits of Google Maps for adults of all Ages (Some technology and internet experience recommended)

1. By: Natalie Stringer
GOOGLE MAPS
The Features and Uses of…
A Presentation for Adults of All Ages
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2. Remember the days where you held a map close to your nose, tracing your route by a
fingertip trying to figure out where you were?
Then, you graduated to using Map Quest, and printing out your directions and reading
them aloud to your driving companion?
Well, take these two, mash them together, add in adaptations for smart phones, and
you have Google Maps!
In this presentation, you will learn how to access Google Maps, the features it has, and
how to correctly use them. Let’s dive in!
FIRSTLY…
WHAT IS GOOGLE MAPS?
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3. Before we learn about the features of Google Maps and how to use it correctly, how do
we access Google Maps? What do we need to access it?
Google maps can be accessed using…
Computers (home, public, school, or any other computer)
Tablets
Smartphones
And…
Even some new cars!
ACCESSING GOOGLE MAPS
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4. We now know WHAT we can access Google Maps on, but what do we NEED to gain access?
Google Maps is a FREE service for anyone to use. You do not need to create an account of any
sort to access and use Google Maps. There are no limitations, no restrictions as to how often or
for how long you can access it.
All you need besides access to one of the technological entities listed on the following slide and
access to either internet or a wireless provider.
Provided here is the link for Google Maps:
https://www.google.com/maps
*REMEMBER, ALL LIBRARIES OFFER FREE ACCESS TO INTERNET WITH A LIBRARY CARD*
ACCESSING GOOGLE MAPS CONT.
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5. What are some features of Google Maps? What can it be used for?
Mapping a route from point A to point B (driving, transit, biking, OR walking)
Exploring mappable features of an area (urban OR natural)
Looking up a businesses information
Planning…
A vacation
A day trip
A move
GOOGLE MAP FEATURES
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6. DIFFERENCES FOR APP VS
WEBPAGEWEBPAGE APP (USING ON PHONE)
CAN ADD MULTIPLE STOPS
DURING PLANS
CAN PRINT OUT DIRECTIONS
CAN ADJUST WHEN YOU LEAVE TO
CHECK TRAFFIC
EASIER TO PLAN TRIPS
IF USING COMPUTER, NEED TO
HAVE INTENET ACCESS
USE ON THE GO
UNABLE TO ADD MULTIPLE STOPS
ON ROUTE WHEN PLANNING
ABLITY TO SEARCH ALONG ROUTE
WHILE TRAVELING
ACCESS INFORMATION QUICKLY
AND REMOTELY
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7. CLOSE UP:
GOOGLE MAP FEATURES
(FOCUS ON WEBPAGE VERSION)
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8. This feature allows you to map from point A to point B
If using through a webpage, can add in multiple stops along route ahead of time
Also, if planning on a webpage, you can set the time you want to leave to check
average traffic conditions
Shows you different routes to get to your destination and the length (miles and travel
time) of trip
Can opt out of toll roads when planning a map
MAPPING A ROUTE
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9. Here you pick your
method of
transportation
Here you can see
where you enter your
starting point
And where you enter
your ending point
Below it lists any
delays in the area
MAPPING A ROUTE CONT
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10. Here I mapped a route from
Coronado Dog Beach to the
San Diego International
Airport by car. The red circle
inside the triangle shows my
ending point, and the route is
outlined in a thick blue line.
The circled part shows that I
chose to leave now, but I can
click the small arrow to the
right of the words “leave
now” to change the time I
want to leave.
In the square above the circle
is where I can ADD a
destination, incase I need to
stop for gas, or food, or to
pick someone up.
MAPPING A ROUTE EXAMPLE
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11. Urban Features include…
Retail businesses
Restaurants
Banks
Hotels
Gas stations
Grocery stores
Natural Features include…
Parks
Beaches
Hiking trails
Landmarks/monuments
Dog Parks
EXPLORING AN AREAS
FEATURESUsing Google Maps, you can explore the features of an area. You can look at urban features, or
natural features.
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12. EXPLORING AN AREAS FEATURES
CONT.
Looking at the image provided, you can see
where you can click on a category to search
in an area, centered around your location.
These are all urban locations to search.
You can also type in the search bar what you
are looking for.
From there, you will get a list of places in
your category and near where you are
located. You can click on one to get
directions to the place.
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13. CHECKING OUT A
BUSINESS
So now that we know how to
check out businesses, how
do we find out more details
about a place?
Here we search for the fast
food chain In-N-Out. The
image shows the list of all IN-
N-Outs near me.
I will click on the first option
that is circled. I simply click
anywhere on the area in the
outlined square.
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14. Here, is what you see one you click on the outlined are as
seen on the previous screen. You can get directions or:
Here you can see information for…
The address
Hours
A link to the menu
A phone number
Services offered
CHECKING OUT A
BUSINESS CONT.
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15. VACATION/Day Trip
Can research hotels, attractions, and routes to and from vacation destination and map
from hotel to attractions
Can also check on best travel times by adjusting departure time.
Moving
Can check potential houses/apartments in relation to schools, future jobs, grocery
stores, etc
HOW THIS HELPS PLAN A…
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16. REMINDER: WEBPAGE VERSION IS
ALMOST IDENTICAL TO CELL
PHONE USAGE, MINUS WHAT IS
LISTED IN THE CHART ON SLIDE
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17. Google Maps has lots of features that are applicable to multiple situations
Can be used to identify safe routes, share with family, and help plan different trips
For more information or additional help, please contact myself, or come in to meet with a
reference librarian.
YouTube is also a great resource if you want more information on a specific feature of
Google Maps detailed here.
Thank you for your time, and happy exploring!
CONCLUSION
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