Sunday, February 26, 2012

Maptastical!

Another post for you map lovers out there - and this one comes in the form of a handy tip. I recently tried to utilize the "My Places" feature in Google Maps. My Places in Google Maps is a handy tool that keeps record of recent searches or favorite places that you have "starred" on the map. That way, you can easily find these favorite destinations and get directions fast, search for whats nearby, or whatever else you may need.

Now, that in and of itself is a cool and handy feature. What's more, if you utilize the Google Maps app on your smartphone, you can pull up these starred locations and get directions while on the fly! The destinations you searched for and starred while logged into your Google account on your computer are seamlessly available on your smartphone for convenient use. How stinkin' cool!

Scenario - you've been planning a family vacation. Who wants to plan a trip on the small screen of your phone, right?! So you log into your Google account and star the place you are staying, as well as local area attractions and restaurants your family would like to visit while on your trip.

Instead of creating a log of these places by writing addresses, etc., they are seamlessly starred on your Google Maps app on your phone for you to pull up and get directions to while you are on your trip. Everyone hungry? Find that star and quickly get directions. Spur of the moment urge to visit the aquarium? Find your star and get their fast.

Another scenario - searching for a new home? Star the addresses of the properties you want to visit and they are ready to pull up and get to while you are out and about.

This is a common sense feature of the Google system - Google Maps and the Google Maps App for Android (I would guess it would still work for the Google Maps app on the iPhone), but I never connected the dots and realized or fully utilized this feature - in particular the seamless integration from your Google account on your computer to your smartphone.

So there you have it, my map tip/post of the day. Happy mapping!

PS, for a similar Google Maps feature, google.com/favoriteplaces, check out the video below...

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