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...
Showing posts with label Google Maps. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Google Maps. Show all posts
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Maps
I love maps. Not sure why. But I do. I have been wanting to post about maps for a few days now, I feel like they mean so much to me. Weird, I know.
If you've hung around me or gotten to know me, at some point when we are discussing where something is, you've seen me turn to my Google Maps on my phone to pin point the location.
Stop the conversation, I need to check my map.
Street view, satellite view, or my current favorite, terrain... doesnt matter, I like maps. Rand McNally and I - buddies. For Life. BFF. (Well, not that close).
I'd say I prefer to have a map in my hand, but I also love the interactivity of the Maps App on my phone. Got an address? I'll find you. You cant hide from me.
I better move on before I go overboard.
My family went on road trips when I was young. They were great. It was a great time for everyone to stop the busy-ness of life and just spend time with each other. No distractions, just family. I remember following the maps that we had as we drove to our destination. This was before GPS world. Need to know mileage to next exit? Got it. Time till we get there? No problem, I'll use my map and sign skills. I still remember to this day predicting to the minute our time of arriving at a particular point on our trip. I thought I was pretty special.
So I have always loved maps I guess. I could gaze at them for hours. I love to see the bigger picture, and zoom in on the details. I love trip planning, and scoping out the area of where we are going - using maps.
There is something to a map. It shows you where you are, where you want to go, and how to get there. Even showing elevation, satellite views, detours, etc. using today's interactive maps.
I guess in some ways that's how I am in life. I love understanding where I am at, where I need to go, and how to get there. Problem is, I don't always see my life map as clearly as a road map. I wish it were that easy. That is where trust enters. God knows where I am, my destination, and how to get there.
With that I will leave you with a snapshot of my current favorite map view - Terrain. The particular snapshot is of a town called, Bluefield, VA. I heard about this place talking with one of the ladies from The Neighborhood, a local home for senior living. She said it is where she is from and said it was the highest town (in elavation) this side of the Mississipi. Not sure if that is true, but I do love her map :)
View Larger Map
If you've hung around me or gotten to know me, at some point when we are discussing where something is, you've seen me turn to my Google Maps on my phone to pin point the location.
Stop the conversation, I need to check my map.
Street view, satellite view, or my current favorite, terrain... doesnt matter, I like maps. Rand McNally and I - buddies. For Life. BFF. (Well, not that close).
I'd say I prefer to have a map in my hand, but I also love the interactivity of the Maps App on my phone. Got an address? I'll find you. You cant hide from me.
I better move on before I go overboard.
My family went on road trips when I was young. They were great. It was a great time for everyone to stop the busy-ness of life and just spend time with each other. No distractions, just family. I remember following the maps that we had as we drove to our destination. This was before GPS world. Need to know mileage to next exit? Got it. Time till we get there? No problem, I'll use my map and sign skills. I still remember to this day predicting to the minute our time of arriving at a particular point on our trip. I thought I was pretty special.
So I have always loved maps I guess. I could gaze at them for hours. I love to see the bigger picture, and zoom in on the details. I love trip planning, and scoping out the area of where we are going - using maps.
There is something to a map. It shows you where you are, where you want to go, and how to get there. Even showing elevation, satellite views, detours, etc. using today's interactive maps.
I guess in some ways that's how I am in life. I love understanding where I am at, where I need to go, and how to get there. Problem is, I don't always see my life map as clearly as a road map. I wish it were that easy. That is where trust enters. God knows where I am, my destination, and how to get there.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5,6 ESV
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5,6 ESV
With that I will leave you with a snapshot of my current favorite map view - Terrain. The particular snapshot is of a town called, Bluefield, VA. I heard about this place talking with one of the ladies from The Neighborhood, a local home for senior living. She said it is where she is from and said it was the highest town (in elavation) this side of the Mississipi. Not sure if that is true, but I do love her map :)
View Larger Map
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