Google Maps - Many Uses! (maps.google.co.uk)

Member Name: Scotty9

Product:	maps.google.co.uk
Date:	10/08/09 (15 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: View the ground and plan routes without leaving the house

Disadvantages: Satellite zoom missing from remote places

Google maps is a fantastic resource for just about anyone. It's most common use is probably road directions but it has features and uses that takes it well beyond the realms of an online road map. The software enables 4 different viewing options: map, satellite, terrain and streetview. Map view, as expected is just an interactive screen that displays road information as a map. Satellite view is a view from space that is able to be zoomed in extremely close depending on area coverage. The terrain view gives a map view but with 3D rendering to show the contours and height of the land. Streetview is a photograph view from certain streets that are included in the database.

As a keen fisherman, I use google maps for checking out new lochs and rivers before fishing them. I also use it for planning routes to hike to these locations and where to camp etc. Google maps enables you to plan your route before you leave using the satellite and terrain functions and then relate it to your Ordnance Survey maps whilst out in the wilds!

Google maps is a great resource that lets you find driving or walking directions, giving a choice of routes from A to B and even given expected timings for the trip. Along with the fantastic satellite imagery and terrain mapping this is one of the most useful online resources for people on the move.

The only let down is that unpopular and remote areas are generally not covered at a high zoom satellite image. It is therefore hard to make out the ground features in these areas. Since my fishing is mainly done in extremely remote areas of Scotland, this can be a bit annoying!

Summary: A great online resource for just about anybody!