Although Google isn’t necessarily the first search engine I use when I need to find a document, I have to admit, it’s pretty handy.  Google offers a whole host of nice features which make for an attractive portal.  Although most of these features have been discussed many times elsewhere, I often encounter people who haven’t explored beyond the surface of Google.  Not only are they missing some excellent, free tools, they’re also missing out on one of the most powerful mapping tools available: Google Maps.

Google Maps is Google’s mapping software.  It’s accurate and simple to use - just type in an address, business name, or search term and Google will either locate it or provide a list of possible matches.  Whereas most internet mapping systems are limited when it comes to navigation (they usually can only display a single section on a page), Google Maps uses a great click-and-drag interface that allows for seamless movement from one section to the next.  It functions more like a home mapping application and less like a web site.  The scale allows you to zoom the map in or out, and the popup bubble (removed by clicking on the close icon or displayed by clicking on the red thumb tack) allows you to get directions and plot a line between any two points.  While all this makes for good mapping software, what distinguishes Google maps from the rest is its ability to overlay the map with satellite images of the area.  The images function exactly as the map did, complete with click-and-drag and zoom control.  The satellite images are shocking in their clarity and ease of use.  Better still is the hybrid function which superimposes road names, route markers, plotted directions, and key points onto the satellite display.  Google Maps is so handy that it has spawned a whole culture of netizens.  There are sites that link to interesting maps, sites that plot interesting locations, sites that plot interesting people, sites that plot the locations of fictitious television characters, sites that talk about Google maps, and even sites that monitor sites that talk about Google Maps.  There is a simple reason it’s so popular: it’s just that good.