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See Locations on a Map Without Leaving the Page
My new favorite online tool comes from Bookmaplet and it has revolutionized my life (OK, maybe not to that extreme, but it brings a smile to my face every time I use it!). I love to travel, and hate not knowing exactly where a place is when it's mentioned on a website. All you have to do is drag and drop Map That Address into your toolbar, and then whenever you're on a site that names a city name, an address, or even a country, just highlight it (like I did with Reading, PA, in the pic below) and click "Map That Address."
Google Maps, Oh How I Love Thee
Sure, Google Maps is great for getting directions, travel times, and checking traffic conditions, but what else can you do with this freakishly easy-to-use site?
Let me count the ways . .
Mapquest Gets an Upgrade
I remember when I first started using MapQuest years ago. Being able to type in an origin and destination and receive directions always amazed me. I especially loved not having to configure my own route on a traditional paper map.
Geek Tip: Call Dial Dir-ect-ions For Help
If you don't have time to text google for address help you can always call the free cell phone service Dial DIR-ECT-IONS (347-328-4667) for maps and directions.
Our friends at Switched wrote about the company last week and after learning that Dial Dir-ect-ions sends driving directions to your phone via SMS, I decided to test it out. All you have to do is call the number and step through the voice-activated menus, by telling it your starting and destination points.
Other Search Results
Find the Distance Between Two Points With a Google Mashup
When you use Google Maps, the distance you're getting from point A to B is in driving, walking, or public transportation terms. But, if you just need to find the distance between two points on a map, then check out this cool Google Map mashup: Distance From To. It works just like Google Maps where you put in your starting and ending point, and gives you exact distance in kilometers and miles, but leaves out all that messy info like turn-by-turn directions and traffic.
Website of the Day: HousingMaps
If you're house hunting, Craigslist can be a great resource for finding a sweet rental property. But once you're inside Craigslist, you usually have to click around Google Maps to find the whereabouts of online listings. Not anymore!
New Google Maps Tricks and Tips
Oh Google Maps, how would I ever get on without you? Just in case you missed my last roundup of mind-blowing things you can achieve with Google Maps, here it is for you to check out. And now I've got my latest installment of fun features, useful mashups and other great ways to incorporate Google Maps into your day-to-day life.
Scope Out Your Facebook Friends' Locations on Google Maps
It's not every day a Facebook app catches my eye, but because I have friends from all over the world, I knew Map Motive would be something I might find useful. I saw this app on Digital Inspiration, and what's great about it is that if you're planning on doing some traveling and you're wondering if you're going to know anyone at your destination, Map Motive will instantly show you on a Google Map who is currently located in that city or town. But keep in mind, if any of your Facebook friends have their info set to private, you won't be able to see where they are on the map.
Geek Tip: Find Your Way on Public Transit With Google Maps
I use public transit every day and rarely drive, unless I'm going out of town. And as much as I love my city, their trip planners are not as helpful as they could be. So where do you go for some bus- and train-hopping advice?
Site Combines Google Maps And Craigslist
If you, or anyone you know is looking for a new place to live, you'd better check out MapsKrieg.com, a mashup of Google Maps and Craigslist.org that will help you find apartments, houses for rent, sublets or whatever living arrangement you are looking. (Well, it won't help you figure out how to move in with Justin of Justin.tv, but I'll keep scoping out tips for all you interested ladies.)
MapsKrieg.com allows you to pick your city from a pull-down list - not every city is available, but most major metropolitan areas are represented at this point. The usual Google Map will pop up for the city with the reddish balloon markers indicating Craiglist's ad for apartments and houses at that location.
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