Google Maps provides highly interactive and easy to use maps. Simply click and drag your mouse to move around the map, and easily zoom in and out with the controls on the left. At the top right of the map, you can also choose between Map mode, Satellite mode, or Hybrid mode.

Map mode is the most simple interface, displaying locations in a clear, cartoon-like display. Satellite mode shows actual detail of an area from satellite images, which can be quite amazing when you zoom in close. Hybrid mode shows the satellite view overlayed with major roads.

Google can understand almost anything you type into the “Search the map” box. For instance you could simply type “duomo, florence, italy” and somehow Google will find it instantly. (This would be a great time to switch to Satellite mode by the way)

You can also use the “Find businesses” search tab to find businesses close to the location you searched for. For instance, if I want to find restaurants close to the Duomo in Florence, I could click “Find businesses” and type “restaurants” in the box that appears on the left. Google will display the closest restaurants that it knows of.

Now, if you click on one of the results in your restaurant search, a little bubble will pop up. It displays some very useful information. First, the “more info >>” link will show you Google’s top search engine results on the web for that business. Then, the “Get directions” feature will let you get directions to or from the original destination you were looking at. (In this case, the Duomo). You can also “Search nearby” for businesses close to this business (the restaurant we selected), and if you click “Send to phone” you can have a text message sent to your phone with the businesses information for later reference.

One other handy tip is that if you want to save a particular map, click “Link to this page” on the top right of the map box. You will see that the URL in the address box of your browser will become very detailed. You can copy it and save it, and when you come back to that link in the future, you will see the exact same map.

Happy mapping!