Online Maps

Online maps let you explore the world from your device. You can search for any place and get directions. Google Maps and Apple Maps are popular map apps. They use satellites and data to show roads, buildings, and more.

How Online Maps Work

Online maps use information from satellites in space. GPS satellites tell your phone exactly where you are. The map app then shows your location on the screen. It can calculate the fastest route to where you want to go. The maps update with live traffic information.

Cool Map Features

Street View lets you see photos of streets around the world. You can zoom in to see buildings and parks up close. Some maps show you where restaurants and stores are. You can even measure the distance between two places. Satellite view shows you what the Earth looks like from space.

Fun Facts

• Google Maps has mapped over 200 countries and territories.
• Street View cars have driven over 10 million miles to take photos.
• Some online maps even show the inside of buildings like museums.

Did You Know?

Before online maps, people used big paper maps that were hard to fold back up. If you made a wrong turn, you had to pull over and figure out a new route yourself!