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It shouldn’t be any surprise to those used to the easy and flexible functionality of Google’s products that Google Maps is good for a lot more than mapping the quickest route on your next road trip. Some uses of the technology are just for fun, but there are also many practical, real-life applications that can make your life on and off the Internet easier. From finding a place to park at the airport to mapping your latest family photos, here are a few unusual ways to use Google Maps. Travel Information Google Maps is great for getting directions to just about anywhere, but it can also be used to get all kinds of travel information on distances, travel times, and where to stop for gas.

1. Check time anywhere in the world. If you’re traveling across multiple time zones on your next trip you can find out the time in your destination with this Google Maps tool called Qlock. Mouse over the map or enter a location to find out the time of any city in the world.
2. Find airport parking. Find out where to leave your car on your next long trip. Enter your departure airport and find out where you’ll be able to leave your car, how far from the airport the lot is, and how much it will cost you a day.
3. Avoid traffic jams. Help make your daily commute or road trip smoother and less stressful by checking out the traffic situation before you depart. Enter your city and you’ll be able to see what highways are backed up and which are clear so you can adjust your route accordingly.
4. Find red light cameras. Speed demons can help prevent getting a hefty ticket with this online application. Simply select a regional map and the program will give you the locations of all the red light cameras in your area so you can know where to keep your speed in check.
5. Get the cheapest gas. Similar to popular gas finders like GasBuddy, this Google Maps powered program takes your address and gives you the locations of the cheapest gas in your area so you can save a bundle on commuter and travel costs.
6. Convert currency. This mapping program allows you to click on a location and get the conversion rate of that country’s currency with that of other large countries. You’ll also be able to get the local time and basic information about the location.
7. Find a ski resort. If you’re looking to find the perfect snowy destination for your next getaway look no further than this handy map-based tool called Ski Bonk. You can see what ski resorts are located in certain areas, if they’re open and what the conditions and snow situation is like for each.
8. Track a flight. Whether you’re tracking the flight of a relative or friend you’re waiting to arrive or making sure your own flight will be on time you can find the information you need with this Google Maps tool called FlightStats. Just enter your flight information into the tool and get started tracking.
9. Calculate cab fare. Input your starting and ending points and you can get an estimate on taxi fare including tip for several major cities in the US and Canada. It can be a great way to get an estimate for vacation expenses or to know how much to take out of the ATM for a night out.
10. Get flight status information. Get up to date travel information with this tool from Orbitz. Use the map to select your city and get information on delays for arrivals and departures. Users can also sign up to get updates sent directly to their phones.
11. Find information on your destination. This application combines the power of Google Maps with the information of wikis. Find loads of information on locations all over the world so you can make the most of your next trip whether it’s down the block or around the world.

Just for Fun Here are a few fun ways you can experiment with using Google Maps. Read the rest of this entry »

This tutorial is intended to help you create your own interactive maps using the Google API.

Do take a look at the Google documentation.

There are two ways to use this tutorial:

1. Read it and try to understand the principles involved.
2. Use the example files as templates. Paste the code into your own web page and change the API key and data. Read the “potential pitfalls” sections, and try to avoid them.

Using the Google Map API is not easy if you don’t have much Javascript experience.
If you find the Google documentation too difficult to understand, it’s not because it’s badly written it’s just that the subject is not easy.

What’s New

What’s New Recent changes to the tutorial.

Instant Maps

Part 1 Making instant maps with the Google Wizard
Part 2 Making instant maps by embedding maps.google.com Read the rest of this entry »