Part of the Personal computing glossary:

Google Maps is a Web-based service that provides detailed information about geographical regions and sites around the world. In addition to conventional road maps, Google Maps offers aerial and satellite views of many places. In some cities, Google Maps offers street views comprising photographs taken from vehicles.

Next Steps

Google Maps offers several services as part of the larger Web application, as follows.

  • A route planner offers directions for drivers, bikers, walkers, and users of public transportation who want to take a trip from one specific location to another.
  • The Google Maps application program interface (API) makes it possible for Web site administrators to embed Google Maps into a proprietary site such as a real estate guide or community service page.
  • Google Maps for Mobile offers a location service for motorists that utilizes the Global Positioning System (GPS) location of the mobile device (if available) along with data from wireless and cellular networks.
  • Google Street View enables users to view and navigate through horizontal and vertical panoramic street level images of various cities around the world.
  • Supplemental services offer images of the moon, Mars, and the heavens for hobby astronomers.

 

This was last updated in February 2013
Contributor(s): Stan Gibilisco
Posted by: Margaret Rouse

Related Terms

Definitions

  • Google+

    - Google+ (pronounced Google plus) is a Google social networking project. (WhatIs.com)

  • Google Now

    - Google Now is a Web-based service provided by Google that serves as a day planner. It works on tablet devices and smartphones that run Google's Android OS. (WhatIs.com)

  • gOS (good operating system)

    - gOS (pronounced gee-oss) is a Linux distribution designed for use with Web-based applications rather than software that must be purchased and installed... (Continued) (SearchEnterpriseLinux.com)

Glossaries

  • Personal computing

    - Terms related to personal computers, including definitions about computers sold as consumer products and words and phrases about laptops, tablets and smartphones.

  • Wireless and mobile

    - Terms related to wireless and mobile technology, including definitions about consumer mobile technology devices and communication technologies such as Wi-Fi, WiMAX and LTE.

  • Multimedia and graphics

    - Terms related to multimedia, including graphics, animation and video definitions and words and phrases about images and sound.

Dig Deeper

Continue Reading About Google Maps

Fast References

People Who Read This Also Read...

Ask a Question. Find an Answer.Powered by ITKnowledgeExchange.com

Ask An IT Question

Get answers from your peers on your most technical challenges

Ask Question

Tech TalkComment

Share
Comments

    Results

    Contribute to the conversation

    All fields are required. Comments will appear at the bottom of the article.
    Back to top