No wonder Google Maps is the best navigation app available today. However, besides the usual navigation features, route options, real-time traffic information, Google Maps also offers a few unique features such as location history and the ability to measure distances and area.
While Google Maps already lets you measure the distance of your journey with various modes of transportation, it can measure distances between different points and even calculate the area of any property in the world.
We will show you how this feature works on mobile and PC. Lets start.
How to Measure Distance in Google Maps on PC
Measuring distances in the Google Maps web app is pretty straightforward, whether you’re trying to calculate distance along a straight line or on a more complex route. Here’s how it works.
Step 2: Right click anywhere on the map and select Measure distance.
Stage 3: Drag and drop the visible point to choose a starting point.
Step 4: Next, click on the second point (endpoint) on the map; Google Maps will show the distance measured in both Kilometers and Miles.
Similarly, you can select more points on the map to plot a more complex route. As you continue to select points, the distance between the start and end point will adjust accordingly.
Fly: When selecting points, you can zoom in/out on Google Maps to accurately select points.
If you accidentally select a wrong spot, click the spot again to remove it. Likewise, you can drag and drop lines to set the route.
How to Measure Distance in Google Maps on Mobile Device?
Like the web version, you can measure distances with the Google Maps app on your iPhone or Android device. Here’s how.
Stage 1: Open the Google Maps app on your iPhone or Android device.
Step 2: Tap and hold the starting point on the map from where you want to measure the distance. A red mark will appear at the starting point.
Stage 3: Tap on the location detail of your starting point at the bottom and select Measure distance.
Step 4: A second dot will appear above the first dot. Move around the map to select a second point on the map. When you do this, the distance will be displayed at the bottom.
Step 5: Similar to the web version, you can add more points on the map to create a complex route. Tap Add point in the lower right corner of the screen to confirm your second point.
You can select multiple points to measure the distance of a complex route.
If you add a wrong point while selecting points, you can remove this point by using the undo button at the top.
After measuring the distance, use the three-dot menu and select Clear to remove the measured distance.
How to Calculate Area in Google Maps on PC
The web version of Google Maps allows you to measure the area of any place as well as measure the distance. With this, you can measure the area of any property you may be interested in. Here’s how it works.
Stage 1: Open your preferred web browser and go to Google Maps.
Step 2: Zoom in on the place or property you want to measure. Now right click on the map and select Measure distance.
Stage 3: Move your marker to the starting point and select multiple points around the property. When you create a closed shape using these points, Google Maps also displays the area of that closed shape in square meters and square feet along with the property’s perimeter.
Similarly, you can measure an area of your school, city, or even an island. All you have to do is create points along the boundary of that property.
You can only measure the area in the Google Maps web version, as the Google Maps app does not allow you to calculate the area.
No Half Size
While measuring distance and area isn’t something you do every day, it’s definitely a nifty must-have. It also definitely helps when measuring your daily route for walking, cycling or hiking.
Besides, did you know that you can navigate Google Maps without internet? Learn how to download and use Google Maps offline.
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