13. Play with Google Maps

Play audio introduction for this task

If you haven't heard of Google by now, I'm not sure what planet you have been living on, but it definitely hasn't been Earth. Everyone knows about the famous Google search engine, but did you know there is a complete suite of Google products that are available for the everyday user? These products include Gmail (web-based email), Google Docs and Spreadsheets, Google Maps, Google Calendar and Google Talk just to name a few. In the past few years Google has also bought out successful web companies such as Youtube and Picasa to add to their suite of products. Check out the full list of Google products and services.

In the last few years, there have been many reports that Google has become the new Microsoft. On the other hand, Google is offering web based applications at a minimal cost to the user - usually just exposure to some advertisements - and the new generation is utilising these applications more and more everyday. This week's task will introduce you to some Google applications including Google Maps, Google Docs and Spreadsheets and Google Book Search. Next week you will be able to join these applications together on your new Google homepage.

Discovery Resources

• List of Google products
  
• Tour of Google Maps
  
• Wikipedia entry on Google
• Wikipedia entry 'Criticism of Google'
  

Google Maps allows you to find locations and businesses by typing in the address, or even by doing a search on the name. Try finding your Swinburne campus and your home on Google Maps.

You can use Google Maps to find directions from one location to another. For example, from the Prahran campus to the Wantirna campus. For this, you'll need to know both the start and finish address as a street location. Try finding directions from one location to another by going to 'Get directions' mode.

Google maps also allows you to view satellite imagery at a fairly high detail. You may be able to see your house, or even your car parked outside! When viewing any map in Google Maps, click on 'Satellite' or 'Hybrid' to view the satellite photo. You can zoom in to any area by gradually rolling your mouse wheel, or using the controls on the left of a map.

Finally, create a post in your blog telling the world about Google Maps. What did you think?

This task was originally written by Kat Clancy, Deakin University