Google has made our life simpler. Reliable directions can be difficult to come by, especially the rapid growth of Brisbane road these few years. Google has made getting direction simpler by offering Google Maps.
Google Maps makes getting direction easy. All you need to do is enter your starting location and ending location. Here, I will share how I use Google Map, and so far I think it’s the most effective way to navigate Brisbane (without using a map)
Getting Directions
1) Go to http://maps.google.com.au/
2) Top left, click Get Directions
3) Enter destination (street or suburb name)
4) Choose either By car or Walking
5) Click Get Directions button
Interactive Map
Now you can see the interactive map. On the left side of the column, Google suggest the route(s) you can take.
If you want to get alternative directions to avoid main streets, or for some other reason, you can change the routes by dragging the blue line on the map. Google will recalculate another possible route.
On top of that, Google Map also shows you the street name you are crossing. I’ll give you an example next:
How to read the map
This photo appears on the left column of Google Map. Points 1 to point 10 are the routes you need to pass in order to reach your destination.
I marked two special columns, A and B and this is how it works.
(A) the approximate arrival time, and also the total distance of travel.
(B) the street view. This is a useful feature because that gives you an impression of where you are about to make turns to next street. Click and give it a try.
I suggest you to remember the street name and familiarize with the street view. You should have no problem navigating a new suburb without a map this way. If you are a person with no sense of direction, there is a print option located above the map. Click “Print” to put your directions in a printer-friendly format with the option to print the accompanying map.
Getting to a store / restaurant
If you are getting directions to go to a store, restaurant or other business but do not know the address, you can enter the business’s name instead.
For example, if you are going to a restaurant in West End called “Trang”, try entering this into Google Map search:
Trang West End
Google Map will immediately show you the possible result of this restaurant. Click on the restaurant and choose “Get Direction”. There you have it! The route to Trang restaurant. Works like magic isn’t it? ;)
Google Map Options
Google Maps gives you different map options. The default map is a standard map with street names. You can also view your route on a satellite or terrain map.
To switch views, click the appropriate button located in the upper right hand corner of the map.
In satellite mode, you can familiarize yourself with your destination by zooming in. Double click your mouse to zoom in and see your destination and its surrounding area.
Have fun exploring Brisbane. Cheers =)
