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Awesome new Google Maps trick makes travel planning even easier

Published Jul 9th, 2014 12:25PM EDT
Google Maps Distance Measurement Feature

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Google unveiled a new Google Maps trick that should further help users who often find themselves planning trips and/or outdoor activities with the help of the company’s popular mapping application: The desktop version of Google Maps now lets users measure distances between various points.

In order to activate the feature, users simply have to load the new Google Maps desktop version and right-click on the map of their choosing, preferably on the starting point of their trip, bike run, run, or anything else, and then click “measure distance.” Then, they simply have to click anywhere on the map to create a path, with Google Maps letting them add as many points as they want along the way.

Once placed on the map, the points can be moved around and Google will automatically calculate the various distances between spots. To remove any points, simply click on them, while a right-click will let you cancel the entire measurement.

For example, planning a trip from the Arc de Triomphe in Paris to the Louvre (image above) with multiple stops at various objectives along Champs Elysees is a simple task for Google Maps, which will show you exactly how long you will have to walk between the various stops.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.