Back before computers, when you wanted to get from point A to point B, you needed to learn how to use a map. A paper one that folded out and took a while even to figure out which side was up.
Then Mapquest and Streets and Maps came along and made it so much easier to navigate the world. Back in those days, you had to use a CD-Rom to load the map and would still have to print out directions to take them in the car with you.
Then Google Maps came around, and advances with the internet made it a fantastic tool.
Is it still the best way to get around, though? Sure, it's easy as you can use your smartphone instead of a GPS. But, like anything, there are downsides.
I'm going to start with the disadvantages of Google Maps to get it out of the way.
Let's say you are opening a new restaurant. You offer deliveries and obviously want the food to arrive quickly. Using Google Maps may not be the best way to do this. It doesn't always paint as accurate a picture of the route as you may need.
Features like low bridges that could prevent trucks from passing is an example. Google Maps also doesn't always show the best route to go as far as efficiency. If you are unfamiliar with the area, then you may think the path shown is going to be the fastest, but that isn't always the case.
Streets and Maps was the best way to find the most efficient route, but it does not exist anymore. Using streets and trips alternative is the best way to find the most accurate information to plan your trip.
Map Views is one of my favorite features of Google Maps when I am riding a bike. You can switch between modes of the maps to show you things like the terrain. This is very helpful when you want to know if you are going to be riding on hilly terrain.
Creating custom maps is also a great way to get a lot of use out of Google Maps. Adding places and notes about the location is very helpful. Especially if you plan to share the map with others, you can mark it up by adding shapes and lines to make it easier to read and even add Google Sheets to it.
Viewing the current traffic is very helpful when it comes to planning your route. In some cases, there are webcams showing a live feed of what is happening at specific locations along your route.
Lastly, you can find tons of information about some of the locations on your route. Reviews of restaurants, where the public parks are, and even working hours of offices and business on your route, are all at your fingertips. For personal use, Google Maps is still very much worth it.