Google Maps has become the most popular tool of the moment. In its catalog we have different tools -or functions- and perhaps the most unknown is the possibility of measuring distances. So let's go explain how to measure the distance between two points on Google Maps, either through the computer, an Android mobile or, through an iPhone.
Google Maps is a tool that we use both on our mobile phones and in the car thanks to its integration with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. So it is so, that This application has superseded the maps that usually come in the infotainment system of current cars. However, today we come to tell you about the function that Google Maps has to measure distances between various points.
What can it be useful to measure distances between points on a map? Well, maybe being able to know how far we are from a specific number on a street o, how far should we go while hiking before facing the day. However, you must have an active Google account to be able to use the application -both on the mobile and in the browser on a computer-, and if you have not downloaded the application, here are the different links for you to do so.
Measure the distance between two points with Google Maps from the computer
Taking into account everything that we have previously told you and downloaded the mobile application -either Android or iPhone-, first we will tell you how to measure the distance between two points on google maps using a computer's web browser -in this sense we do not discriminate operating system-. To carry out this action you must do the following:
- Enter your favorite web browser and find the page Google Maps
- Then go to the starting point you have chosen and click with the right mouse button
- A menu will appear with different options. What interests us isMeasure distance'
- Now it's time for you to click somewhere on the map with the mouse; that is, the point of arrival
At that moment it will appear a pop-up window at the bottom that will indicate the information we were looking for. The figures will be delivered in two measurements: in kilometers and in miles. Likewise, you will be able to place as many points as you like on the route that you are going to create, finally obtaining the entire distance of the route that you have marked on the Google map.
Measure distances between two points using an Android mobile or an iPhone
Now is the time to make use of mobile equipment. After downloading the relevant application -we have left it for you above the article-, we begin with the task of measuring the distance between two points on Google Maps. We warn you that the use will be very similar to what we have shown in the previous section. Anyway, let's see step by step how it works from a smartphone:
- Enter the google maps app from your mobile
- Look for the area in which you want to move and select a point by leaving it pressed. At that moment a red button will appear
- Now, among the different options that appear at the bottom of the mobile screen, look for the one that refers to 'Measure distance'
- It's time to find the next point on the map to be able to carry out the calculation of the distance between both points. To do this you must move the straight line that appears on the screen and mark the chosen destination point
- In case you want to place some more point on the route, you must click on the icon (+) from the bottom right of the screen
- If you would like to delete any of the points you have marked, you can do so by pressing the ' arrowturn back' which is in the top menu
As in the computer version, you can add more points to your route, the application automatically showing you the total count in meters or kilometers, depending on the distance chosen. Remember that this function on mobiles will have the same operation on both Android and iOS. In addition, You can do this on both an Android tablet and the iPad.
Measure surfaces – another option within measuring distances
Another of the options that you will have in 'Measure distance' of Google Maps is the possibility of calculating a specific surface or area. Google Maps also calculates this and all you have to do is start placing points around the area you want to measure in km/2. That is, you must place points around it and end the action by placing the last point on the starting point of the route.
When the supposed circuit that you have marked is closed, Google Maps automatically calculates both the distance and the surface of the terrain marked by points. In the image above you can see how it would be reflected in the computer browser application.