1. Home
  2. Windows Tips
  3. Browse google maps get turn by turn directions in windows 8

Browse Google Maps & Get Turn-By-Turn Directions In Windows 8

Google first became famous for its search engine, but has continued to be a major player in a host of services, particularly online maps. The newest major player in the maps scenario is Apple Maps, which was introduced along with iOS 6, and the response it has received proves that in its current form, it is no threat to Google Maps. Even older alternatives like Microsoft’s Bing Maps have a long way to go before they’ll be able to match its reputation, which is why we’re already seeing Google Maps clients like G Maps emerge in the Windows Store. G Maps is a free Modern UI-style app that allows you to browse Google Maps on your Windows 8 device, search for locations, get turn-by-turn directions, switch between map types and more.

In order to get G Maps app from the Store, open Windows Store from Start Screen, use the Win+Q hotkey combination to bring up Search Charms. Now, type in g maps and from the search results, select the G Maps app to open its in-Store page.

G Maps Store Search

The main page of the app allows you to read its Description. Click the Install button on the left side to download and install the app to your system.

G Maps Store Page

When you start the app for the first time, it will ask you to turn on the location services (if it’s not turned on). Click Allow to enable the app to determine your location.

Screenshot (20)

The main interface of the application shows you the map in the default view. The zoom and navigation controls available on the left side of the screen.

Maps Main

Right-click inside the app to reveal more options. You can Clear Map, change the Map Type between Roadmap, Hybrid, Satellite and Terrain, quickly jump to your location, and Get Directions to a specific location.

Maps Right Click

Click the Directions button at the lower right corner to get driving directions from one place to another. You can choose your current location as the Source address, or choose an address manually. The path is highlighted on the map, along with the step by step directions appearing on the right side.

Maps Directions

Pressing Win + Q brings up the Search Charms on the right side. It lets you search for any location on the map.

Maps Search

G Maps works flawlessly on both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 8. Testing was done on Windows 8 64-bit.

3 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.