Change Routes Faster in Google Maps - Just Drag and Drop

Google Maps added another great feature, which I think separates it from other maps sites like Yahoo, MSN and others.

Before, when we get directions in Google Maps, we set a starting point and a final destination point, Google Maps or other maps gives the best route mostly through highways, but if you want to take an alternate route, then it is tedious or you have to do a number of iterations before you get the desired route you want. Now Google Maps has made it easier, for example in the picture shown below, it shows the route from Mountain View to Palo Alto, but if you want to change the route to make it pass through Stanford, just drag the line and drop it to Stanford. This will give a newer route and also at the left hand side the route details are updated as well. You can then print this for yourself or give it to your friends and family.

Just give it a try here, it shows the map from Montreal, Canada to Orlando, Florida, drag the line and you can change it whatever you like.

The second picture shows a slightly different route that avoids New York Traffic.

When you move the mouse over this blue line it will say "drag to change route".

Also, if you are not sure where exactly you can drag the map line, on the left hand side you see the search results and you see the "edit" button, you can click the edit button and type the actual place you want this route to pass through. When you enter the new place, the map automatically updates to a newer route.

So you can change the route in two ways, either drag and drop the marker in the map or you can edit the search results.

The video demonstrates how this new feature in the Google Map works.

Other Google Map Topics:

• Directions Without Highways in Google Maps

• Rate Local Businesses in Google Maps

• Google Maps Now Have Transit Information

• Google Releases Mapplets - Gadgets for Maps

• Google Maps Street View Launches

• 3D Buildings in Google's Street Maps