Google Maps is a free web mapping service application and technology provided by Google that powers many map-based services including the Google Maps website. It offers street maps, a route planner, and an urban business locator for numerous countries around the world.

If you have a Google account you can create your own Google Map of any locations you wish. In this example we have created three separate maps showing the hiking trails of Southwestern British Columbia, Canada. Select either the Easy, Moderate or Challenging maps to view the trailhead pointers on the map view. Either click on the individual pointers to view the details of each hike or select them from the list on the left. 

Google maps is closely related to Google Earth and points of interest and routes can be exchanged between them as needed. Both of these applications are an excellent way of planning your travel. In Google Maps you enter your starting point and destinations along the way to see what route and how long it would take to get there. Transfer these routes to Google Earth via the button next to the map and you can do a virtual fly-through of this route. Restrictive Google licensing does not allow us to show these features however.

Visit the Google Maps main page and see how powerful this useful application is.