📍 Google Maps pro tip: You don’t need to know the exact name of something to find it. Search Maps for general terms, like “plants and trees,” “frame shop” or “dog park,” and Google will find you spots that match.
Take a trip back to your childhood home, no plane ticket required
Google Maps
That’s my childhood home above at 111 Washington Avenue, South Amboy, NJ. I was about 10 when I knocked out my front tooth on the swing set. There was also the day when I made the very bad decision to throw a snowball at a passing police car while the officer had his windows open. (Yes, I hit him. No, I don’t recommend it.)
I hadn’t looked at my old house in years, but seeing it on Google Maps took me straight back. Want to do it, too? It’s super easy and a little emotional.
🗺️ Find your childhood home
- Open the Google Maps app or go to maps.google.com.
- Type in and enter the address of the house or neighborhood.
- Select Street View, then tap the image.
- Tap (or click) the screen and then select “See more dates” (top left, web, or bottom, app) to go back in time.
If you’re lucky, Google may have snapshots of the home over the years. You can see when the fence was replaced, or if they finally painted the garage door, or if the tree you used to cry under is still standing.
🤖 Now add AI fun
Here’s a great use of AI that’s actually heartwarming. Upload a screenshot of your childhood home to ChatGPT (or another image AI tool) and say:
“This is the house I grew up in. Can you help me write a short story about a memory here?” If you use Midjourney, it can make an aerial view.
💡 Bonus idea: Jot down three childhood memories in your Notes app. The next time you’re with your kids or grandkids, show them the house and tell them the stories.
Trust me, they’ll remember the one about the snowball. Or the time your mom found you building a sandcastle and took Grandpa’s urn back. ⚱️
The strange and weird things captured on Google Maps
I love Google Maps. It’s one of those everyday tech tools that actually makes life easier. From finding late-night tacos to dodging traffic like a pro, it’s still the gold standard in navigation. (Sorry, Apple Maps, you’re catching up but not quite there yet.)
Never lose your friends again
Separated in the crowd? Drop a pin in Google Maps and share your live location. Here’s how.
🏠 Gotta be smarter than the scammers: A Michigan woman lost $2,500 after falling for a phony Facebook Marketplace listing. It had a tour video, she paid the security deposit, got the keys … and then showed up to a place that wasn’t even for rent. PSA: Do a reverse image search, verify the address on Google Maps and never pay with Zelle, Venmo or gift cards.
Google Maps trick: You don’t need the exact name of a place to find it. Just type a general phrase like “walking trails,” “live music” or “shoe repair,” and Google will pull up local results. Perfect for those “I can’t remember the name, but I know what I need” moments.
Weird things on Google Earth
blog.google, © Seemanta Dutta | Dreamstime.com
I spent the first 10 years of my life in New Jersey. I still remember when I knocked out my front tooth on the swings and the time I threw a snowball at a police car and hit the cop inside on the head. That was bad.
Seeing the house on Google took me back. Yup, click that link to see where I grew up. And while you’re at it, take yourself on a walk down memory lane, too.
Google Maps detour: Need to make a stop on the way? With your final destination set, tap the 3-dot icon (top right) and select Edit stops. Type in your second location, and it’ll appear on your route. To change the order, tap, hold and drag the three lines next to each stop. Then hit Done.
👇 Android app shortcuts: Long-pressing certain apps gives you quick access to the features you use most. For example, Google Maps shows your favorite locations like Home or Work. Gmail lets you compose a new message or switch accounts. And Instagram? You can post something new or hop straight into your DMs.
⚡️ 3-second tech genius: Traveling? Download Google Maps offline areas to navigate without cell service.
Watch out for fake businesses on Google Maps
Just because a place has five stars doesn’t mean it’s real. Here’s how to spot a scam.
⚡️ 3-second tech genius: In Google Maps, tap your profile > “Offline maps” and download your area. Because “no signal” shouldn’t mean “no clue where I am.”
😩 Homeowner’s nightmare: Imagine random cars using your private driveway for years because of a Google Maps error. That’s what happened to Michael. GPS apps marked his property as a public road, and even warning signs didn’t stop people from tearing up his yard. His grass has seen more burnout than corporate America. He told the local news, and they reached out to Google, which finally got it updated.
⏱️ Never be late again: Google Maps and Apple Maps are great at predicting traffic. Next time you need directions, look for the option to set your arrival time. The map app will let you know when you should leave home. Drive safe!
📍 Bait and switch: Google found over 10,000 fake listings on Google Maps and is now suing the scammers behind it. People would search for a service (often an emergency one) and get directed to a phony business. Then the scam service would show up and demand way more money than originally quoted. That’s why you need to verify details, folks.
📍 Friend finder: Meeting up can be tricky if your friends use different phones. If you all have Facebook, use Messenger to share your location. Open the Messenger app, then create a chat group with your crew. Tap the plus sign, then Start Sharing Live Location. You can do this on Google Maps, too.
He must have used Bono as his GPS voice: A Tesla driver was following Google Maps on a mountain and took the wrong turn. Instead of sticking to the clearly marked roadway, he ended up on a ski slope. Luckily, the ski patrol spotted the car, chased it down and stopped it. The driver still doesn’t know what he was looking for.
NASA just brought GPS to the moon
I predict one day the moon will have its own version of Google Maps. Plus, a couple of great apps that’ll help you stargaze at night.
Design your garden with Google Maps
Use satellite view to map your yard, sketch layouts, and get ready for spring. Nice!
🌲 When your backyard needs a makeover: Super-smart idea spotted on Reddit: Use Google Maps to see your space from a different perspective. Sketch the rough outline, then take a photo on your phone. Now you have a template. Print copies and start sketching ideas.