Google was one of the first companies to provide useful maps.  Their click and drag map that seemed to provide an endless map made navigating around an area easy.  No waiting for the page to reload with the map slightly adjusted to the direction you clicked toward.  It must be so successful that many of the mapping companies are using this technique today.

The next challenge was getting directions to a point of interest, but via another point.  This additional point doesn’t necessarily have to be a place.  It could be a road or any location accessible by road.  Google provides a breakdown on the distance, time, and directions from each point to the next, as well as a total of all the legs combined.

Don’t like a particular road?  Drag the line to another road and the directions will adjust and recalculate to a new route including that new point you selected.

Lastly, you can save your map with the points of interest and share it with friends.  Mapping has come a long ways from the old days.

Google also provides a decent mapping application for the mobile.  Using the position of cellular towers nearest your location, Google can determine your location with close accuracy in many locations.  No need for a GPS navigation system when you have your mobile device with you.  As with most Google products, the map application is free of charge (not including carrier charges).

Now you should never be lost unless you don’t have a cellular signal or don’t know the destination you heading toward.  Some things just can’t be solved.