See what the home you grew up in looks like now and other Maps tricks

April 08, 2024 at 17:46 PM EDT

Tech expert Kim Komando explains how to use Google Maps tricks like looking at your childhood home, planning trip times, and virtually visiting buildings and shipwrecks

I grew up in New Jersey, right next to a state park. I still remember riding my bike all day like it was yesterday. Oh, and the time I threw a snowball at a police car and hit the cop inside. That was bad.

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I hadn’t looked at the house in years, so seeing it on a map took me back. While you’re at it, take yourself on a walk down memory lane, too.

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Blast from the past

There's something special about seeing what the house you spent your childhood in looks like now — or you can flash back for as long as Google has been collecting pictures in that area.

💡 I have an idea. While you’re looking at your old house, write down three memories in the Notes app on your phone. Next time you’re with the kids, show them the house and tell them a few stories. So fun!

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Plan ahead and save on gas

The longer you spend in traffic, the more gas you’ll burn. Google Maps helps you plan a future trip, taking in predicted traffic, routes, and road conditions along the way.

Here’s how to set a planned time and date for a trip:

Step inside buildings

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With Google Maps, you can virtually visit the inside of places such as stores, airports, or hotels. It’s fun to check out photos of places uploaded by other people, too.

You might see a Directory option showing floor plans and restaurant and store lists. The numbers at the bottom of the screen allow you to move from floor to floor. The blue dot icon shows you where you are located in the building.

Bonus: Ahoy, matey

Let’s go from close to home to far away. Google Earth has captured images of thousands of shipwrecks over the decades. To snoop around, open Google Earth and search for the specific coordinates below:

50°23’42.35″N 125°57’25.64″W

64°10’34.46″N 51°43’20.85″W

40°33’24.59″N 74°13’6.22″W

Some people find this so fascinating, they’ve created giant interactive maps. Check out one of the largest here. Super cool, right?

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See what the home you grew up in looks like now and other Maps tricks