Traveling the Green Way

Google Maps Now Offer Walking Directions.

by Liz Lewis on July 26th, 2008

Google Maps are great. They can show you how to get from A to B with the click of the mouse.

But until recently, they only provided driving instructions.

Not quite the eco-friendly way to get around.

But it looks like Google Maps have seen the ‘green light’ and you can now get walking instructions for those who prefer the feet powered alternative to driving.

I sure could have used this when I was in Madrid last year. I had printed out a number of Google Maps to direct me from my hotel to specific restaurants, shops, and attractions. But when I got to the city and had a look around, I discovered that the instructions were for cars, not walkers and taken the recommended route would only lead me astray.

Here’s an example of what I mean….

Plan: To get from Hotel Alicia to Restaurante Botin in Madrid, Spain.

By Car (click on view larger map to see route)

View Larger Map

By Foot (click on view larger map to see route)

View Larger Map

As you can seen, there’s quite a difference.

Of course, you could just as easily get a map from the local Tourist Office, but if you’re like me, you’ll want to know how easy it is to walk around the city before you get there.

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POSTED IN: Green Gear, Green Places, Green Tips, Green Travel, Uncategorized