Have you ever wanted to stand in the middle of an intersection without actually going there? Google Street Maps makes that possible! You can travel the world, see cross streets or even spy your favorite pizzeria without leaving your seat. Let’s see how we can use Google’s coolness intersection view and have a bit of fun with it.
First things first: Open Google Maps
This part is super simple. Just follow these steps:
- Open your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, whatever you’re into).
- Type https://maps.google.com in the address bar.
- Press Enter. Tree! You are in Google Maps.
Now the real fun begins.
Find the street you are looking for
Type a location in the search bar. Let’s try an example. Suppose you’re curious about Times Square in New York.
- Type ‘Times Square, NYC’
- Press Enter
- You will see a map centered on the location
Zoom in with your mouse scroll or the ‘+’ button on the side.
You should now be able to see nearby streets. The magic is just one step away.
Use Pegman to open Street View
Look in the bottom right corner. See that little yellow human-shaped icon? That is Pegman. He’s your friend.
To use Pegman:
- Click and hold Pegman
- Drag it onto the map
- When you float over streets, they turn blue
Those blue lines are paths you can explore through Street view. Great, right?
Drop Pegman off at the intersection
Do you want a beautiful intersection image? Place Pegman where two streets meet. This is where the magic happens.
Once you let go:
- You are immediately on the street!
- You are (almost) exactly at the intersection
- You can rotate 360 degrees
Say hello to the full circle vision of that intersection. Rotate your mouse around for the full view.
Navigate around the intersection
Now you are in Street View. Let’s walk around, virtually of course.
To move:
- Click on the arrows on the road
- Click on other places on the street to jump forward
- Change your view by clicking and dragging the image
Do you want to walk down one of the intersecting streets? Just click in that direction. You will tread smoothly on that path.
Tips for a smooth exploration
- Use your mouse scroll to zoom in and out
- Click on street names to see where you are
- Move in different directions until you find the perfect angle
If you get lost, don’t worry! Just click the back arrow or drop Pegman again. Explore all directions from the intersection.
Use Compass for North-South directions
Let’s get a little technical, but still simple!
There is a small compass at the bottom right. It provides direction.
- Red means North
- You can click and drag it to change direction
- Double-click your view to center it at any time
This is especially useful when you want to compare what intersections look like from different angles.
Use labels and company information
Move around the area. Google shows pop-ups for businesses, parks, shops or restaurants.
Click on it:
- See photos
- Office hours
- User reviews and phone numbers
This is great if you’re planning a trip, doing research, or just curious.
Shortcuts for Street View
Here are some fun and helpful tips to help you watch faster:
- Double click: Go to that point immediately
- Arrow keys (← → ↑ ↓): Navigate with your keyboard
- Click and drag: Rotate your view left, right, up, or down
Try them out and you will feel like your mouse is a time travel machine.
Look at intersections around the world
Not sure which intersections to explore? Try famous places:
- Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo
- Abbey Road in London
- Intersections Champs-Élysées in Paris
Just find one of these, drag Pegman out and dive in. You will be amazed.
Use it for real world planning
Not just for nerding out! You can use the intersection view for:
- Plan routes: See which street is easier to drive or walk on
- Meeting points: Choose a recognizable place before meeting friends
- Real estate hunting: Discover the surroundings of a property BEFORE you visit it
This tool is smarter than a regular card. You achieve to see things before you go.
Mobile? No problem!
If you use your phone, use the Google Maps app. Here’s how:
- Find your location
- Tap a street
- Look for a thumbnail of an image at the bottom: that’s Street View
- Tap it and BOOM – you’re there!
Pinch to zoom and swipe around. The same fun experience, in a pocket size!
Last words
Getting an intersection view on Google Street Maps is both fun and useful. Whether you’re wandering the streets of Paris or planning your commute, this feature is great.
Just remember:
- Use Pegman
- Drop him off at an intersection
- Have fun exploring in 360 degrees!
So grab your virtual walking shoes and take a stroll at any intersection in the world. No passport needed!
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