Google Maps is arguably one of the most useful and practical services offered by Google.  With Google Maps, you can look up directions, print out maps, pinpoint specific addresses, and find tons of information on locations all around the world.  Aside from these rather straight-forward functions, however, Google Maps does have a number of other features that you can use to make the most of the service.

Search for nearby places.

One of the features that is often used when bringing up Google Maps on the browser is the "Search nearby" feature.  When you search for a location (such as an address, street name, business name, or landmark) on Google Maps, a map will open with various results based on your search.  You can then click on one of the markers on the map, and a bubble will pop-up showing you additional  information on the location at the marker.  At the bottom of the pop-up bubble, you will find the "Search nearby" field, which allows you to search for nearby locations.  You can use this field to search for nearby grocery stores, banks, gas stations, restaurants, retail shops, parks, or practically any other type of location or establishment on the map.

Use spreadsheets to map multiple addresses.

Using Google Maps in unison with BatchGeo.com can help you plot multiple addresses on the map.  To use BatchGeo, you will have to have a spreadsheet with the addresses of all the locations you want to plot on the map.  Just copy and paste your spreadsheet data onto the web app at BatchGeo, and it will standardize your addresses and map them through Google Maps.  This is an extremely useful and clever service.  For example, you can use it to print out a map based on a spreadsheet with delivery addresses for business, or use the service to simply map out the homes of your friends who live around town.

Get directions sent from Google to your mobile.

Have you ever gotten lost and without an Internet connection to get directions from Google Maps?  Well, this Google Maps feature helps eliminate such problems.  If you want Google to send an SMS message with Google Maps-based directions, all you have to do is text GOOGLE with the simple format of "Directions A to B."  You can substitute "A" and "B" with street addresses, ZIP codes, or town names.  Google will then reply to you with a set of clear directions based on Google Maps.  You can take this feature a step further to create custom SMS messages to provide your friends and relatives with directions to an event you're planning.

There are tons of other great features that you can find on Google Maps, including mapping out hike and bike trails, getting GPS coordinates, or even finding photos taken nearby.  Take some time to explore all that Google Maps has to offer so you can get the most out of this amazing web app.