Google Maps has changed the layout to
the one tested in May. The new interface is less cluttered and it emphasizes
the powerful search box that can be used for finding businesses, locating addresses and even for directions. For some strange reason, the directions can't be collapsed and you can no longer reorder the destinations if you enter more than two.
When you print the directions, you'll notice that there are more options: Google can display a map or street view imagery for every step or only for some of the steps. There's also an option to print a large road map. Google suggests to "save trees and go green" by downloading the
mobile Google Maps application and using it to get driving directions.
{ Thanks, Tim and Mark. }
Labels: Google Maps
Grrr. Lots of stuff I DON'T like about this. Can't collapse directions? Can't change the order of locations? No drag-and-drop? Although the layout is a sssslight improvement I think it's overall a step backwards for advanced users like myself who use it daily.
tom said on July 30, 2008 1:11 PM PDT:
Maybe i'm missing something? but clicking on the double arrow (carot) in the top bar collapses the side panel.
Tom
said on July 30, 2008 1:16 PM PDT:
Not sure what you mean by collapsing directions. You can collapse the input box region for the directions - there is an "X" in the upper right corner above the starting location. I would like an option to collapse the street turns and just show the destination locations with total miles and times to each one.
But it is very strange they got rid of the drag-able sorting of locations. That was very useful. It almost seems like an accidental omission.
<< Not sure what you mean by collapsing directions. >>
Here's what I mean. (screenshot from December 2006)
said on July 30, 2008 2:53 PM PDT:
Ok I remember that now. Looking in their Help Group, it seems that rearranging locations (supposed to be able to drag/drop the green circles on the left) and possibly collapsing directions and showing destination totals were all supposed to still be available and they are trying to fix it. But its odd that they would release a UI change like this and not ensure that all existing functionality still worked.
That's one of the caveats of cloud based apps. Beware - what's here today may be gone tomorrow and without warning! They need to either enable volunteer beta testing of new functionality for the users or enable the default "new" version for everyone BUT with an option to revert back to the prior version until the fixes or reinstatement requests can be accommodated.
@quet:
They had enough time to test the interface. It has been available in May for a small number of users.
Zayin said on July 30, 2008 3:17 PM PDT:
Thankfully my Google Maps has NOT been updated. I use the collapse and drag and drop feature very often and I hope that they fix the problem before it affects my account
said on July 30, 2008 3:55 PM PDT:
So apparently, a small # of users is not enough to thoroughly test a new version. Or the user base was not diverse enough for testing. Or they just screwed up with implementation. I can't image they didn't realize people would be upset about these omissions. But again I think they should re-think their own methodology. They need to either expand their # of test users by allowing users to volunteer or keep 2 versions active just in case.
jgodsey said on July 30, 2008 9:53 PM PDT:
I don't know what they did, but now when i look at other users maps, none of the placemarkings appear. why can't they leave things alone.
said on July 30, 2008 10:59 PM PDT:
CHANGE IT BACK.....reordering.....put it back.
Loving the new directions facilities.
Thanks for the heads-up!
said on August 1, 2008 11:09 AM PDT:
Losing the ability to revise order of destinations makes this tool about as handy as pliers when you need a screw driver. Please bring this feature back. I cannot spend all day manually sorting out my destinations. I guess I'll have to go back to AAA's miserable TripTik!
Aaron said on August 7, 2008 4:21 PM PDT:
Has anyone else had problems printing with this new layout. After going to the print view (provided on the page) and printing, I am left with the start and finish addresses with nothing in between.
said on August 13, 2008 8:57 AM PDT:
agree - this a big step backwards for all the reasons stated above -If you are listenign GOOGLE please fix this ASAP
said on August 27, 2008 1:03 PM PDT:
I discovered a bit of a work around for rearrange directions. If you want to insert a new address somewhere in your directions instead of having to cut-and-paste all the address in the order you want find where you want the new address insert and simply type it in the same box before one of the other address and then add "to:" between them. Like
123 Main St. Oakland Ca to: 321 Main St. Oakland, CA
It's insert the 123 Main St. address into the directions. Sure, not as great as drag-and-drop but much better than the other options.
EniGma said on May 5, 2009 7:13 AM PDT:
I'm unable to print Google maps or Google driving directions. It opens up a blank page in all browsers.
leonT said on July 3, 2009 12:30 PM PDT:
how about just a print button that then give u option to print directions? i select print and it just prints out the map?
buddhi said on July 5, 2009 9:07 AM PDT:
so how do you JUST print the MAP??
