How to Shorten Google Maps URLs

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A simple and easy guide on shortening the URL of Google Maps
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Due to the many parameters involved in compiling a Google map, URLs for Google Maps tend to be very long; too long in fact to add to a tweet on Twitter, or to insert anywhere that space is an issue. This article explains how to fix this easily, using an easily enabled Google Maps Labs feature known as "short URLs".

Steps

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  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Shorten-Google-Maps-URLs-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Shorten-Google-Maps-URLs-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Shorten-Google-Maps-URLs-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid963790-v4-728px-Shorten-Google-Maps-URLs-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The URL is: http://maps.google.com/maps?showlabs=1 . A box will pop up. In the box, you will see "Short URL".
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Shorten-Google-Maps-URLs-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Shorten-Google-Maps-URLs-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Shorten-Google-Maps-URLs-Step-2.jpg\/aid963790-v4-728px-Shorten-Google-Maps-URLs-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Click on "Save Changes".
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  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Shorten-Google-Maps-URLs-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Shorten-Google-Maps-URLs-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Shorten-Google-Maps-URLs-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid963790-v4-728px-Shorten-Google-Maps-URLs-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You should be able to see a small tab "Link" in the top right hand corner.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Shorten-Google-Maps-URLs-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Shorten-Google-Maps-URLs-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Shorten-Google-Maps-URLs-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid963790-v4-728px-Shorten-Google-Maps-URLs-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Right click on the "Link" tab. Your URL for that map will be immediately turned into a shortened URL, the box widening out for you. Copy and use as needed.
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      Tips

      • This is a useful method that clarifies for the reader where they are being sent because the description link will clearly show you goo(dot)gl and "maps".
        Thanks
      • For help with map insertions if adding a map to a website, see further: How to Embed Google Maps.
        Thanks
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      Warnings

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      Things You'll Need

      • Internet
      • Google Maps

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      References

      1. Google Operating System, http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/2010/07/shorter-google-maps-urls.html – research source

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