How to Use Street View to See the World with Google Maps

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Easily see a place in 360° with Google Maps Street View
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Google Street View is a powerful tool that you can use in Google Maps to see an area of the map as if you were standing there in person. In this article we'll teach you how to use Google Street View on the Google Maps website as well as the Google Maps app. Read on to learn more.

Using Google Street View

First, find the location you want to view in Google Maps. Then, click or tap the photo with a circular arrow icon—it's in the bottom-right corner on desktop and the bottom-left corner on mobile. Look around by dragging the view with your mouse or finger, and move by clicking or tapping the arrows on the ground.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using a Computer

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  1. You can search for a location or use your mouse to navigate around the map. Searching for something will place a pin on the map at that location.
  2. 2
    Activate Street View. Once you've found the location you want to look at, you can turn on Street View. Depending on how you found the location and what version of Maps you are using, there are several different ways to start Street View.
    • Street View for a search result. If you've searched for an address or location and a pin has been placed on the map, you can access the Street View for that location by clicking the photo in the bottom-right corner that has an icon of a circular arrow on it.
    • Drag and drop the Pegman. Click and hold the yellow Pegman icon to "Grab" it. The roads will highlight to show where Street View is available. Roads with Street View will have a blue line running down the middle. Buildings that you can see inside have a yellow circle. Scenic spots will have a blue circle. If you are using the new Google maps preview, clicking the Pegman will toggle the Street View layer on the map.
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  3. While in Street View, you can look around by clicking and dragging your mouse. Looking is usually by opposite mouse directions; for example, to look left you would click, hold, and move your mouse to the right.
    • You can use the buttons around the compass to look around as well. This is located in the upper-left corner of the original Maps and the lower-right corner of the new Maps preview.
  4. The true beauty of Street View lies in your ability to completely navigate while using it. Click anywhere on the image and Street View will attempt to move you to the closest spot. Use this to explore neighborhoods, take a virtual vacation, or look for landmarks for when you visit in person.
    • Streets will have arrows when you look at them. Clicking these arrows will move you a small distance on that street in that direction. [1]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using a Smartphone

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  1. 1
    Open your Google Maps app. If you're on the go, Street View can be a great tool to help you find what you're looking for. Use it to take a peek at your destination before you go so you know what to keep your eyes open for, or look for a business in a foreign location.
    • You can use Street View on any version of Google Maps, on any mobile device as long as you have a data connection.
  2. In order to access Street View, you will need to have a marker on the map. You can place a marker by searching for a location, tapping a business marker on the map, or by pressing and holding any spot on the map with your finger.
  3. 3
    Tap the photo in the lower-left corner of the map view. You'll see a photo in a square that has a circular arrow in it. This button will open Street View.
  4. You can look around Street View by dragging your finger around the screen. The camera will move in the opposite direction of your finger; for example, if you swipe down, the camera will point up. You can zoom in and out by pinching your fingers on the screen.
    • Tap the look-around icon to point your phone and look around the image. This can be very useful if you are near your location and want to get your bearings. The icon is located in the lower-left corner and looks like two arrows pointing at each other.
  5. You can move to any location on the image by double-tapping. Street View will attempt to load the closest-possible location. You can also move back and forth on roads by tapping the arrows that appear on them. This is useful for simulating a drive, as turn arrows will appear at intersections. [2]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    I can "cruise" around in Street View until I see the place I'm looking for, but how do I determine that place's street address?
    Seth Friesen
    Community Answer
    The approximate street number is displayed on the top left corner of your screen. This number should not be used for mailing, as the number is not exact, and is rarely correct.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 6
  • Question
    How do I print a photo?
    Community Answer
    To print, you need to go to street view. Then, right click, select "More Options," and click "Print."
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
  • Question
    After I'm done with street view, how do I get back to the map?
    Community Answer
    You click on the same little person figure you clicked on to get into street view. It'll deselect and you'll zoom back out.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.google.com/maps/answer/3093484?topic=3093390&ctx=topic&hl=en
      2. ↑ https://support.google.com/gmm/answer/2841694?hl=en&ref_topic=3499365

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