How To Rotate Google Maps: An Helpful Feature in Navigation

Google Maps has become an indispensable tool that many people today utilize in navigation. For personal use, many enjoy using this app to find the fastest way to work or commute back home. Businesses use this navigation app to effectively plan routes in delivering products to customers. While it has several features, do you know how to rotate Google Maps?

Rotating Google Maps can be effective when you want to orient your map in the most intuitive direction. You can also rotate Google Maps to view your surroundings better. This guide will explore how to rotate Google Maps on PC, Android, and iOS devices. Also, we’ll consider some benefits of knowing how to rotate Google Maps. So, let’s dive in and discover how to take your Google Maps experience to the next level.

Google Maps on a mobile phone inside a car to navigate to a particular destination.

The Benefits of Knowing How To Rotate Google Maps

Thanks to Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, users can access Google Maps on the go. This powerful navigation tool allows you to explore the world from the comfort of your own home. With Google Maps, you can explore weird locations on earth, navigate unfamiliar places, and more.

Of course, you are familiar with the basic functions of Google Maps, such as zooming in and out or searching for specific locations and directions. However, many hidden features you haven’t explored can further enhance your navigation experience. One of these features is the ability to rotate Google Maps. Interestingly, it has some hidden benefits, which include the following:

  1. It Provides Varied Perspectives of a Location

One benefit of knowing how to rotate Google Maps is that it helps you see the locations from different angles. As such, it provides a more comprehensive view of an area. For instance, it can be helpful when finding a specific building in a crowded city.

  1. It Gives a Better Understanding of a Land’s Terrain

Another benefit you derive when you rotate Google Maps is that it can help you better understand the land’s terrain or elevation. Thus, you can check out an area’s hills, mountains, and other natural features. This can be beneficial when planning outdoor hiking or mountain climbing activities.

  1. It Offers an Optimized Navigation Experience

Knowing how to rotate Google Maps can be a fun way to explore the world. Employing other features like street view or 3D view gives you a better sense of the geography of different regions. This provides a more immersive view of such locations.  

Now that we have considered the benefits of rotating your Google Maps, let’s dive into how you can do so on your PC.

A young guy using his smartphone to navigate his surroundings via a navigation app on his phone.

Easy Steps on How To Rotate Google Maps on PC

Learning how to rotate Google Maps on PC is a great way to explore an area in greater detail, providing a better sense of its surroundings. You may have learned other features of Google Maps on PC. However, here are three easy steps to rotate Google Maps on your PC.

  1. Launch The Google Maps Website

The first step to rotate Google Maps on a PC is to open its website on your computer. Once you are on the landing page and have allowed it to access your location, you can navigate to the area you want to explore. You can do so by using the search bar or clicking and dragging the map to move around.

  1. Switch to Satellite View

While in the default layer, it is challenging to rotate Google Maps. You need to change the layer by clicking on the bottom left of the screen titled “Layers.”  Then switch to “Satellite view.” Your map will change in appearance as every feature and landmark will become realistic.

  1. Use Your Mouse To Rotate Google Maps on PC

Once you identify the area, you want to explore and change your layer to “Satellite view,” rotate the map by clicking and dragging with your mouse. To do so, right click and hold the mouse button on the map and move the mouse in the direction you want to rotate. You can rotate the map in any direction of your choice.

Alternatively, you can use the compass icon in the top left corner of the map to rotate it. All you need to do is click the North icon and then drag the map in the direction you want to rotate.

The map of Washington DC displayed on a MacBook Pro.

An Alternative Way of How To Rotate Google Maps on PC

If you are not using your mouse, you can use keyboard shortcuts to rotate Google Maps on your PC. All you need to do is to press and hold the “Ctrl” key on your keyboard and use the arrow keys to rotate the map in the desired direction.

The Up and Down arrow keys will rotate the map up and down, while the Left and Right arrow keys will rotate the map left and right.

Overall, following these easy steps develops your ability how to rotate Google Maps on a PC. The benefits of using this feature on your PC have been highlighted in the previous section. You do not want to miss out on the fun of enhancing your navigation experience. After considering how to rotate Google Maps on a PC, let’s look at how to do so on your Android device.

An Android smartphone displaying Google Maps interface.

How To Rotate Google Maps on Android Devices Easily

Learning how to rotate Google Maps can provide a new and exciting way to improve your navigation experience. Of course, your first thought in achieving this on your Android device is to rotate the phone. However, your device will not automatically adjust to your phone’s new orientation.

Consequently, understanding how to rotate Google Maps on Android properly becomes beneficial. Let’s consider the following steps to help you rotate your maps effectively.

  1. Launch your Google Maps app. Most Android devices have this app pre-installed. However, you can download it from the Google Play Store if you don’t have one.
  2. Search for a location you have in mind. If you want to use your current location, allow Google Maps to auto-detect your location.
  3. Once you have determined your location, place your two fingers on the map and rotate it in any direction.
  4. By the right of the Google Maps interface on Android is a tiny compass on the screen, which moves according to the map’s orientation. When you rotate your map manually, this icon shows. You can tap the icon to position your map on the North-South axis.

4 Tips To Ensure You Rotate Google Maps on Any Device Successfully

By and large, you now know the necessary steps to take on how to rotate Google Maps. As you consider the steps of rotating Google Maps on PC, Android, and even iOS, here are four tips to ensure success.

  1. Use Two Fingers To Rotate

If you want to learn how to rotate Google Maps on a mobile phone, use two fingers to twist the map in the direction you want to. By doing this, you can explore a geographic area from different perspectives. Also, gently rotate your fingers so you do not accidentally zoom in or out.

  1. Use the Compass Icon

You can also use the compass icon at the map’s right corner to rotate it to the North. Tapping on the icon orients your map to the North. Afterward, you can twist the map in any direction.

  1. Employ Satellite View for Greater Detail

You can explore an area by viewing your map through the satellite view on Google Maps. Combining this feature and rotating the map gives you a better sense of elevation changes and overall terrain in the area.

  1. Explore the Map Using Street View

Using Street View on Google Maps in connection with rotating lets you get a more immersive view of your location. With this feature, you can explore an area as if physically in that location. This feature is helpful when navigating through a new city.

Mapize Can Create the Right Custom Maps for Your Personal and Business Use

This guide has discussed steps to rotate Google Maps and the benefits we can derive in doing so. If you seek to explore and get a better feel of an area in more detail rotating Google Maps can help you do so effectively.

In the world of mapping, there are numerous features that you can employ for your business and personal needs beyond knowing how to rotate Google Maps. Thus, Mapize is here to provide the right platform where you can create custom maps and share them with others.

Mapize offers excellent customizations to make your map aesthetically pleasing and readable to your audience. This mapping platform caters to your needs and can help you create a custom map that meets your demands. What are you waiting for? Join Mapize today and create your first custom map for free

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AddressCityStateZipcodeNamePhone NumberGroupURLEmail
12032 SE Sunnyside rdClackamasOR97015Safeway Clackamas(503) 698-1121Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/clackamas/12032-se-sunnyside-rd.html[email protected]
4715 SE Cesar Estrada Chavez BlvdPortlandOR97202Trader Joe's Portland SE(503) 777-1601Group Chttps://locations.traderjoes.com/or/portland/143/[email protected]
3380 Lancaster Dr NESalemOR 97305Safeway Salem(503) 399-1502Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/salem/3380-lancaster-dr-ne.html[email protected]
12220 SW Scholls Ferry RdTigardOR97223Whole Foods Market Greenway(971) 371-7000Group Ahttps://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/greenway[email protected]
8145 SW Barbur BlvdPortlandOR97219Safeway Barbur(503) 452-6068Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/portland/8145-sw-barbur-blvd.html[email protected]
1550 NW 9th St Ste 100CorvallisOR97330Trader Joe's Corvallis(541) 753-0048Group Chttps://locations.traderjoes.com/or/corvallis/154/[email protected]
1210 NW Couch StPortlandOR97209Whole Foods Market Pearl(503) 525-4343Group Ahttps://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/pearl[email protected]
353 E Broadway EugeneOR97401Whole Foods Market Eugene(541) 434-8820Group Ahttps://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/eugene[email protected]
3527 SE 122nd AvePortlandOR97236Safeway 122nd(503) 760-5448Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/portland/3527-se-122nd-ave.html[email protected]
9940 NE Cornell RdHillsboro OR97124Whole Foods Market Tanasbourne(503) 645-9200Group Ahttps://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/tanasbourne[email protected]
15391 Bangy RdLake OswegoOR97035Trader Joe's Oswego(503) 639-3238Group Chttps://locations.traderjoes.com/or/lake-oswego/142/[email protected]
2490 OR-99WMcMinnivilleOR97128Safeway McMinniville(503) 435-3120Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/mcminnville/2490-n-hwy-99-w.html[email protected]
4121 NE Halsey StPortlandOR97232Trader Joe's Portland Hollywood(503) 284-4232Group Chttps://locations.traderjoes.com/or/portland/144/[email protected]
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AddressCityStateZipcodeNamePhone NumberGroupURLEmail
12032 SE Sunnyside rdClackamasOR97015Safeway Clackamas(503) 698-1121Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/clackamas/12032-se-sunnyside-rd.html[email protected]
4715 SE Cesar Estrada Chavez BlvdPortlandOR97202Trader Joe's Portland SE(503) 777-1601Group Chttps://locations.traderjoes.com/or/portland/143/[email protected]
3380 Lancaster Dr NESalemOR 97305Safeway Salem(503) 399-1502Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/salem/3380-lancaster-dr-ne.html[email protected]
12220 SW Scholls Ferry RdTigardOR97223Whole Foods Market Greenway(971) 371-7000Group Ahttps://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/greenway[email protected]
8145 SW Barbur BlvdPortlandOR97219Safeway Barbur(503) 452-6068Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/portland/8145-sw-barbur-blvd.html[email protected]
1550 NW 9th St Ste 100CorvallisOR97330Trader Joe's Corvallis(541) 753-0048Group Chttps://locations.traderjoes.com/or/corvallis/154/[email protected]
1210 NW Couch StPortlandOR97209Whole Foods Market Pearl(503) 525-4343Group Ahttps://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/pearl[email protected]
353 E Broadway EugeneOR97401Whole Foods Market Eugene(541) 434-8820Group Ahttps://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/eugene[email protected]
3527 SE 122nd AvePortlandOR97236Safeway 122nd(503) 760-5448Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/portland/3527-se-122nd-ave.html[email protected]
9940 NE Cornell RdHillsboro OR97124Whole Foods Market Tanasbourne(503) 645-9200Group Ahttps://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/tanasbourne[email protected]
15391 Bangy RdLake OswegoOR97035Trader Joe's Oswego(503) 639-3238Group Chttps://locations.traderjoes.com/or/lake-oswego/142/[email protected]
2490 OR-99WMcMinnivilleOR97128Safeway McMinniville(503) 435-3120Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/mcminnville/2490-n-hwy-99-w.html[email protected]
4121 NE Halsey StPortlandOR97232Trader Joe's Portland Hollywood(503) 284-4232Group Chttps://locations.traderjoes.com/or/portland/144/[email protected]
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