Tech Made Simple

Hot Topics: How to Fix Bluetooth Pairing Problems | Complete Guide to Facebook Privacy | How to Block Spam Calls | Snapchat Symbol Meaning

We may earn commissions when you buy from links on our site. Why you can trust us.

author photo

Google Maps Now Supports 'Plus Codes' for Hard-to-Find Locations

by Fox Van Allen on August 13, 2015

Map and Plus code for John F. Kennedy Park in Cambridge, MAWant a quick and easy way to share your specific location, even if there’s no street address marker nearby? Why not try a Plus code? Plus codes are simple, four-character strings that help you find any specific geographic location on the globe. And starting today, Google has built support for Plus codes into Google Maps.

The full Plus code of a location is actually a ten-character string. The White House in Washington, D.C., for example, is 87C4VXX7+39. The earliest characters tells Google Maps the general location; the final four characters (X7+39) help narrow it down to a much smaller area about the size of a person’s house. If you’re nearby, you only need to use those last four characters.

Of course, if you’re actually trying to find The White House, it might be easier to just search for “The White House.” Plus codes are more useful when you’re trying to find or share an exact location in a large park or on the beach. It’s most valuable uses, however, may be found in much more remote areas around the globe.

“These codes become extremely helpful in places with high population density but poor data accuracy or coverage, or those that lack a specific addressing system altogether,” explains Rast’o Šrámek, Software Engineer, Google Maps. “Kathmandu, Nepal, has a population of around 1 million people, but most roads have no names and houses have no street numbers. Being able to precisely navigate without local knowledge is difficult. Plus codes will now let you easily specify your destination.”

Want to play around with Plus codes and find the code for your home or business? Simply visit http://plus.codes and agree to let the site track your location. You can also enter a four digit Plus code into Google Maps – the app will know what to do from there.

For more cool features waiting in the mapping app, check out these nine tips and tricks for using Google Maps like a pro.

[Image credit: Plus+Codes]


Topics

GPS Navigation, News, Travel & Entertainment, Travel, Blog


Discussion loading

Home | About | Meet the Team | Contact Us
Media Kit | Newsletter Sponsorships | Licensing & Permissions
Accessibility Statement
Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookie Policy

Techlicious participates in affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which provide a small commission from some, but not all, of the "click-thru to buy" links contained in our articles. These click-thru links are determined after the article has been written, based on price and product availability — the commissions do not impact our choice of recommended product, nor the price you pay. When you use these links, you help support our ongoing editorial mission to provide you with the best product recommendations.

© Techlicious LLC.