Millions of people use the maps Google offer, each and every day. While the basic functionality of Google Maps is quite straightforward, you may still desire map help to unlock all of Google’s secrets. After all, recent innovations have added many new features, allowing you to create and share maps, view satellite maps, drag and drop the street maps and search for local businesses. Here are some tips and tricks to help you navigate Google Maps like a pro.

Many people are looking for map help to print or save their directions. The default print option is the step-by-step directions with a tiny map that is barely legible. For you map-mongers, you can get a larger full-size map by canceling out of the print dialog box (in Firefox), at which point a new window will pop up, allowing you to check a box that says “Show original map view.” The preview then changes to a full overview of street maps and driving directions, where you can modify the zoom level on your print window.

When it comes to saving your directions, it may be surprising but you can’t actually just save your driving directions map on the Google map site; you can save place-marks and maps but not the full shebang. Instead, you have to click on and copy the link to the map (on the top right corner of the map that says “Link to this page”). If you save that link as a bookmark or in a Word document, then you will be able to access the exact same set of directions for next time.

Perhaps you don’t realize you need map help but you would like to know about some of the latest Google Maps features. For example, did you know you can get walking, biking and public transit directions, as well as driving instructions? You will see these options in a drop-down list under the “location and destination” window on the left-hand side. You may also want to try the neat “Street View” option, which allows you a 360-degree, real-time, video view of a particular street, like Miami Beach, FL or the Sunset Strip, CA. Just click on the street view button and drag the person icon to the street of your choice. However, be aware that this technology is fairly new so not all streets offer this special vantage point. On the top of the map, you may also click on the satellite maps, the street maps or the traffic pattern views. You may have also heard about a feature called “Latitude” where you can track your friends based on their cell phone proximity. Sure, it sounds a little creepy, but it can be extremely helpful if you have a friend traveling in from far away or if you are waiting on your late spouse to put that roast in the oven. Visit www.google.about.com/od/mapsanddirections/p/latitude_whatis.htm for more information on this new feature.

Lastly, many people require map help to run the most efficient local information search within Google Maps. If you are searching on the map and find a hotel, for instance, then you can type “search nearby” to find the closest restaurants or attractions. To get directions from one store to another, you can type “home depot, charlotte NC to office depot, charlotte NC.” You may have to choose a list of directions to ensure you get to the right business, but this is an easy way to get point to point directions. While you are out and about, you can see gas prices on your route. To access this Google mash-up, visit www.maps.google.com, select “My Maps” and browse the directory for “Gas prices by GasBuddy.com.” You may find some really cool custom maps here for weather, restaurant or local real estate maps.