Google Maps has exciting details about locations around the world. One of the most valuable things to learn about an area is its elevation. You might not know where to find elevation measurements on Google Maps because it’s well-hidden. Whether hiking or enjoying a jog in an area full of valleys, you’ll want to dig up the elevation information for your current location. Fortunately, it isn’t difficult to find; all it requires is going tomaps.google.comon a Windows PC or Mac or using the Google Maps app. It’s built into mostworking Android phones, no matter the model, and is compatible with iPhones.
How to find elevation on Google Maps
The secret to finding elevation information in Google Maps is knowing how mapmakers think about elevation. The most common map type in modern times is a street map. Before roads covered the nation, hills, valleys, and bodies of water were more notable landmarks than street signs, roads, and highways.
That’s why topographical or terrain maps were invented. These two-dimensional maps provide height data with visual cues. Google Maps shows a terrain map as contour lines that highlight elevation changes. Here’s how to switch to Google Maps terrain map:
Contour lines and elevation metrics aren’t available for some zoom levels. If you don’t see the information you need, zoom in or out.
How to get a 3D view in Google Maps
The contour lines and elevation markings in Google Maps can be hard to understand. If you’re trying to get a sense of how steep the incline of a trail is before hiking it, the 3D view can help. This works on a Chromebook, Windows PC, a Mac and mobile.
How to get more precise elevation data
If you need more precise elevation data, use Google Earth, which is available as an app and worksin a web browser. The Pro version of the app even lets yougo back in time.
Elevation is provided in the information card for some locations.
It’s easy to find the elevation of a spot, even if it doesn’t have a card.
Create elevation profiles with Google Earth Pro
If you like Google Earth and want more features, download the free Google Earth Pro app. It contains more data and lets you control how it appears. You can also create elevation profiles, data that hikers and climbers might need to know.
Google Earth Pro: Everything you need to know
Google Earth Pro offers casual geo-information tools for everyone from students to environmental scientists
Discover more Google Maps features
There’s more to elevation with Google Maps. For example, Google Maps lets youdrop a pinno matter where you are. You can use Google Maps to save locations to check out later or add it as a placeholder when planning a trip. If you plan a long walk or hike, using pins to plan your route can save you the headache of finding it later.
