Without a doubt, we’ve all come across and used Google Maps, a tool that enables us to locate desired places, obtain driving routes, and examine maps. However, for web designers, crafting websites centered around Google Maps can pose a significant hurdle, as striking a balance between aesthetic appeal and functionality is quite challenging. 

Despite these obstacles, the resulting websites often emerge as not only visually pleasing and practical but occasionally entertaining as well. Here are a few instances that substantiate this claim.

Using Google Maps on Websites: 10+ Examples 

#1: Airbnb — a Site With Maps for Those Who Dislike Staying at Hotels

Craving the comfort of home while traveling? Airbnb offers a solution for finding alternative accommodation. Choose your destination, room requirements, and travel dates, and you’ll receive a list of available homes instead of hotels, each featuring a Google map for easy navigation.

#2: Booking.com — A Comprehensive Travel Solution

Booking.com is another platform that leverages Google Maps to offer a seamless travel experience. Not only can you find the perfect accommodation, but you can also rent a car, book flights, and discover local attractions. The integrated Google maps provide additional useful information.

#3: The Weather Network — Global Weather Forecasts at your Fingertips

Google maps are vital for weather forecasting websites, and The Weather Network is no exception. Its homepage features a map where you can scroll to your location of interest and click for detailed weather forecasts. This user-friendly map integration enhances the overall user experience.

#4: Sailing Seas of Plastic — An Environmental Awareness Platform

In the face of worsening global ecology, this website uses a map to highlight the alarming amount of plastic polluting our seas and oceans. It’s a visual representation that brings the environmental crisis into stark focus.

#5: Zillow — Google Maps for Real Estate Transactions in the US 

For those looking to buy or sell property in the US, Zillow simplifies the process. Enter a location, and a Google map displays available options. Hover over a point on the map for a brief description of the listed property.

#6: Viamichelin — Your Companion for Navigating Road Traffic

Regardless of your location, Viamichelin provides real-time updates on road situations. Get timely alerts about accidents, traffic jams, and road closures via a Google map.

#7: Free Map Tools — A Comprehensive Map-Based Website

Free Map Tools uses Google maps to offer a variety of measurements. Whether you need to calculate the distance between two points, determine an area, or establish a radius around a specific point, Free Map Tools is just a few clicks away.

#8: Outdoor Active — Your Partner for an Unforgettable Hiking Adventure

For enthusiasts of hiking, cycling, or mountaineering who love planning their own routes, Outdoor Active is an invaluable resource. With detailed maps, the website can guide you to the best trail regardless of your desired destination.

#9: Flightradar24 — Monitor Flights in Real Time With this Map-Based Website

Flightradar24 lets you monitor flights worldwide in real time. Click on an airplane icon on the Google map to access crucial flight information including speed, altitude, weather conditions, schedule, and more.

#10: FreeParkNYC — Navigate NYC Parking with Ease Using Google Maps 

FreeParkNYC is a fully map-based website that helps both locals and tourists find free parking spaces within New York City. It uses two maps; one color-coded to show parking availability and another offering details based on street cleaning rules.

#11: Official Tennessee Department of Tourism — Plan Your Tennessee Trip with Google Maps 

The Official Tennessee Department of Tourism website uses Google maps to aid in planning a trip across the Volunteer State.

#12: Lonely Planet — A Map-Centric Site for Those Passionate about Globetrotting

If you’re preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to an overseas country or across the globe, Lonely Planet presents an array of tours. Select a location and acquire comprehensive details. Discover its highlights, peruse accounts from fellow travelers, and navigate the Google map with all significant points distinctly marked and explained.

Final Words

Google Maps has become an indispensable tool for a wide array of websites, providing essential functionality and enhancing user experience. From facilitating travel planning with Airbnb and Booking.com, assisting real estate transactions with Zillow, to supporting environmental awareness with Sailing Seas of Plastic, the versatility and practicality of Google Maps are underscored. Other impactful applications include facilitating outdoor adventures with Outdoor Active, mitigating traffic woes with Viamichelin, and more. 

Clearly, Google Maps’ integration extends beyond mere location tracking, proving its vital role in web design and functionality across diverse sectors.