Google Maps Easter Eggs

January 26, 2012

I would like to point out a couple of neat Easter Eggs with Google Maps. For those of you who don’t know, Easter Eggs are random things that software developers put into programs or video games for random amusement. For example, I was once playing a game titled "Call of Duty: Finest Hour," and I found a flying saucer in one level.

First, in a web browser, go to maps.google.com. On the left-hand side of the page, click on "Get directions." Above the two boxes marked by an A and a B, you’ll see four buttons to indicate the travel method: one with a car, one with a bus, one with a person, and one with a bike. Click on the one with the person to get walking directions. In the box next to "A," type in "the shire." In the one below it, "B," type in "mordor," and then press "Enter" on the keyboard. Those of you who are Lord of the Rings fans will enjoy this. Below the "Get Directions" button, you will see the warning: "Use caution—One does not simply walk into Mordor."

Another one I found several years ago is also amusing. Go back to maps.google.com to start over fresh. Click on "Get directions," but do not switch the travel method from the car. In box "A," type in "Oak Grove, Mo," and in the second, type "Honolulu, Hawaii." The amazing thing is, it will give you driving directions. Scroll down, and after 20 or 25 steps, you will see the text "Kayak across the Pacific Ocean."

Matthew W.
Oak Grove Branch